Ways to Stop Shoe Smell and Keep Your Footwear Fresh

Shoe smell is very common. It happens when sweat stays trapped inside your shoes. The good news? You can fix it easily with a few simple habits and home remedies.

Why Do Shoes Smell?

◉ Your feet sweat
◉ Shoes don’t get enough air
◉ Wearing the same pair every day
◉ Wearing shoes without socks
That’s it. Nothing complicated.

Simple Daily Habits to Keep Shoes Fresh

These small habits make a big difference:
◉ Air your shoes after wearing them
◉ Remove the insoles and let them dry
◉ Do not store shoes in a closed cabinet when they’re still warm or sweaty
◉ Wear clean socks every day
◉ Choose breathable socks if your feet sweat a lot

Quick Home Remedies to Remove Shoe Smell

Here are some simple,quick, and cheap remedies you can do at home.

◉ Baking Soda (Best quick fix)
‣ Sprinkle a little inside your shoes and leave overnight.
‣ Shake out the next day.

◉ Tea Bags
‣ Put 2–3 dry tea bags in each shoe for a few hours.
‣ They absorb moisture and smell.

◉ Newspaper
‣ Stuff tightly inside the shoes.
‣ It pulls out moisture and bad odour.

◉ Vinegar Spray
‣ Mix water + a little vinegar.
‣ Lightly spray inside.
‣ Let it dry fully.

◉ Rubbing Alcohol
‣ Light spray inside the shoe.
‣ Kills bacteria quickly.
Note: Don’t soak your shoes, just a quick spray is enough.

How to Clean Smelly Shoes Properly

If washable:
‣ Remove laces and insoles
‣ Put shoes in a laundry bag
‣ Wash gently
‣ Air dry (never use direct sunlight or a dryer)

If not washable:
‣ Wipe inside with a cloth + mild soap
‣ Air out for a full day

Keep Smell Away for Good

◉ Rotate between two pairs of shoes
◉ Make sure shoes are 100% dry before wearing again
◉ Use foot powder or shoe powder
◉ Choose shoes with mesh or breathable material
◉ Replace old insoles (they absorb sweat over time)

When to Replace Shoes

Sometimes the smell is too deep and won’t go away.
If the shoes smell even after cleaning, or the insoles are damaged, it might be time to replace them.

Quick Recap

Here’s the easy formula:
Keep shoes dry → Let them breathe → Clean regularly → Use simple home fixes
Do this and your shoes will stay fresh, clean, and comfortable without much effort.