Home Cleaning Cleaning How-Tos How to Stop Shoes From Smelling—7 Different Ways Don't throw out your stinky shoes—these simple steps will save your soles. By Mary Marlowe Leverette Mary Marlowe Leverette Mary Marlowe Leverette has over four decades of experience and has been writing and consulting for more than 20 years sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, stain removal methods, and textile conservation. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on August 24, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article Why Do Shoes Smell? How to Stop Shoes From Smelling Tips to Keep Shoes From Smelling Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: DBenitostock/Getty Images Project Overview Skill Level: Beginner If your nose wrinkles when you open your bedroom closet and you get nervous when entering a shoes-off household, then you might be dealing with some smelly shoes. While it can be embarrassing, smelly shoes is a very common problem. The odor comes from body soil and bacteria that accumulate in the shoes—and the result can be pretty potent. But that doesn't mean you need to toss your shoes out. With a few basic supplies and a game plan for regular shoe care, you can learn how to stop shoes from smelling and extend the life of your favorite kicks. If Your Home Smells Funny, Check These 8 Problem Areas Why Do Shoes Smell? A foot has about 250,000 sweat glands, more per square inch than anywhere else on your body. While sweat itself doesn't smell, damp, unventilated shoes are the perfect environment for bacterial and fungal growth. Bacteria produce organic acid waste that does smell—and it smells bad. Even with great foot hygiene, bacteria lingers in the shoes leaving them smelly. That means it's important to clean your shoes and boots from time to time to both prevent and remove odors. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Washing machine or sink Spray bottle Materials Baking soda Laundry detergent Laundry sanitizer Distilled white vinegar Cornstarch Phenolic-based disinfecting spray Cotton socks Microfiber cloth Mesh laundry bag Instructions How to Stop Shoes From Smelling Make Odor Absorbers With Baking Soda Mix together a half cup of baking soda and a half cup of cornstarch.Using a funnel or a spoon, pour the mixture into two white cotton socks, evenly divided between the two.Use a twist tie or knot the socks to close them.Place the socks in your shoes and allow them to sit at least overnight, (24 hours is even better).Each month, empty the mixture, wash the socks, and refill them with a fresh mixture. For smelly sandals, place the shoes and baking soda-filled socks in a large sealable plastic bag for 24 hours. Neutralize the Bacteria with Vinegar In a 1:1 ratio, mix distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.Spritz the inside of your shoes with the mixture after every wearing. (Try to avoid spraying the mixture on the outside of the shoes, as the vinegar could cause discoloration on some materials.)Place the shoes in a well-ventilated spot to dry. Add a circulating fan to help speed up the drying process. Wash Your Shoes Most fabric athletic shoes can be washed by hand or in the washer. Check the manufacturer's website for specific instructions. Remove shoelaces and insoles. Use an enzyme-based laundry detergent, a laundry sanitizer to kill bacteria, and cool water. Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag and put them in the washer on the gentle cycle. (You can also wash the shoes by hand in a sink.) Wash the shoelaces and insoles by hand or replace them with new ones. Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing them. While chlorine bleach is an excellent sanitizer, it can damage shoe materials. Choose a laundry sanitizer that uses a phenolic disinfectant (like Lysol Laundry Sanitizer) or pine oil. Follow the product label directions for use. Sanitize Non-Washable Shoes Boots and slippers with shearling linings can't usually be washed in a machine, but you can still kill the bacteria lingering inside. Mix a solution of water and pine oil or phenolic disinfectant following label directions.Dip a microfiber cloth in the mixture and wring until it is just damp.Gently scrub the interior of the shoes.Allow to air dry for at least 24 hours in a well-ventilated space. Use Essential Oils Tea tree, clove, and cedarwood essential oils have antifungal properties to kill spores and help deodorize shoes. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle.Cover the outside of the shoe with an old cloth to protect them from any overspray that could leave stains on some materials.Spray the inside of the shoes.Allow the shoes to dry completely before wearing them again. Take Advantage of the Sun The sun's ultraviolet rays will kill bacteria. This works best if the shoes are washed first but can reduce odor from damp athletic shoes. Open shoes as much as possible.Place in direct sunlight for two to three hours. Direct sunlight can cause color fading to some materials, so keep that in mind before using this method. Use a Disinfecting Spray Carefully spray the inside of the shoes with a phenolic-based disinfecting spray.Do not over-saturate but make sure all of the interior surfaces are wet.Allow the shoes to dry overnight before wearing them. Tips to Keep Shoes From Smelling Practice good foot hygiene. Wash well between your toes and dry your feet thoroughly.Treat athlete's foot with anti-fungal products.Wear socks only once, then wash them.Allow shoes to dry completely between each wearing.If possible, rotate shoes so you are not wearing the same pair every day.Wash insoles frequently or replace them often.Choose breathable shoe materials. Leather and natural fibers are more breathable than synthetics.Wear socks. Any type of socks helps keep less sweat from penetrating the material of the shoes. Choose socks with sweat-wicking fibers instead of cotton to keep feet drier. Choose socks woven with metal fibers, such as silver or copper, to help inhibit bacterial and fungal growth and odor. How to Clean White Canvas Shoes at Home