How to Get Rid of Shoe Odor Quickly and Effectively at Home

Summary: This post provides key solutions and takeaways for readers.

Shoes that smell bad are a common issue when sweat and moisture build up inside after a period of use. Depending on the cause and the shoe material, the way to treat it also differs, so you can reduce the odor while limiting any impact on the product. Join Supersports to learn simple ways to get rid of shoe odor at home, along with tips to help keep the smell from coming back.

Causes of Smelly Shoes

Shoe odor is usually linked to sweat, bacteria, and moisture trapped inside. Some common causes include:

• Sweaty feet: Sweat itself is almost odorless, but when it is trapped in shoes, bacteria on the skin can break down its components and create an unpleasant smell.
• Shoes not getting enough time to dry: Shoes that are still damp after use, or worn for several days in a row, tend to hold onto sweat and moisture inside.
• Shoes with poor breathability: Shoes that trap more heat and moisture make it harder for sweat to escape, which makes odor more likely.
• Foot and sock care habits: Wearing shoes when your feet are not dry, or continuing to wear socks soaked with sweat, can cause moisture and unpleasant odor to build up inside the shoes.

Quick Ways to Get Rid of Shoe Odor at Home

Depending on whether the odor is new or has been set in the shoes for a long time, each case needs a different treatment. Check out the effective deodorizing methods below from Supersports.

Use Shoe Deodorizer Balls to Get Rid of Shoe Odor

Shoe deodorizer balls are a quick and easy way to get rid of shoe odor, especially handy when you have not had time to wash or clean your shoes. Just place a ball inside when you are not wearing them to reduce the unpleasant smell, so your shoes are always ready for the next wear.

How to do it:

• Twist the ball open to open the scent vents.
• Place the ball inside your shoes when not in use.
• Take the ball out and twist it closed after use.

Use Baking Soda to Deodorize Shoes

Baking soda is an easy-to-find ingredient that is often used to deodorize shoes at home. This method is especially convenient when you can leave your shoes overnight, needs little preparation, and you can wear them again the next morning.

How to do it:

• Sprinkle enough baking soda inside the shoes to evenly cover the insole, there is no need to make a thick layer of powder.
• Leave the baking soda in the shoes overnight.
• The next morning, pour out all the powder and gently tap the shoes to remove any leftover baking soda before wearing them.

Use Activated Charcoal Bags to Deodorize Shoes

Activated charcoal can be used to get rid of odor inside shoes. Compared to baking soda powder, activated charcoal in a bag is more compact to use and leaves no extra powder inside the shoes.

How to do it:

• Place one activated charcoal bag inside each shoe.
• Leave the charcoal bags in the shoes when not in use.
• Take the charcoal bags out before wearing the shoes again.

Clean and Replace Shoe Insoles

Insoles are in direct contact with your feet, so they easily hold onto sweat and odor after a period of use. Cleaning the insoles separately can help treat the odor without washing the whole pair of shoes. If the insoles have been used for a long time, show signs of wear, or still smell after cleaning, consider replacing them. How to do it:

• Remove the insoles from the shoes.
• Lightly spray a suitable disinfectant solution on the insoles.
• Let the insoles dry completely before putting them back in the shoes.
• If the insoles are worn out or the smell remains after cleaning, replace them with new ones instead of continuing to use them.

Wash Shoes to Get Rid of Odor

For long-lasting odor treatment, shoes still need to be cleaned regularly instead of just using perfume or essential oils to cover up the smell. Washing shoes removes the sweat and dirt that build up inside, especially when the smell is still there after you have tried the quick deodorizing methods.

How to do it:

• Remove the shoelaces and insoles to clean them separately.
• Use water and a mild detergent to clean both the inside and outside of the shoes.
• Rinse off any leftover detergent.
• Let the shoes dry completely in a well-ventilated place before use.

Depending on the material and construction, each pair of shoes may have different cleaning requirements. So, check the product care instructions before washing, especially for leather shoes, suede shoes, or pairs with details that need special care.

Do Popular Shoe Deodorizing Hacks Really Work?

Besides the methods above, tea bags, vinegar, and essential oils are also often mentioned when looking for ways to deodorize shoes at home. However, not every hack actually removes odor, and some need to be considered carefully before use.

