If you’ve got teens, you need to know how to deodorize smelly shoes. It’s that, or learn to love opening windows even in the dead of winter. These tips, plus the homemade shoe deodorizing powder and spray for smelly shoes below, will get that awful foot odor out of your home.
Teens aren’t the only ones whose shoes stink, though. People who are on their feet all day, or who work out hard, get smelly shoes, too. Even slippers and house-shoes begin to stink after a while.
Below are ways to stop shoe odor, clean smelly shoes, and make homemade shoe deodorizers to keep your shoes from stinking.
How to Clean Smelly Shoes
Not all shoes are washable, so the first thing you need to know about how to deodorize smelly shoes is the type of materials used in your shoes’ construction. If in doubt, or if they’re made of several materials, treat them as you would leather shoes.
Canvas or Fabric Tennis Shoes
Wash them. Shoes made of fabric can be tossed in the washer and laundered in a warm (not hot!) cycle using your regular laundry detergent.
- Skip the fabric softener since its surfactants can trap bacteria.
- Instead, add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle (or pour it into your fabric softener’s dispenser) to kill any remaining odors.
Dry them well. To dry your deodorized canvas or fabric shoes, two options exist:
- Tumble them in a dryer with an old towel or two. If you can’t stand that banging sound, slip them into a bag that fits over your dryer’s door.
- Or place them outdoors in a sunny spot to air-dry — sunlight is a natural disinfectant, making it a great way to get rid of shoe odors.
Leather or Suede Shoes
Leather and suede shoes will get ruined if you put them in the washer. If your shoes are made of mixed materials (they have leather piping, for instance), or if you’re uncertain about the materials used, follow these steps.
- Spritz the Homemade Shoe Deodorizing Spray (below) onto a clean, dry cloth and wipe the shoe interior.
- Use a different clean cloth to wipe away any remaining spray, so your shoe does not stay damp.
Alternatively, you can deodorize smelly leather shoes using a disinfecting wipe. Be sure to follow with a damp and then a dry cloth to remove residue since the disinfectant may irritate your skin.
Cork Insoles
Shoes like Birkenstocks and others featuring a cork insole require a different approach. For these, the trick is removing skin oils and the accompanying bacteria from the cork without damaging it. Here’s how.
- Make a paste using a few drops of water and the Homemade Shoe Deodorizing Powder (below).
- Dip an old toothbrush into this paste and rub it over the cork insole. Wait 5 minutes, then wipe the paste away using a clean, damp cloth.
- Once all the paste is gone, press a dry cloth onto the insole to remove any moisture.
After deodorizing cork-insole shoes, let them air dry for a full day before wearing them again.
Shoe Inserts
People who spend a lot of time on their feet often find that an orthotic insert helps reduce foot and back pain. (I love these supports the most out of all the ones I’ve tried.) Shoe inserts do get smelly, though.
Here’s how to deodorize shoe inserts:
- Slip them out of the shoes and wash them in a sink full of warm, soapy water. Use your fingertips to massage both sides of the insert to release built-up skin oils and grime.
- Drain and refill the basin with 2 cups water and 1 cup white vinegar. Let the inserts soak for 5-10 minutes then rinse with fresh water.
- Gently press the insole on both sides with a clean towel to remove as much water as possible.
After cleaning and deodorizing your shoe inserts, let them air-dry away from direct sunlight for a full day before putting them back in your shoe.
Home Remedies for Shoe Odor
There are are couple of easy ways you can deodorize your shoes at home. Try the homemade shoe deodorizing powder recipe below or, if you prefer, make the homemade shoe deodorizing spray.
Then read on to understand why shoes smell bad, so you know the steps to take to keep your shoes from stinking in the first place.
Homemade Shoe Deodorizing Powder
Equipment
- Shaker jar (optional)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons baking soda bicarbonate for UK readers
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch cornflour for UK readers
- 5 drops tea tree oil
Instructions
- Shake or stir the ingredients together until thoroughly mixed.
- Sprinkle the shoe deodorizing powder liberally into your shoes after each wearing and let it sit overnight. (You might want to keep a shaker can of this mixture in the laundry room for regular use.)
- Dump the powder out before wearing your shoes again.
Some people swear by deodorizing smelly shoes with Febreze after each wear. If you don’t have skin allergies or sensitivities to corn, that’s worth a try.
I’m not comfortable having my skin in contact with Febreze all day, since it’s not meant for that kind of use. So, I spritz a bit of the spray below in my shoes instead.
