Natural Ways to Remove Odours from Shoes

Smelly shoes can really stink up your foyer, mudroom or garage – basically wherever you take them off. If you have kids, you may know shoe odour even better, since their feet tend to play (and sweat!) hard inside their sneakers day after day.

Natural Ways to Remove Odours from Shoes

Fortunately, there are a few natural ways you can remove odours from your shoes. No need for harsh, unsafe chemicals that could damage your shoes with these methods!

Baking Soda

This deodorizer is effective in a number of household tasks, including getting the smell out of your shoes. To alleviate the odour, sprinkle ¼ cup of the powder into each shoe. Shake each shoe so that the insole is properly covered, and leave the baking soda inside overnight.

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If possible, place your shoes on a porch or covered deck. The fresh air can aid in removal of the odours. Use the baking soda once a week to keep your shoes smelling better.

Used Black Teabags

Teabags aren’t just for making your favorite beverage. After you’ve boiled them, you can stick the bags inside your stinky shoes to help combat the odours. Let them cool and mostly dry before you stick them inside, and leave the teabags in for about an hour.

Allow the shoes to dry completely before wearing them, as they bags may leave a few drops of liquid behind. Black tea is effective in killing the bacteria left behind in your shoes that cause the funky smells.

White Vinegar

Vinegar works great in eliminating odour-causing bacteria in shoes. If you are having difficulty removing the stench with other natural methods, be sure to give it a try.

Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Spritz each shoe’s insole – not too much because you don’t want them soaked, but you do want them slightly damp. Allow the shoes to dry thoroughly before wearing them again.

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Essentials Oils

Another natural way to remove odor from shoes is by using an essential oil spray. Fill a small spray bottle with water, adding in two drops of peppermint oil and two drops of thieves oil, shaking the bottle to mix well. Spray the interior of your shoes as needed to fight bacteria and neutralize odours.

Dryer Sheets

If you worry about odours coming from your shoes and you are in a public place where they need to be removed, a quick tip is to insert a dryer sheet between your foot and the insole. Make sure the sheet smoothly inserted to prevent discomfort, and use a new dryer sheet each time you wear your shoes.

BONUS TIP — Wear Socks

Bare feet inside your shoes, especially boots and sneakers, are the worst causes of smelly shoes. While this isn’t so much a removal method, it is a natural way to prevent shoe odor once you’ve battled it with other techniques. Breathable cotton socks are best to keep your shoes dry and bacteria at bay.

You might also like: How to use essential oils to clean your home.

Do you have any smelly shoes that could use a little freshening up?