How to Get a Stinky Water Smell Out of Your Shoes

An unpleasant water smell can form inside your shoes when they are exposed to large amounts of water. This can be due to walking through a water puddle or getting stuck outside in the rain, and even swim shoes can develop a stinky water smell after being used in a pool or lake. Whatever the case may be, by removing the foul odor you can prolong the life of your shoes and feel comfortable wearing them again.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Cleaning rag
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Sprinkle the shoes with a heavy layer of baking soda after the shoes have come into contact with water. If the soles are removable, pull them out and sprinkle them with baking soda as well. Not only will the baking soda eliminate any odor but it will also absorb the moisture, pulling it out of the shoes. Leave the baking soda on your shoes overnight.

2. Wash the shoes in a normal wash cycle if they are machine-washable. A tag on the interior of the shoe will display washing instructions. If shoes are not machine-washable, wipe the baking soda off the shoes with a damp cloth.

3. Pour pure white vinegar into a spray bottle. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer that will kill odor plus any bacteria that may be causing the odor.

4. Spray a heavy mist of the vinegar onto the shoes and allow them to air out overnight. Repeat as needed until all odor has been removed.

References

• Spice Diva: Ways to Get Rid of Shoe Odor
• Heloise: Heloise Hints for Stinky Shoes