Homemade Shoe Deodorizing Spray
Equipment
- Spray bottle
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar do not substitute
- 5 drops tea tree oil
Instructions
- Lightly mist the inside of your shoes after each wearing. Avoid getting spray on the outside of your shoes.
- Let the mist completely dry before wearing your shoes again.
How to Stop Shoe Odor
The best way to keep your shoes from smelling in the future is by understanding what causes them to smell in the first place. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Why Shoes Smell Bad
The reason your shoes stink is that your feet contain 250,000 sweat glands. When those glands are confined in a shoe, the sweat and warmth create a breeding ground for bacteria.
The cause of shoe odor is all that resulting bacteria multiplying in the damp environment of your shoe. To get rid of smelly shoes, you need to destroy the bacteria.
Why Some People’s Feet Smell Worse
Although we all have the same number of sweat glands on our feet, some people’s feet smell worse than others. Medically, this is known as bromodosis.
While anyone can get stinky feet, certain hormones can make foot odor even worse. In particular, teenagers and pregnant women may have smellier feet due to the high number of hormones coursing in their systems.
How to Keep Your Feet From Stinking
Even knowing how to clean smelly shoes, or using the homemade shoe deodorizing powder or spray below, can only do so much. You also need to tackle the source of the odors: your feet.
Here are some tips to reduce foot odor:
- Wash your feet with an anti-bacterial soap (like Dial) daily, taking care to get between toes and under the nails. Dry feet well after washing.
- Don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row — they need a chance to dry, too.
- Wear socks with your shoes and change them at least once a day. Socks help absorb foot sweat before it soaks your shoes, so swapping for fresh ones when your feet feel hot or sweaty will reduce odor-causing bacteria in your shoes.
- Keep toenails trimmed and calluses filed — both provide places for smell-causing bacteria to grow and breed.
- Opt for shoes made of natural materials like canvas or leather, since these materials allow ventilation to help keep your feet cool.
- Swipe the soles of your feet with an antiperspirant to cut back on sweat. You can use the same type you’d put under your arms but should use separate sticks.
- Freeze them? Some people report that freezing shoes overnight (wrapped in a plastic bag) is a great way to eliminate shoe odor.
- Soak them in vinegar water. A half-cup of distilled white vinegar stirred into 2 quarts of water makes a deodorizing foot soak that kills off many kinds of bacteria. Add tea tree oil if you like.
- Soak them in mouthwash. Some folks who can’t stand the smell of vinegar swear by soaking their feet in 1 cup of Listerine and 2 quarts of water. The gold one supposedly is reportedly more effective than the minty blue version.
Whatever method you choose, consistency is key to deodorizing your shoes and keeping them from developing an odor. So, make a habit of applying a shoe deodorizer nightly, and don’t forget to clean your shoes.
Save money and get your home brilliantly clean with these other easy DIY cleaning recipes.
- Homemade All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
- Homemade Window and Glass Cleaner
- Homemade Floor Cleaner
- Homemade Soft Scrub
- Homemade Bathroom Disinfectant
- Homemade Daily Shower Spray to Prevent Mildew
- Homemade Soap Scum Remover (no scrubbing!)
- Homemade Wipes
- Homemade Furniture Polish
- Homemade Granite Cleaner
- Homemade Disinfecting Sink Spray
Zack says
I like the idea of sprinkling the shoes with a deodorizer, but why use baking powder instead of baking soda?
Katie B of HousewifeHowTos.com says
Typo. Sorry.
Gabriel says
Uhh… Great post, but freezing doesn’t kill most bacteria or fungi.
I’ll definitely try the homemade powder idea though!
Jaime Kelley says
Freezing kills the microbes that thrive in warmth. And generally, feet aren’t sweating if they’re cold. So, I’d say freezing them to kill the microbes that are breaking down dead skin and causing the stink makes the most sense.
KP says
Or just use Napthalene balls (Air/room freshners). Kills all the smell in no time. Powdering n sprinkling in shoe will help while traveling as well.
Ben Dover says
Thank goodness I live in Canada! I’ll just leave my shoes outside overnight tonight!
Charcoal works too 😉
Mimi says
Thanks a lot! This really helped my shoes that literally could not be worn because they smelled so bad… It was embarrassing…
Zizi says
you totally saved me with this article!! tried everything under the sun – how did I not think of white vinegar!!
Katie Berry says
I’m glad to have helped, Zizi!
Jodi says
Can’t wait to try this, I have several pairs of shoes that need help, as I hate to wear socks!
