How to Get Odor and Mildew Out of Leather Shoes

Rubbing alcohol can deodorize leather shoes.

Smelly or mildewed shoes can occur when sweat and dirt breeds bacteria that thrives in moist conditions. Many canvas shoes can be tossed in the washing machine with a load of dirty clothes, but leather shoes can either be torn apart or at least seriously damaged.

Things You'll Need

• 70 percent rubbing alcohol or wintergreen alcohol
• Vinegar
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. Pour a puddle of rubbing alcohol into the shoe. Tilt the shoe forward and back, making sure some alcohol has reached all areas.

2. Point the shoe down and tilt it so some alcohol can wet the inside of the top of your shoe.

3. Spray the inside and outside of the shoe with vinegar, as an optional treatment to using rubbing alcohol. vinegar and spray the shoes, inside and out. Leave it for five minutes, then spray the shoe again. With a cloth or paper towel, wipe the shoe inside and out to get rid of an visible mildew.

4. Use baking soda as another alternative. Baking soda is a great absorber of odors, hence its popularity for the refrigerator. Pour a half-cup into the shoe, shake the shoe to spread the powder out, and put the shoe in a closed paper bag or box. Leave for 24 hours before wearing.

5. Let the shoes dry if you used alcohol or vinegar. You can put the shoes on while they're still wet, but you run the risk of getting some peeling skin on the bottom of your feet.

Tips & Warnings

• You also can apply alcohol with a rag or towel to the inside and outside of your shoes to get rid of any visible mildew.

• Using peroxide instead of alcohol might kill some germs but leave an unpleasant odor of its own in your shoes.

References

• HealthMad: How to Eliminate Smelly Shoe Odor
• GetSmellOut.com: How to Get Smell Out of Leather Shoes