Q&A for How to Freshen Smelly Shoes

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you get a bad smell out of shoes with baking soda?
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch in the shoes, then let them sit overnight so the powder absorbs any bad odors. Vacuum out the shoes the next day to remove the baking soda or cornstarch.
  • Question
    What is the main reason of bad odor?
    Community Answer
    Bacteria and sweat combine to create the foul odor often found in shoes.
  • Question
    How can I prevent foot odor?
    Community Answer
    Put peppermint extract on your feet after you get out of the shower. Make sure you get your toe nails and between your toes covered good. It dries fast and kills any foot fungus you might have. It will make your toe nails white and healthy too.
  • Question
    Is it okay to use deodorant powder to remove the bad smell in shoes?
    Community Answer
    It is okay if you are looking for a fast, easy, and cheap way to get rid of the unpleasant odor, but it could irritate your skin if you are sensitive to that sort of stuff.
  • Question
    How can I make my white rubber shoes look brand new?
    Community Answer
    Get a paper towel and put some nail polish remover on it. Then rub it on the rubber part of your shoe. It will make them perfectly white and clean.
  • Question
    How can I freshen shoes that are smelly because I didn't wear socks?
    Community Answer
    Put foot powder in your shoes before you wear them. It helps avoid bacterial growth.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of a bad smell in my new boots?
    Community Answer
    Try sprinkling baking soda in them and leaving it in overnight. The baking soda should absorb any bad odors.
  • Question
    What can I do to freshen shoes that stink after I have gym class on wet grass?
    Community Answer
    You can wash your shoes and let the air dry or use the baking soda method.
  • Question
    Can I use apple cider vinegar?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if you like the smell of apple cider vinegar. It works - but less effectively.
  • Question
    Do you know if warming socks up before putting on shoes will prevent my feet from sweating and smelling?
    Community Answer
    Warming probably won't make a difference. Instead, try putting a drop or two of tea tree oil essence in the bottom of your shoes, it works a treat during summer. The only problem with that is that, with repeated use, it can eat away gradually at the lining in the shoe - but it is cheap, safe and effective.
  • Question
    Will it work to wash my shoes by hand?
    Community Answer
    If the shoe is washable, then you can shoes by hand in detergent. However, it may only help temporarily, and not be completely effective.
  • Question
    How do I get the smell out of my shoes after going to Sea World and getting them soaked?
    Community Answer
    Follow the steps here and use a scented insert.
  • Question
    What can I do if my room stinks because of my shoes?
    Community Answer
    Use the steps in the article make your shoes smell better.
  • Question
    How do I keep the smell away if it keeps coming back after each wear?
    Community Answer
    Use a method mentioned in the article. Once they are all clean, try putting peppermint extract on your feet before each wear.
  • Question
    How can I get the smell out of heavily used Nikes?
    Community Answer
    Use the steps in the article. It can also help if you clean the outside, too, which makes it look new and clean.
  • Question
    I washed my shoes with soap and water, then I steamed them, but it still didn't work. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Try applying baking soda overnight or scrubbing with vinegar.
  • Question
    How should I clean my vans after wearing them without socks?
    Community Answer
    Sprinkle baking soda in your shoes and let it sit over night, then dump out the remaining baking soda. That should minimize the odor and bacterial growth.
  • Question
    What is the best way to remove the musty smell from work boots?
    Community Answer
    All of these are good ways, but it may also help if you clean the outside of your shoes, which makes it look new and clean.
  • Question
    What do I do if even the new socks I put on stink?
    Community Answer
    Wash the socks before wearing them to eliminate the scent.
  • Question
    My sandals smell cheesy like my feet. How can I prevent that?
    Community Answer
    Wash your feet with soap and water daily. Buy anti-odor spray for your shoes. Ideally, don't wear sandals. It is most hygienic to wear shoes with socks.
  • Question
    How can I get the smell off after I stepped in something smelly?
    Community Answer
    If they are white, put them in a bowl of bleach. If they are colored, use deodorizing spray.
  • Question
    What if I tried all of these and none of them work?
    Community Answer
    You may want to consider purchasing a new pair of shoes if possible.
  • Question
    I keep shoes on a rack in my walk-in closet, but they give off a musty smell. How do I get rid of the smell?
    Community Answer
    Cleanse your feet better and more frequently so your shoes don't stink. To get rid of the smell that's already there, you can sprinkle baking soda in your shoes and let them dry overnight. If the smell doesn't go away, wash them and dry them in the sun.
  • Question
    How do I clean smelly plastic loafer shoes?
    Community Answer
    You can add a piece of ginger or turmeric to your shoes and keep it in a heated spot for 1-2 hours and then let them dry.
  • Question
    How do I freshen the smell of a new pair of shoes?
    Community Answer
    You can add essential oils or baking soda to them them. Let the baking soda absorb into the insoles to get a fresh smell in the morning.
  • Question
    The baking soda didn't work. I've heard about putting baking soda in and then freezing them, will that work?
    Community Answer
    I did that and it worked for a couple days, so I decided to just do it every weekend.
  • Question
    I was cat-sitting recently for 13 cats, and the bottoms of my sneakers ended up smelling like dirty cat litter. How can I get rid of this smell?
    Community Answer
    Use an enzyme cleaner designed to break down pet urine. Give the waterproof parts of your shoes a thorough wipe using this cleaner. It comes as carpet cleaner, too, if you need to use it on fabric.
  • Question
    I bought a pair of Converse, and they smell like tires. How can I remove that odor?
    Community Answer
    Place dryer sheets inside your shoes.
  • Question
    How can I stop my open-toed shoes from smelling?
    Community Answer
    I suggest the alcohol method. You can also use hand sanitizer. Make sure to get the inside of the straps, too!
  • Question
    My husband works in the meat department at a grocery store and the bottom of his shoes just stink. Any suggestions on something to spray on the bottom every day?
    Community Answer
    Could you use bleach or Dettol? It might be the bacteria from the raw meat that makes them smell. Or could he have "work shoes" that he leaves at work, and have another pair he can change into in the locker room or car before he comes home?
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article