How to Deodorize Shoes Effectively

After every run, walk and sport, our feet sweat and make our shoes stink. If your shoes still smell bad when you take them off, it might be time to freshen them up. Use the methods below to deodorize and smell like new shoes.

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Dry your shoes in the sun

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Find a sunny spot outside or place your shoes near a fireplace. Remove the laces and flip the tongue of the shoe up to allow it to dry faster. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Try to dry for 24 hours to make sure the shoes are completely dry.
Keeping your shoe dry will help prevent bacteria from multiplying that cause it to stink.
You can also place your shoes in front of a fan to dry them faster.

Dry shoes with baking soda

Use baking soda if the shoes don’t dry on their own. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda inside the shoe and leave it on for 24 hours. Pour baking soda out of your shoes before you put your feet in clean, dry shoes.

If you want to eliminate unpleasant odors, add 1-2 drops of essential oils to baking soda.

Absorb moisture with newspaper

Roll up a handful of newspaper, then stuff it inside your shoe. Leave overnight for newspaper to absorb moisture, deodorize and help smell good shoes. ^{[2] X Research Source}

If you don’t have newspaper, you can use a torn up paper bag or tissue instead.
For a more effective deodorant, drop a few drops of vanilla essential oil on newspaper before putting it in your shoes.

Cover the smell with scented paper to dry clothes

Roll 2 sheets of scented paper to dry clothes. Stuff each shoe with a piece of scented paper. When you need to put on shoes, take out the scented paper to enjoy the fresh scent in the shoes. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

You can use a clothes dryer to deodorize shoe containers, such as gym bags or gym bags.
If the shoes still smell after 24 hours, change the scented paper and leave it on for another 24 hours.

Use salt to scent your shoes

Sprinkle a thin layer of table salt on each shoe. Leave it on for 24 hours, then shake off the salt before putting your shoes on. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Salt helps absorb moisture and reduce odors naturally.
This tip works best for canvas and mesh shoes, but it won’t work for leather or suede shoes.

Disinfect shoes with rubbing alcohol

Pour a little rubbing alcohol on a few cotton balls. Wipe the inside of the shoe to remove odor-causing bacteria and disinfect the shoe. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

This is also a great way to clean the outside of shoes when lightly soiled.
Cleaning alcohol has a rather strong smell; Remember to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.

Soak shoe insoles in vinegar solution

Mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Place the insoles in a basin or bucket and soak in the vinegar solution for at least 24 hours. Wash again with warm water and let it dry before putting it back in the shoes. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Vinegar has deodorizing properties, so it has a cleaning effect on shoes. However, you will notice the vinegar smell still lingering after the insole has dried. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, this may not be for you.

Washing shoe insoles

Remove the insoles from running shoes or sneakers that are stinking. Put these insoles in the washing machine and wash on a gentle cycle, then take them out to dry before putting them back in your shoes. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

If the insoles still smell after washing, you can buy new insoles at the shoe store.
Try washing the insoles by hand with warm water and dish soap if you don’t want to put them in the washing machine.

Use an antifungal spray or powder

Use an antifungal spray or powder. You can find these products at drugstores or supermarkets to absorb moisture and reduce odors. ^{[8] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Antifungal foot powder is often used to treat tinea pedis. Although tinea pedis is a cause of foot odor and stinky shoes, your shoes can still smell even if you don’t have tinea versicolor.

Use medicinal shoe insoles

Throw out old smelly insoles and replace with new ones that are deodorizing. You can find medicinal shoe insoles at most shoe stores or drugstores. ^{[9] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Cedar insoles work to prevent fungus and bacteria from accumulating in shoes (and smell good too).

Wash shoes in the washing machine

Check the label on the shoe to make sure it’s machine washable. Remove the shoelaces and remove the insoles. Put your shoes in a pillowcase to protect them, then put them in the machine and wash them on a gentle cycle. Air for 24 hours for shoes to dry. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Most canvas and mesh shoes (like sneakers and running shoes) are machine washable. Leather, suede, or rubber shoes may not be machine washable.
Make sure your shoes are completely dry before you put them back on! Shoes will smell worse if you wear wet shoes!
While it sounds reasonable, you shouldn’t dry your shoes in the dryer. Excessive heat can cause shoes to lose shape and shrink.

Advice

Wash and dry your feet daily to limit odor and bacteria. ^{[11] X Research Source}
If your feet sweat a lot, you should change your socks during the day to reduce sweating and odor. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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