How to Get Rid of Smelly Shoes (Step by Step)

Step 1

Use a coffee filter, some baking soda, and a rubber band to make the ultimate odor eliminator! I’ve heard these referred to as “stinky pinkies,” but you can call them whatever you want. Just add a few tablespoons of baking soda into the center of the coffee filter, and add a couple drops of essential oils for scent (optional). Twist the filter closed and tie it off with a rubber band. Place baking soda sachet in each shoe overnight to absorb the moisture and smell.To make it even quicker and easier, you could also make a simple shoe powder! Add a few drops of essential oils to some baking soda as described above, and then sprinkle the powder into the bottom of the shoes. Let it sit overnight, then dump it out in the morning.

Step 2

Drop a few drops of essential oils onto a couple of cotton balls, place them inside the shoes, and leave them overnight. I suggest using lemon oil, or another clean citrus scent!

Step 3

Place your shoes out in the sun. Moisture is a big problem when it comes to stinky shoes. Leaving them in the sun can dry them out and prevent bacterial growth.

Step 4

You can use your freezer to help remove odor from shoes. Start by placing them in a sealed ziplock bag, then place the bag in your freezer overnight. The freezing temperature will kill the odor-causing bacteria, which will go a long way toward making your shoes smell fresher!

Step 5

Place some lemon peels in your shoes overnight. If moisture isn’t an issue, this will help provide a fresh scent to smelly shoes!

Step 6

Spray the inside of the shoes with rubbing alcohol. This method will help dry out the sources of odor and hopefully allow you full use of the shoes again. Not only is rubbing alcohol an antiseptic, but it also evaporates quite quickly. And when you apply it other sources of moisture, it can cause them to evaporate too!

Step 7

Another way to remove odor from shoes is by placing a bar of soap inside a stinky shoe. The soap is porous, so it will absorb odors and leave behind a fresh, clean scent. This is a great method to try if you already have a couple of spare bars of soap in your cupboard or closet!