How to Get Rid of Odor from Shoes
Smelly shoes make for embarrassing moments. Odorous shoes can cause a whole room to smell, making it uncomfortable to remove them around others. Odor is often caused by bacteria in the shoe reacting with the remnants of perspiration left behind. While some shoes, such as gym sneakers, are more likely to smell bad than others, all shoes can develop a bad odor over time. Getting rid of the odor and preventing its return makes your shoes seem like new. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Loosen the laces on the shoe every evening, if applicable. Pull the tongue out and allow the shoes to air out every night. Bacteria does not grow on a dry surface, so airing the shoes helps inhibit the growth of these odor-causing organisms.
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Sprinkle baking soda in the shoe every day after you remove them. Baking soda absorbs smells and helps freshen the shoe.
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Cut the foot from a pair of pantyhose. Fill the pantyhose with kitty litter, or use equal parts baking soda and litter. Tie the end of the pantyhose closed. Place these homemade scent absorbers in the shoes every night.
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4
Replace the insole in the shoe. The insole absorbs the most sweat and is likely the cause of much of the smell. Replace with a gel insole, if desired, as these are less likely to absorb odors.
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Wash your shoes. Wash canvas and other machine-washable shoes in the washing machine, then set them in bright sunlight to air-dry. Clean non-washable shoes with a damp cloth. The sun helps neutralize remaining odors that are left after washing.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear socks with your shoes. Socks help prevent sweat and odors from transferring into the shoe from your feet.
Fabric softener sheets help neutralize some shoe odor. Place these in the shoes when you aren't wearing them.
Baking soda may dry out leather shoes and lead to cracking.
References
- Photo Credit old gym shoes image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
