3 Super-Easy Ways to Clean Smelly Shoes in a Snap (2024)

Smelly shoes are common, but thanks to these three cleaning methods, it doesn't have to be a permanent issue. With some simple household products and a little time and effort, you can quickly rid your favorite shoes of unwanted smells.

How to Clean Smelly Shoes With Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent cleaning product for everything from carpets to clothes, and it's also a popular method for cleaning smelly shoes.

1. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda directly into your shoes. Leave it overnight, or up to 24 hours. As it sits, the baking soda will neutralize bacteria and absorb any lingering moisture.
2. Mix in a couple drops of your favorite essential oil with the baking soda before adding it to your shoes. This will give the insoles an extra fresh scent.
3. Dump out the baking soda. Feel free to use your freshly cleaned shoes in the morning.

How to Clean Smelly Shoes With White Vinegar

Like baking soda, white vinegar is another natural cleaning agent that can be used in a variety of ways. If you would like to use vinegar to eliminate odors and bacteria in your smelly shoes, you can create a simple DIY cleaning solution with vinegar and water. Leave your shoes smelling extra fresh by adding several drops of your favorite essential oils to the mix.

1. Combine equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Add 12-24 drops of your favorite essential oils. Then screw on the lid and gently shake the bottle mix the ingredients well, if you want to add a scent to your spray.
3. Spray the cleaning solution inside your shoes.
4. Allow the shows to dry fully.
   

How to Clean Smelly Shoes by Hand or Machine Washing

If the baking soda and white vinegar methods for cleaning smelly shoes still leave a lingering scent, you may need to up the ante. Consider washing your shoes by hand, or if you are short on time, throwing your shoes in the washing machine.

Hand-Washing

You can create a powerful cleaning solution for your smelly shoes by combining the natural cleaning agents mentioned above.

1. Mix equal parts baking soda, white vinegar, and water. It should create a paste.
2. Using an old toothbrush, scrub the paste all over your shoes. Cover both the inside and outside. Start with a couple of tablespoons of each.
3. Leave the shoes outside in direct sunlight to dry.
4. Shake or dust off the paste once it's dried. Use a paper towel to wipe out any leftover powder inside your shoe.
   

Machine-Washing Smelly Shoes

If the smelly shoes in question are basic tennis or athletic shoes, you may be able to toss them in the washing machine.

1. Remove the insoles and laces.
2. Place your shoes in a mesh laundry bag.
3. Wash your shoes with a load of towels. Or you can throw them in with a typical load of laundry.
4. Leave the shoes in direct sunlight after they've been washed. Make sure they air dry completely before your next use.

Additional Tips to Keep Shoes Smelling Fresh

There are several tricks you can use to prevent unpleasant smells in your shoes. Here are a few ideas to help you keep your shoes smelling fresh.

• Place a few drops of essential oils in your sneakers now and then.
  
• Always wear socks with sneakers.
• If you have sweaty feet, let your stinky shoes dry in direct sunlight after exercising.
• Create a natural deodorizer for your smelly shoes. Fill a pair of old socks or nylon stockings with some baking soda, knot the ends, and place them inside your shoes between each use.
• If you have the space, put your shoes in a resealable plastic bag and place them in the freezer overnight. This can help kill bacteria and bad odors.
• Allow your shoes to air dry for 24 hours after each use. If you're inclined to pick the same pair of shoes each day, try switching them out every so often so they have time to dry thoroughly.
• Place a dryer sheet in your shoes overnight, then toss it in the trash the next morning.