Vinegar and Baking Soda
One of the most common and effective ways to get rid of odor from shoes is to use vinegar and baking soda. To do this, mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda together and then sprinkle it inside the shoes. Let it sit for a few hours before removing it. The mixture will help to absorb and neutralize the odor. If you have a particularly smelly shoe, you can also sprinkle some of the mixture directly on the outside of the shoe.
Freezing
Another method for getting rid of odor from shoes is to freeze them. Place the shoes in a plastic bag and then put them in the freezer for a few hours. The cold temperature will help to kill any bacteria or fungi that may be causing the smell. After a few hours, take the shoes out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature until they have thawed out.
Sunlight
Another great way to get rid of odor from shoes is to expose them to sunlight. Place the shoes in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill or balcony, and let them sit for a few hours. The ultraviolet rays from the sunlight will help to kill any bacteria or fungi that may be causing the smell. You can also use a UV light to help kill the bacteria, if you don’t have access to sunlight.
Drying Out
If your shoes are wet from rain, sweat, or any other source, it is important to let them dry out completely before wearing them again. This will help to reduce the growth of bacteria and prevent bad odors from forming. To do this, remove the laces and insoles from the shoes and place them in a well-ventilated area. Let them sit for a few hours until they are completely dry.
Shoe Deodorizers
Shoe deodorizers are also an effective way to get rid of odor from shoes. You can buy shoe deodorizers at most shoe stores or online. These deodorizers are usually in the form of sprays, powders, or gels. Spray the deodorizer directly on the inside of the shoe and let it sit for a few hours before removing it. This will help to neutralize the odor and prevent it from coming back.
Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are a great way to get rid of odor from shoes. Place a few dryer sheets inside the shoe and let them sit for a few hours. The dryer sheets will help to absorb any moisture, which in turn will help to reduce the odor. This is a great option for shoes that cannot be exposed to sunlight or freezing temperatures.
Talcum Powder
Talcum powder is another effective way to get rid of odor from shoes. Sprinkle some talcum powder inside the shoe and let it sit for a few hours. The talcum powder will help to absorb any moisture, which in turn will help to reduce the odor. This is a good option for shoes that cannot be exposed to sunlight or freezing temperatures.
Soap and Water
If the odor from your shoes is really strong, you can also use soap and water to get rid of it. To do this, mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with some warm water and then scrub the inside of the shoe with it. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out and then letting it dry completely. This will help to kill any bacteria or fungi that may be causing the smell.
Essential Oils
Essential oils such as tea tree oil and lavender oil are also great for getting rid of odor from shoes. Simply add a few drops of the essential oil to a cotton ball and then place it inside the shoe. Let it sit for a few hours before removing it. The essential oil will help to neutralize the odor and make your shoes smell fresh again.
Conclusion
Getting rid of odor from shoes can be a difficult task. However, there are a few methods that can be used to help get rid of the smell. Vinegar and baking soda, freezing, sunlight, drying out, shoe deodorizers, dryer sheets, talcum powder, soap and water, and essential oils can all be used to help get rid of odor from shoes. With a bit of patience and trial and error, you should be able to find the method that works best for you.