How to Prevent Shoes From Developing Odor—9 Effective Methods

If the smell makes you cringe when you open your bedroom closet or feel uneasy stepping into a shoes-off home, it’s likely you're dealing with smelly shoes. While it’s a common issue, it can be quite embarrassing. The odor is caused by body oils and bacteria that build up in the shoes, leading to an unpleasant scent. But don’t worry, you don’t have to throw your shoes away. With a few simple tools and a regular maintenance routine, you can learn how to prevent shoe odors and prolong the life of your favorite footwear.

What Causes Shoes to Smell?

The human foot contains approximately 250,000 sweat glands, more per square inch than any other part of your body. While sweat itself is odorless, damp, poorly ventilated shoes provide the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. These microbes produce organic acid waste, which emits a foul odor. Even with excellent foot hygiene, bacteria can persist in shoes, causing unpleasant smells. Therefore, it’s essential to clean your shoes and boots periodically to both prevent and eliminate odors.

What You Will Need

Tools and Equipment

Required Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Prevent Shoes from Developing Odors

Create DIY Odor Absorbers Using Baking Soda

• Combine half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of cornstarch.
• Using a funnel or spoon, evenly distribute the mixture into two white cotton socks.
• Secure the socks with a twist tie or knot to close them.
• Place the socks inside your shoes and let them sit for at least overnight (24 hours is even better).
• Once a month, empty the mixture, wash the socks, and refill them with a new batch of the mixture.

Eliminate Bacteria with Vinegar

• Mix distilled white vinegar and water in equal parts in a spray bottle.
• Spray the interior of your shoes with the solution after each use. (Be careful not to spray the exterior, as vinegar may discolor some materials.)
• Allow the shoes to dry in a well-ventilated area. You can use a fan to help speed up the drying time.

Clean Your Shoes

Most fabric-based athletic shoes can be hand-washed or machine-washed. Be sure to consult the manufacturer's website for specific care instructions.

• Remove the shoelaces and insoles.
• Use an enzyme-based laundry detergent, a laundry sanitizer to kill bacteria, and cool water.
• Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag and wash them on a gentle cycle. (Alternatively, you can wash them by hand in a sink.)
• Hand wash the shoelaces and insoles or replace them with new ones.
• Let the shoes air dry completely before wearing them again.

Disinfect Non-Washable Shoes

Boots and slippers with shearling linings are typically not machine washable, but you can still eliminate the bacteria residing inside them.

• Prepare a solution of water and pine oil or phenolic disinfectant, following the product's label directions.
• Dip a microfiber cloth into the mixture and wring it out until it’s slightly damp.
• Carefully scrub the interior of the shoes.
• Let the shoes air dry for at least 24 hours in a well-ventilated area.

Apply Essential Oils

Essential oils like tea tree, clove, and cedarwood have antifungal properties that can kill spores and help freshen up shoes.

• Combine a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
• Cover the exterior of the shoe with an old cloth to prevent any overspray from staining the material.
• Spray the inside of the shoes.
• Let the shoes dry completely before wearing them again.

Utilize the Sun's Power

The ultraviolet rays from the sun can eliminate bacteria. This method works best when the shoes are washed first but can also reduce odor in damp athletic shoes.

• Open up the shoes as much as possible.
• Place them under direct sunlight for two to three hours.

Use a Disinfecting Spray

While you might feel inclined to use Febreze, spritz some perfume, or toss in a dryer sheet, these actions only mask the odor rather than eliminating it. Instead, there are disinfecting sprays designed to kill bacteria, some of which are specifically created for shoes with unpleasant smells!

• Spray the inner lining of your shoes with a phenolic disinfectant spray, being careful to cover all surfaces.
• Avoid soaking the shoes, but ensure the entire interior is damp.
• Let the shoes dry overnight before using them again.

Apply Some Rubbing Alcohol

Many of us have rubbing alcohol at home, and it can serve multiple purposes, from cleaning wounds to sanitizing and freshening up your shoes.

• Dip a cotton ball or pad in rubbing alcohol, making sure it's fully saturated but not dripping.
• Gently wipe down the soiled areas of your shoes.
• Let the shoes dry overnight before wearing them again.

Freeze Them!

Freezing clothes, particularly jeans, is a common method to eliminate bacteria, and guess what? It works for shoes too! If the odor is tough to get rid of, you may need to try this a few times.

• To prevent dirt from contaminating your freezer, wipe down your shoes or place them in a protective bag.
• Leave them in the freezer overnight at a minimum.
• Allow them to thaw in a well-ventilated space or under the sun.
• Let your shoes dry overnight before putting them on.

Tips to Keep Shoes Fresh and Odor-Free

Now that you've tackled the odor, let's ensure it stays gone! Use these quick tips to maintain fresh shoes until the day you get a new pair! Or, just until the end of time!

• Maintain proper foot hygiene by washing thoroughly between your toes and ensuring your feet are completely dry.
• Use anti-fungal treatments to address athlete's foot.
• Wear socks just once, then wash them.
• Let your shoes dry fully between uses.
• If possible, alternate your shoes to avoid wearing the same pair daily.
• Frequently wash insoles or replace them as needed.
• Opt for shoes made of breathable materials. Natural fibers and leather offer better airflow compared to synthetics.
• Always wear socks. Any kind of socks helps reduce sweat from soaking into your shoes. Choose socks made from moisture-wicking fibers instead of cotton for better dryness. Look for socks with metal fibers, such as silver or copper, to help prevent bacteria, fungi, and odor from forming.