Katie Berry says
I hate socks, too, Jodi. These steps let me go sockless without worrying everyone I meet will smell my shoes. LOL
Jigna says
Leave them out in the sun to dry
Katie Berry says
That works to dry them, but doesn’t necessarily kill the bacteria that lead to foot odor. As soon as you put the shoe back on your nice, warm foot the stink returns.
andrew roy says
It DOES serve to kill bacteria. The ultra violet rays of the sun will kill bacteria. Those expensive machines used to kill shoe odor give off ultra violet light.
Jane says
Sneakers are the worst, so try this.
Rubbing alcohol, soak them for a couple of hours. Put them flat in a baking pan and pour the alcohol into them.
Or mix up a dilute clorox solution and do the same.
Then let them sit out in the hot sun for a couple of days. Wear other shoes while these dry. Rotate your sneakers too. Its the bacteria which you have to kill.
Kitchen sponges will stink too, so squeeze them full of dish detergent, and let them sit in sun to completely dry, rotate sponges too. Have 2 or 3 on hand.
Katie Berry says
Interesting ideas, Jane!
Tammylp says
I tried alcohol on a pair of Keds…it did rid them of “foot odor” but now they smell strong of rubber/chemical as if the alcohol broke down the inner sole. I’ll try some of these suggestions.
Katie Berry says
The rubbing alcohol probably did break down some of the inner sole. That’s why I don’t recommend it. The shoe powder I mentioned works very well, and hasn’t harmed my Keds or any other shoes I love.
Annabelle says
Nearly 40 years ago I got rid of my husband’s odor in his cowboy boots and his feet! I just kept an solution of baking soda (about 1/2 cup) and water (about a quart) on top of the dryer. When I was throwing his socks into the dryer I put them into the solution, wrung them out, and then tossed into the dryer with the rest of the clothes. I did this for about a month, and he still does not have stinky feet! (His socks were black, and they came out with a salt and pepper look, but it worked).
Katie Berry says
Thank you for a great suggestion!
Gi says
I just *have* to try this baking soda & water trick! Especially for my dear, stinky J who leaves work with wet feet every day.
hank jackson says
This helps prevent stinky feet, thus stinky socks and shoes. When you shower/bathe, wash your whole feet, and especially between each toe, with anti-bacterial soap. After drying carefully between each toe, rub your finger across anti-prespirant stick deodorant and rub it generously between each toe all the way out to the end of the toe. Then apply the stick deodorant across the tops and undersides of your toes. This has made a major difference for me. Smelly feat are a thing of the past.
Katie Berry says
Thanks for the tip!
Madolyn K Mallory says
I. bought a pair of shoes and they smell from the leather or whatever they are made from. It smells like the Polish they used, but really strong. I left them outside all night, but didn’the help. Still smell………….,HELP
Katie Berry says
Hm. I haven’t encountered that problem before but think I’d try putting them into a large plastic bag and sprinkling them inside and out with baking powder to absorb the odor, then closing the bag and letting them sit overnight. Shake the powder out, wipe the shoes off, and hopefully, the smell will be gone. Good luck!
Colleen J. says
Another very worthwhile idea for people who suffer from sweaty, stinking, smelly feet is to begin a daily zinc tablet supplement regimen. (Discuss the idea with your doctor beforehand to avoid any potential interaction regarding your medical history or current prescribed medication routine) but the zinc changes a persons body chemistry that nearly eliminates the nasty smell altogether) My husbands feet are close to sweet-smelling, living proof! I am also a big proponent for using the deodorizing powder.
Katie Berry says
I’d never heard that about zinc before. Thanks!
Puddin says
Help! Most of these suggestions don’t work for me. Most of the shoes I wear are dressy leather shoes, so I can’t stick them in the washing machine. I wear pantyhose, so the powder would leave my feet looking ashy. On top of that, my freezer is too small, and I wouldn’t want to risk leaving my shoes outside in the winter.
Katie Berry says
You could try wiping the insoles with a cloth that’s been dipped in soapy water and wrung out very well, followed by a clean one. Disinfecting wipes might also work, but you’d want to check for colorfastness.
Susan says
Puddin: you can buy a device called a sterishoe..it is an ultra violet light that you put in your shoes after each wear..supposed to Kill bacteria. Works fairly well.
Katie Berry says
Thanks for that suggestion, Susan!
