You open the shoe cupboard and get hit by that sour smell that doesn’t go away even after airing it. It can almost always be fixed at home. If you’re wondering how to get rid of smelly shoes, here are the home remedies for foot odour in shoes that really work, how long they take and which ones are best avoided depending on the material.
In this article:
- Why shoes smell
- Cleaning them step by step
- Home remedies: which one to use
- By material: leather, fabric and trainers
- Habits that stop the smell coming back
- Frequently asked questions
Why shoes smell
Your feet have lots of sweat glands and, inside a closed shoe, that sweat has nowhere to go. Sweat itself barely smells: the odour appears when bacteria on the skin break it down in a warm, damp, dark environment. That’s why it gets worse with synthetic shoes, with the shoes you wear every day and with shoes that are put away wet.
How to get rid of smelly shoes step by step
- Take out the insoles and laces. That’s where most of the sweat builds up. Wash them separately in warm water with mild soap, or replace the insoles if they’re worn out.
- Dry the shoes completely. Stuff them with newspaper or kitchen roll and leave them somewhere well ventilated, away from the radiator. If they’ve got wet, follow our guide on how to dry wet shoes without ruining them.
- Add bicarbonate of soda. One or two tablespoons per shoe, spread well around the inside. Leave it overnight and, in the morning, shake the shoe out and remove what’s left with a brush or the vacuum cleaner.
- Wipe the inside. Use a cloth dampened with water and a splash of vinegar, let it air-dry and put the insoles and laces back in.
For a mild smell, doing this once is enough. If your shoes have smelt for months, getting rid of the odour with bicarbonate of soda may take two or three nights in a row.
Home remedies for foot odour in shoes
This table sums up the most common tricks, which shoes they work well on and what to watch out for.
| Remedy | Works well on | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Bicarbonate of soda | Almost all footwear | Removing all the residue |
| Vinegar diluted with water | Fabric and canvas | Test it first on leather shoes |
| Alcohol spray | Trainers and insoles | Avoid on suede and patent leather |
| Dry tea bags | Smart shoes | Only for mild smells |
| Talc or cornflour | Shoes worn without socks | Shake out before wearing |
| Freezer | Nothing in particular | Unreliable results |
The freezer trick gets passed around a lot, but the smell usually comes back as soon as the shoe warms up. You’re better off using that night for the bicarbonate of soda.
By material: leather, fabric and trainers
Leather shoes
Don’t get them wet or put them in the washing machine. Use bicarbonate of soda inside, plenty of airing and, if needed, a barely damp cloth. Afterwards, nourish the leather on the outside with the right cream so it doesn’t crack. This is also the method for getting rid of the smell in work shoes, which are worn for many hours at a time.
How to get rid of the smell in trainers
If they’re fabric or mesh and the label allows it, you can put them in the washing machine: without insoles or laces, inside a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag, on a delicate cycle, cold or at 30 °C, and without a fast spin. Let them air-dry, never in the tumble dryer or next to the radiator: the heat can warp them and make the sole come unstuck.
Espadrilles, suede and other delicate materials
Here, water is the enemy. Stick to bicarbonate of soda or talc, a soft brush and plenty of airing.
How to get rid of smelly shoes for good
Getting rid of the smell once is easy; the hard part is stopping it from coming back. These habits make the difference:
- Alternate pairs. Let each pair rest and dry for at least 24 hours before you wear it again.
- Choose your socks carefully. Cotton or merino wool socks usually breathe better than ordinary synthetic ones. Change them every day, and sooner if you sweat a lot.
- Dry your feet well, between the toes too, before putting your shoes on.
- Let them breathe. A closed shoe cupboard traps damp. When you get home, leave your shoes out for a few hours before putting them away.
- Replace the insoles when they’re flattened or still smell even after washing.
If the foot odour is very strong and doesn’t improve with these changes, or comes with itching, cracked or reddened skin, see your GP or a podiatrist: there may be a cause that needs treatment.
If the smell has spread to the hallway or the wardrobe, these tips on how to make your house smell good will come in handy, and in the Velia Select home section you’ll find more ideas for everyday life at home.
Frequently asked questions
How long should you leave bicarbonate of soda in shoes?
Ideally overnight, around eight hours. If the smell is strong, repeat for two or three nights in a row before trying another remedy.
How do you get rid of smelly shoes quickly?
If you’re in a hurry, spray a little alcohol inside, let it evaporate for a few minutes and sprinkle in some talc or cornflour. It’s a quick fix: to stop the smell coming back, do the full clean afterwards.
How do you get rid of smelly shoes without washing them?
With bicarbonate of soda, dry tea bags or talc, and plenty of airing. It’s the option for leather, suede and espadrilles, which shouldn’t get wet.