How do you get bad smell out of shoes?

Author: Jedidiah O'Conner  |  Last update: Thursday, April 10, 2025

If your shoes aren't machine washable, it's easy to make your own deodorizing spray. Just combine ½ cup water and ½ cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well. Apply a couple of sprays on the inside of your shoes and wipe the interiors with a cloth towel. Allow them to air dry before you wear them again.

How do you get rid of bad smell in shoes?

Vinegar neutralises odours and fights bacteria in shoes. Just mix white vinegar with water in equal parts into a spray bottle. Spray the solution inside the shoes after use and allow to dry. Doing this to your running shoes after every run will keep them smelling fresher for longer.

Can smelly shoes be saved?

Put your shoes in a bag and place them in your freezer overnight. The cold temperature kills the odor causing bacteria.

How do you get rid of stinky feet permanently?

How to Get Rid of Stinky Feet
  1. Practice good hygiene. Keep feet clean, dry and cool.
  2. Dry your feet. Make sure to towel off feet after a shower or bath. ...
  3. Try a spray. ...
  4. Purchase medicated insoles. ...
  5. Select the right socks. ...
  6. Change socks. ...
  7. Rotate shoes. ...
  8. Watch your diet.

How long does it take baking soda to deodorize shoes?

Tilt and shake the shoe to evenly distribute the powder. Let It Sit Overnight: Leave the baking soda in the shoes for a few hours, ideally overnight. For extra-stinky shoes, leave it for 24 hours.

How to Get Smell Out of Shoes [Foot Odor & Shoe Odor SECRETS!]

What is the best shoe deodorizer?

Our top picks
  • Overall best. Odor Busterz. $5.98. $6.99. ...
  • Best for sweaty feet. Odor-X Odor Ultra-Fighting Spray Powder. $undefined. $4.97. ...
  • Best for multi-purpose use. Shoe Deodorizer. $undefined. $12.97. ...
  • Best all-natural spray. Outdoors Natural Shoe Deodorizer. $undefined. ...
  • Best for long-term use. Boot Bananas Shoe Deodorizers. $undefined.

Is it OK to clean shoes with baking soda?

Combine two parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide and stir it together until it is mixed. A baking soda paste is one of the most tried-and-true solutions for cleaning stains on a number of surfaces, and it works wonders on fabric shoes, too.

Why does it smell when I open my legs?

Sweat is a combination of water, salt, and other chemicals. When it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it produces an odor. fungal infections: Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist areas, such as the groin area and inner thighs. They can cause a red, itchy rash and produce an unpleasant odor.

Why do my feet smell so bad after wearing shoes?

Sweaty Feet

In turn, the extra sweat can cause your feet to smell bad. You may also notice that your feet get sweatier and smellier if you: Wear shoes that are too small or too tight.

What is the best foot wash for smelly feet?

Use a surgical-grade antibacterial soap found at your pharmacy. We recommend Betadine Skin Cleanser, pHisoderm® or Hibiclens. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.

Why do my shoes still smell after washing them?

Bacteria or fungi may grow in your shoes and attach to your skin. Some of those microbes might eat away the top layer of your skin, producing a foul odor. 4 Certain synthetic materials used in shoes, when mixed with bacteria, fungi, and sweat, can produce smelly feet.

Can you spray vinegar on smelly shoes?

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the inside of your shoes with the mixture, ensuring you cover all areas.

Does freezing shoes remove odor?

Freezing your shoes can help reduce the odor by killing some bacteria that cause the smell, but it won't eliminate all of it. Here's why: Bacteria thrive in moist, warm environments.

Does Lysol work on shoe odor?

Spray the Lysol in your shoes and then spray a clean pair of socks and put them in your shoes. Let the socks sit in your shoes overnight; they will help the Lysol soak into your shoes and kill the bacteria.

How to clean the inside of shoes?

Simply mix some alcohol and water in a spray bottle and mist the interior of your shoes. Be sure to use an alcohol that ranges in strength from 70–99%, and let your shoes dry overnight. Come morning, any lingering odour inside of your shoes should be gone.

Can rubbing alcohol remove shoe odor?

Yes, rubbing alcohol can be effective in removing shoe odor by killing the bacteria that thrive in the warm, moist environment inside shoes.

How to remove smell from shoes instantly?

If your shoes aren't machine washable, it's easy to make your own deodorizing spray. Just combine ½ cup water and ½ cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well. Apply a couple of sprays on the inside of your shoes and wipe the interiors with a cloth towel. Allow them to air dry before you wear them again.

What is best for foot odor in shoes?

  • Rocket Pure. Foot & Shoe Deodorizer Spray. $15. ...
  • Gold Bond. Maximum Strength Foot Powder with 1% Menthol (2 Pack) $16. ...
  • Odor Eaters. Odor-Destroying Insoles Heavy Duty Cushion (1 Pair) ...
  • Arm & Hammer. Odor Busterz Odor Balls (6-Count) ...
  • Carpe. Antiperspirant Foot Lotion. ...
  • Dr. Scholl's. ...
  • Lather. Eucalyptus Foaming Foot Scrub with Pumice.

How to get rid of stinky feet quickly?

Do
  1. wash your feet at least once a day (use an antibacterial soap if you can)
  2. remove hard skin with a foot file and keep toenails short and clean.
  3. use foot powder or an antiperspirant.
  4. wear breathable or natural fabrics on your feet, like cotton or leather.
  5. let shoes dry out before wearing them again.

What does diabetes odor smell like?

Some people with diabetes compare the smell of insulin to the scent of Band-Aids, printer ink, Lysol, or new plastic shower curtain liners (4). Apparently, phenols are responsible for the aroma associated with insulin (5).

What kills odor causing bacteria?

Many deodorants and antiperspirants also contain antimicrobials, like propylene glycol, triclosan and benzalkonium chloride, which decrease bacterial abundance and result in an altered skin microbiome in the armpits.

Does vinegar help stinky shoes?

The vinegar helps to kill bacteria that cause shoes to smell and the smell of vinegar soon vanishes once it has dried. Mix a solution of 50% water 50% white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the inside of your shoes and allow to dry. If you are in a hurry use a hair dryer.

How long can you leave baking soda in shoes?

Wait a few hours, preferably overnight. The baking soda will kill odor-causing bacteria and absorb odors. Extra-stinky shoes may require 24 hours. Over a trashcan or the sink, tap the shoe to remove the remaining baking soda from the inside.

What do baking soda and vinegar do?

Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!

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