Lorna says
I wonder if Ozium spray might work. The “original’ scent actually gets rid of smell of tobacco. I was looking everywhere for it, and discovered it is so great at ridding airborne odors, it’s a big hit with marijuana smokers to deodorize their vehicles in case stopped by cops, or sniffed by parents.
You can find it in auto motive section of hardware stores, Walmart type places with car deodorizers
It isn’t like Glade or other perfumy covers. It’s used in ICUs in hospitals.it gets rid of allergens in air.
So somebody, go forth and experiment with this for smelly feet and shoes.
Katie Berry says
I don’t know that I’d be comfortable using a spray meant for air freshening since it’s really not meant to come into prolonged contact with skin.
Jessamyn Fields says
For all those who have had kids who wore the fleece zip up pajamas with the feet in them before they were potty trained you likely knownthst once those have had urine leak into them from a overly saturated diaper the smell doesn’t ever see mom to go away no matter how many times you wash them….once you dry them in a hot dryer it is almost certain they will have a at the very least faint urine Oder linger in them forever….however I found that pouring some Mr. Clean with febreeze or gain into the water during my machines wash cycle with these as well as stinky sweaty football clothes gets that odor out completely or at least to the point I didn’t notice it and I was specifically trying different things to free these items from such a long lasting unpleasant odor because I have a very good sense of smell. It was too good in the case of this foul smell but I am very certain this works also for shoe odor as well as brightening dingy dirty clothes appearance and giving your laundry extra stain fighting power. I would caution for those who have sensitive skin/allergies/or sensitivities to strong smells before having them wear clothing washed in anything other than their normal routine detergent.
Katie Berry says
Oooh, I know the smell you’re referring to. My kids are adults now, but I can still remember that awful odor. Thanks for sharing that tip!
Zack says
I remember dryer sheets working, but my wife just tried and said that didn’t help. Thanks for the plans B-F!
Katie Berry says
You’re welcome!
Larr says
Hydrogen peroxide. No strong odor like bleach or alcohol.
Katie Berry says
Thanks for the suggestion!
bj brown says
Katie,
Can I machine wash a cloth walking shoe that has a leather trim? If not, suggestions?
Katie Berry says
I have and I didn’t have a problem, but that doesn’t mean you should. When I did, I washed them in cold water on a short cycle and then blotted out as much water as I could with a towel. Figuring the dryer heat wouldn’t be good for the leather, I let them air dry in a shady spot on my porch.
If you’ve still got concerns, though, I’d suggest using a toothbrush and soapy water on the canvas parts. Wipe them with a clean, damp cloth after scrubbing then blot them and let them air dry.
Babs says
1. Stick your feet in a big Bucket of ice cubes before putting new shoes on and then they will never smell.
2. Put dry ice in your shoes at least two hours before putting them on.
Katie Berry says
Hi Babs,
Thanks for the ideas!
Kari B says
We are not sure what has happened to my sons work boots. They have a smell that we can not get rid of. To me, it smells almost like cat urine. He was wearing them out in one of our fields after it rained and yes they got a little wet but good grief, how do we get that smell out? They are leather so we can’t just throw them in the wash so does anybody have any suggestions? Thank you, Kari
Katie Berry says
Hi Kari,
That sounds like an awful odor! I’d suggest removing and replacing the insoles if that’s possible, as well as the laces. Use some soapy water and a washcloth on the outer sole in case it’s something he stepped in. Then try sprinkling the shoe deodorizing powder inside his boots and let that sit for an evening before dumping it out. Hope that helps!
Brittany says
I’ve seen articles before that some brands and styles of shoes just get more stinky than others. Even though I’ll be 31 this year, I like to wear skate shoes. I’m disabled so im a stat at home dog mom/housewife and because of my disability, I can’t do things for very long so between the two I don’t wear shoes very often and for very long. Even though I don’t wear them for more than an hour at the most and always wear socks my skate shoes would get stinky to the point where I would replace them just because of the smell!
But I remembered seeing an article about all the things that can be done with essential oils and one of them was put a few drops of your favorite smelling essential oil on to 10 cotton balls and put two in the toe, two in the heel and one in the center of stinky sneakers when you don’t have them on. It killed the smell right away and prevents it from coming back and the same cotton balls can stay in my shoes for months! Even when I take my shoes off after having them on for an hour on a summer day all we can smell is essential oils.
Katie Berry says
Thanks for sharing this idea, Brittany! It’s certainly an option, although people need to be sure the oils don’t erode the shoe material or soak into the shoe where it can come in contact with their skin. Some — like citrus oils — can cause burn-like irritation.