How to get rid of unpleasant odour from shoes? 10 ways to get rid of smelly shoes
It's the same again: you come to visit, take off your shoes and... you feel the startled stare of your hosts. You want to sink to the ground, but you put on a brave face. The unpleasant smell from your shoes takes away your confidence. If you're tired of awkward situations and avoiding social gatherings because of smelly shoes, check out how to get rid of this problem once and for all. Here are 10 simple and effective ways!
Causes of shoe odour - what are they?
Why do shoes stink? You are not the only one asking yourself this question. Stinky shoes are a problem that many people struggle with. There can be many reasons for this, including: -
improper foot hygiene - bacteria that appear on the feet with sweat can contribute to odor. That is why proper foot hygiene is so important. Feet should be washed daily and thoroughly dried before putting on shoes or socks.
Poor diet - sweat odour can be caused by a poor diet. If you struggle with smelly feet, limit or eliminate spicy foods and alcohol from your diet.
Diseases - excessive foot perspiration and odour can be caused by various diseases, such as diabetes, ringworm and hormonal disorders;
Poor quality footwear - plastic has many advantages: it is durable and easy to care for, but does not provide such good breathability. If you have a problem with smelly shoes, reach for models made of natural leather.
Improper shoe care - if you want to avoid unpleasant odours, take care of your shoes! Store them in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Poor footwear quality - plastic has many advantages: it's durable and easy to care for, but doesn't offer as much breathability. If you have a problem with smelly shoes, reach for models made of natural leather.
Improper shoe care - if you want to avoid unpleasant odours, take care of your shoes! Store them in a dry and well-ventilated place.
How to get rid of bad smell from shoes? 10 home remedies
1. replacing insoles
It's natural for insoles to wear out over the course of your shoes. Since they are the ones in direct contact with the foot, they can be one of the causes of odour. So start with the simplest thing - washing or replacing them. If you want to avoid future problems, choose insoles made of natural leather. Aloe Vera latex insoles soaked in aloe vera, which has an antifungal effect, are also a good option.
2. cleaning and airing shoes
Don't lock dirty and soaked shoes in the wardrobe! Clean them of dirt and let them dry spontaneously in the open air. This minimises the risk of odour-causing bacteria growing in your shoes. Regular airing is a good remedy for smelly shoes.
3. washing
Stinky shoes made of textiles can be washed in the washing machine to get rid of dirt and odour. If you want to minimise the risk of damaging your shoes, invest in special washing bags, take out the laces (wash them by hand) and set a delicate washing programme.
4. baking soda
An effective way to get stinky shoes? Baking soda! Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound with many properties. It can be used to clean shoes and remove odours. Sprinkle the powder on your shoes and leave them for a few hours, preferably overnight. Remember to remove the soda residue from your shoes afterwards (you can use a hoover or simply throw the powder in the trash).
5. vinegar
Although vinegar may smell bad to you and mixing it with smelly shoes seems like a strange idea, it really works! Mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio in a glass. Clean the inside of your shoes thoroughly and leave to dry on its own.
6. tea
Put a few sachets of (not necessarily your favourite) tea in your shoes and leave them in them overnight. The teabags are great for absorbing moisture and removing odour.
7. freezing
Heat and humidity promote the development of odours. That's why you can... freeze stinky shoes! Before you put your favourite ballerinas or pumps in the freezer, put them in a plastic bag and take them out after a few hours.
8. cat litter
Your... four-legged friend can help you remove unpleasant odours from your shoes. If you have a cat at home, you know that cat litter is a great odour absorber. Your cat certainly won't be offended if, before pouring litter into its litter tray, you sprinkle a little bit into your shoes (make sure the cat doesn't mistake your favourite trappers for the cat's toilet). Wait a few hours and throw the litter in the trash. Done!
9. herbal mixtures
Sage and lavender are herbs whose antibacterial and antifungal properties have been known for centuries. Place the herb of your choice inside your shoes and leave for a few hours. This is an effective and all-natural way to get stinky shoes.
10. hairspray
Is hairspray a good way to get stinky shoes? It turns out that it is! Spray the inside of your shoes with hairspray (making sure to do it in a well-ventilated room) and let it dry. How to safely get rid of bad smell from leather shoes? Are you afraid that home remedies for stinky shoes may not bring the expected results? On the market you will find a wide range of specialist preparations that will help you effectively remove unpleasant odour from shoes. These are, among others
Prevention - what can you do to make sure your shoes never stink?
Prevention is better than... struggling with the persistent stench from your favourite sneakers or moccasins. If you're wondering how to get rid of that bad shoe smell for good, take good care of your footwear and look for the causes of the odour.
Wear socks made of natural materials that let your feet breathe (e.g. cotton);
Check if you suffer from hyperhidrosis. Excessive foot perspiration can be treated, for example, with special treatments to reduce the activity of the sweat glands. Of course, you'll need to consult your doctor before starting treatment;
Store your shoes properly, especially out of season (preferably in special breathable bags);
Remember to clean and air your footwear regularly.
What to do if the remedies for smelly shoes have not worked?
Despite many attempts you have not managed to get rid of the unpleasant odour from your shoes? If none of the above methods worked, it's worth thinking about saying goodbye to your shoes (especially if they're made of artificial, non-breathable materials). Now that you know what to do to avoid odour, your newly purchased shoes will last you a long time. We are sure that you will like your new trainers, ballerinas or pumps purchased in the Filippo shop as much as the previous ones, when you finally avoid awkward situations after removing your shoes.
Read also:
How to clean shoes from mud?
How to dry soaked shoes?
How do I remove salt from suede and leather shoes?