• Tea bags: There is not enough direct evidence that putting tea bags in shoes can deodorize them effectively. Studies on the antibacterial properties of tea do not mean that dry tea bags will have the same effect when placed in shoes.
• Vinegar: It has some antibacterial properties but does not guarantee complete removal of odor-causing bacteria. Using vinegar often may also affect some shoe materials.
• Lemon: There is not enough basis to say that lemon juice can deodorize shoes effectively. The acidity of lemon is also something to consider before letting it touch the shoe material directly.
• Essential oils: The scent may mask the unpleasant smell for a short time, but that does not mean the odor has been treated.
• Scented sheets: They mainly add fragrance and make the smell inside the shoes more pleasant temporarily, instead of removing the cause of the odor.
• Putting shoes in the freezer: Low temperatures may reduce the smell temporarily but do not completely remove what causes it, so the smell may come back when you keep wearing the shoes.

How to Get Rid of Odor by Shoe Type

Depending on the material and construction, each type of shoe has its own things to keep in mind when deodorizing, especially with methods that use water or cleaning solutions.

Sports Shoes, Running Shoes

• Remove the insoles and clean them separately if they hold the smell.
• For mesh or knit uppers, handle them gently to avoid affecting the fiber structure.
• Avoid using a dryer or high heat to dry the shoes.

Canvas Shoes

• You can wash them with water and a mild detergent when the smell has set in for a long time.
• Avoid scrubbing too hard, which can cause fuzzing or affect the fabric surface.
• Let the shoes air dry naturally and avoid high heat.

Leather Shoes

• Do not soak the shoes in water or put them in the washing machine.
• Focus on treating odor in the insoles and the inside of the shoes.
• Avoid letting unsuitable deodorizing solutions touch the leather surface directly.

Suede Shoes

• Do not soak them in water or wash the shoes the usual way.
• Clean the surface with a brush and a product made specifically for suede.
• When treating odor inside, avoid letting the solution wet the suede surface.

>>> See more: How to Clean and Care for Running Shoes Properly by Material

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Rid of Shoe Odor

Does Baking Soda Damage Shoes?

Baking soda is often used to deodorize the inside of shoes, but all the powder needs to be removed before wearing. For materials that need special care such as leather or suede, avoid letting baking soda touch the outer surface of the shoes directly.

How Do I Deodorize Shoes Overnight?

If you need to treat odor overnight, you can use deodorizer balls, baking soda, or activated charcoal bags. Baking soda can be left in the shoes overnight; for deodorizer balls and activated charcoal bags, follow the product instructions.

Why Do My Shoes Still Smell After Washing?

The smell may remain if the shoes or insoles were not cleaned thoroughly, are still damp, or have not dried completely before being worn again. If the smell is concentrated in the insoles and does not improve after cleaning, consider replacing the insoles with new ones.

Should I Spray Perfume Into Smelly Shoes?

Perfume should not be considered a way to deodorize shoes. The fragrance can only mask the unpleasant smell for a short time without dealing with the sweat and dirt left inside the shoes.

How Do I Keep Shoes From Smelling Again?

Let your shoes dry completely before wearing them again and avoid wearing the same pair for several days in a row. Change into clean socks after each wear, keep your feet dry, and clean your shoes when needed to limit sweat, moisture, and odor buildup inside.

Buy Authentic Shoes at Supersports

After deodorizing and cleaning, caring for your shoes properly according to their material will help keep them clean and ready for your next use. If you are looking for a new pair of shoes for running, training, sports, or everyday wear, you can check out the authentic products at Supersports.

Supersports is THE NO. 1 AUTHENTIC SPORTS FOOTWEAR, APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES RETAILER AND DISTRIBUTOR IN VIETNAM. The brand belongs to Central Retail Group - a leading retailer from Thailand.

Supersports has a retail system with more than 30 famous sports brands such as: Nike, Adidas, Crocs, Puma... Among them, Supersports is the official and exclusive distributor of the brands: Under Armour, HOKA and Columbia. We are committed to bringing authentic, top-quality products to sports lovers in Vietnam.