It’s quite normal for your favorite pair of shoes to smell after repeated usage. Due to sweat and grime, sneakers tend to take on a foul smell over time, especially if you’re someone who often forgoes socks. If you’ve been stuck with a stinky pair of shoes for a while now, have a look at these five great tips on how to make your sneakers squeaky clean and free of stink!
Use Baking Soda to Neutralize Odors
Sharon Garcia, a professional cleaner and Fabuloso brand cleaning expert, has a simple remedy. Before you go to bed, put some baking soda inside your shoes, and let it work its magic overnight.
In the morning, simply shake the shoes out or vacuum them. Baking soda, a household staple, excels at absorbing odors. To make sure it works, use about half a cup of baking soda for each shoe.
Freshen Up With Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are not limited to laundry. While they may not entirely eliminate odors like baking soda does, they leave a pleasant scent in your shoes, as pointed out by Garcia. The fibers in these sheets are great agents for absorbing some of the lingering smell.
It is possible that the trick might not eliminate the unwanted odors completely, but it can give your shoes a boost of freshness. Try placing at least two dryer sheets in each pair and let them remain overnight. In the morning take the dryer sheets out and wear your sneakers without worrying about bad smells!
Use Essential Oils for a Pleasant Scent
Essential oils work great for many things, but did you know that they can also help eliminate odor from your sneakers? Garcia suggests soaking a few cotton balls in your preferred essential oil or a scented cleaning spray and leaving them inside your shoes at least a few hours.
Some individuals even vouch for inserting tea bags into their shoes, as these bags are both absorbent and fragrant. Additionally, tea bags can be used to enjoy a relaxing black tea foot soak that effectively combats foot odor.
Try a Vinegar Soak for Sneakers
Sneakers, particularly those used for strenuous activities like running or sports, can develop especially bad smells. Sharon Garcia recommends a vinegar soak for these cases, although she advises against using this method for leather or suede shoes.
Garcia advises soaking your sneakers in a vinegar and water mixture. Afterward, make sure to wash them thoroughly, and the smell will be effectively removed!