We've all had the stinky shoe problem. All of us. From restaurants hosts, to CEOs, to stay-at-home moms, to the funemployed, no one is immune from stinky shoes. However, it's not something you need to resign yourself to live with. There are plenty of options before you have to make the tough choice: is it time to leave those shoes behind? Before you do, try our shoe odor hacks.
Put Your Shoes in the Sun
The sun solves a lot of problems, including the shoe problem. Set them out in the sunshine to solve the odorous issue.
Or Put Your Shoes in the Freezer
On the flip side, you can freeze your shoes into smelling better. Seal them in a plastic bag and let them chill out overnight.
Give Your Shoes a Wash
If your shoes are safe to wash, toss them into your washer to banish funky odors!
Try a Sprinkle of Baking Soda
Baking soda covers a lot of sins, including stinky shoes. Add a hearty sprinkle to the inside of both of your shoes and allow it to absorb those overs overnight. Vacuum up and be on your way.
Or a Few Drops of Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great way to mellow out any stinky shoes. Just add a few drops of your favorite scent, and your stinky shoes are no longer an issue.
Vinegar Can Beat Smells in Your Shoes
Vinegar is an easy way to neutralize odors; you likely already have some on hand. Mix with water in a ratio of 1:4 and give your shoes a light spritz. But, do not mix this method with baking soda unless you want a volcano science experiment inside of your shoe.
Rubbing Alcohol Can Help Smelly Shoes
No vinegar? Give rubbing alcohol a spin. Wipe down with some pre-moistened cloths, or give the inside a gentle spritz.
Slip in Some Charcoal Air Fresheners
Charcoal is an excellent odor absorber. Pop a charcoal air freshener sachet into your shoes, and then keep those odors at bay by storing your shoes with the sachets in them after every use.
Grab a Bottle of Shoe Deodorizer
Few things beat a classic approach: shoe deodorizer! Pick up a bottle from the grocery store or browse online for one that'll do the trick.
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Bar Soap Can Help Stinky Shoes
Artisanal or scented bar soap can pull double duty. Not only does this clean you, but a bar of dry bar soap can clean up those stinky shoe odors. Stuff them in your shoes overnight.
Turn to Your Kitchen and Use Tea Bags
Easy to pack if you're on the road, this shoe deodorizer hack is so simple: toss a few tea bags, any flavor although the more pungent, the better, into your shoes. Don't make tea with these, though.
Sometimes It's Best to Move On From Smelly Shoes
Sometimes there's no saving your shoes. And sometimes a goodbye is the only answer. On the upside, it's time to go shoe shopping!
Solving the Stinky Shoe Problem
Stinky shoe problem? Who? Not you! Armed with these hacks and tips for fixing any stinky shoe, you'll have that pep in your step and pride in your stride in no time.
