How to Stop Your Shoes From Smelling

Stop smelly shoes with salt.

Preventing shoes from accumulating odor does not have to be a difficult task. Shoes can emit odor quickly without you realizing it, until you notice a strong smell. If you want to wear fresh shoes that are clean and odor free, it's important to properly get rid of shoe odor. Start a care routine that stops the smell and prevents it from returning in the future.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Salt
• Dryer sheets

Instructions

1. Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes at the end of each day. If you have sweaty feet that cause the odor, baking soda will quickly absorb the excess moisture. The soda also works as an odor neutralizer that safely pulls smell out of the shoes. Discard the baking soda the next day and repeat daily as needed.

2. Sprinkle salt into shoes when baking soda is not enough. This typically works best for canvas and fabric shoes. Salt can over-dry leather shoes and other delicate surfaces. Sprinkle salt inside the shoes, let sit overnight and discard the salt the next day.

3. Stuff dryer sheets into your shoes when not being worn. After you get rid of the initial odor, prevent it from coming back by placing a dryer sheet into each shoe. Re-use the dryer sheets for a few days or until there is no longer a fresh scent.

References

• "Reader's Digest": Fix Sneaker and Shoe Odors