15+ super easy and effective ways to deodorize shoes in 30 seconds

Shoes are indispensable items but easily retain unpleasant odors due to sweat and bacteria accumulation. Shoe odor not only causes loss of confidence but also affects health. So how to quickly and effectively remove shoe odor. Don't worry, the article below Shondo Blog will introduce you to extremely easy ways to remove shoe odor , eliminating odors in just 30 seconds!

1. Causes of shoe odor

• Foot sweat: Sweat is an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. When wearing shoes, especially sports shoes, and exercising a lot, the feet sweat more, creating moisture inside the shoes, creating conditions for bacteria to grow strongly and cause odor.
• Bacteria, mold: The damp, dark environment inside shoes is a favorite "home" for bacteria and mold. They decompose sweat and dead skin cells, creating compounds with unpleasant odors.
• Improper shoe cleaning: Not cleaning shoes regularly or drying shoes improperly causes sweat and dirt to accumulate, creating conditions for bacteria and mold to grow, causing bad odors.
• Shoe material: Each type of shoe material has a different ability to absorb sweat. Leather and fabric shoes usually absorb sweat better than plastic shoes, so they are more susceptible to getting wet and smelly if not cleaned regularly.

[caption id="attachment_4552" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Improper shoe cleaning is the cause of shoe odor[/caption]

2. How to effectively deodorize shoes at home

2.1. How to deodorize shoes with Baking soda

Baking soda is not only a great helper in the kitchen but also a nemesis of stubborn shoe odors. The method is extremely simple, you just need to sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of baking soda on each side of the shoe, shake gently to spread the powder evenly across the sole of the shoe and leave it overnight. The next morning, pour out the excess powder and you can confidently wear your shoes without worrying about unpleasant odors. Try this little tip right away and feel the surprising effect!

[caption id="attachment_4553" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Baking soda is an effective ingredient to deodorize shoes[/caption]

2.2. Sun exposure

Sunlight is a natural disinfectant, effectively killing bacteria that cause shoe odor. You just need to dry your shoes in mild sunlight, in a well-ventilated place for about 10-15 minutes. Note, avoid drying shoes directly under strong sunlight to avoid fading and deformation of the shoes.

[caption id="attachment_4568" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Dry your sneakers in a cool place with moderate sunlight to remove unpleasant odors from your shoes[/caption]

2.3. Tea bags

Don't throw away the tea bags after making tea, because this is an effective secret to deodorizing shoes that few people expect. You just need to dry the used tea bags, then put them in the shoes and leave them overnight. The tannin in the tea will help absorb moisture, deodorize, and return a clean, airy space to your shoes. This little tip can be applied to both sports shoes and leather shoes.

[caption id="attachment_4569" align="aligncenter" width="800"] How to deodorize shoes with tea bags[/caption]

2.4. How to deodorize shoes with fresh lemon

Lemon is not only a familiar ingredient in the kitchen but also a savior for shoes with unpleasant odors. You just need to use 1/2 lemon to squeeze the juice, soak it evenly on a piece of newspaper and leave it in the shoes overnight. The fresh lemon scent will eliminate the odor, giving you confidence with every step.

[caption id="attachment_4570" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The fresh lemon scent will remove unpleasant odors from shoes[/caption]

2.5. White vinegar

White vinegar is a natural ingredient that can effectively deodorize. You can dilute white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio, use cotton to absorb the white vinegar solution and wipe the inside of the shoe. Let the shoe dry naturally in a cool place. You should dilute white vinegar before use to avoid damaging the shoe.

[caption id="attachment_4554" align="aligncenter" width="800"] White vinegar is a natural ingredient that has the ability to effectively deodorize[/caption]

2.6. Alcohol

Keeping your shoes clean and fresh is easy with alcohol! Being a volatile liquid, alcohol will quickly eliminate unpleasant odors. Just soak a cotton ball in some alcohol, wipe it all over your shoes and leave it overnight. The next morning, your shoes will smell like new!

[caption id="attachment_4571" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Keeping your shoes clean and fresh is simple with alcohol[/caption]

2.7. Tips to deodorize shoes with coffee grounds

Don't throw away the coffee grounds after brewing, keep them and turn them into an extremely effective deodorant for shoes. The secret is that you need to dry the coffee grounds before putting them in your shoes. You can put the coffee grounds in the freezer to dry them faster.

Then, sprinkle coffee grounds evenly into the shoes, leave for a few hours or overnight, then pour them out. You will be surprised by the shoe odor disappearing, replaced by the gentle, pleasant aroma of coffee.

[caption id="attachment_4572" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Sprinkle coffee grounds evenly into shoes to remove unpleasant odors.

2.8. Alum

Alum, with its antiseptic and antibacterial properties widely used in medicine, is also an effective choice. You can crush alum in a mortar and pestle, then boil it over low heat until it turns into powder. Finally, sprinkle alum powder into your shoes, similar to the way you use baking soda, to effectively deodorize.

[caption id="attachment_4555" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Alum has antiseptic properties so it is also a useful ingredient in removing bad odors from shoes.

2.9. Salt

Salt is a natural moisture absorber, easy to find and easy to use. Just put a little salt in a small cloth bag or tissue paper, then put it in your shoes. Leave it overnight (about 8-10 hours), the salt will absorb all the moisture, return the space to a dry and airy space, and at the same time eliminate the unpleasant odor of your shoes.

[caption id="attachment_4556" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Put salt in a small bag and put it in your shoes to get rid of bad odors.

2.10. Essential oils

Lavender, with its mild, pleasant fragrance, is widely used in many chemical products. Therefore, lavender essential oil has also proven effective in deodorizing shoes. Just drop 1-2 drops of essential oil into your shoes, you will be surprised by the results.

[caption id="attachment_4557" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Essential oils not only scent your body but also your shoes[/caption]

2.11. Scented paper

Moisture-proof bags are a small but powerful solution to effectively protect shoes from mold and odor. You can easily find moisture-proof bags with many natural scents on the market. After cleaning the shoes, place a moisture-proof bag in each shoe. You should change the moisture-proof bags regularly for optimal deodorizing effect.

[caption id="attachment_4558" align="aligncenter" width="800"] To get rid of shoe odor, put dryer sheets in each shoe[/caption]

2.12. How to treat smelly shoes with soap

Bar soap is also an effective "secret" to get rid of shoe odor. You just need to put a bar of soap inside each shoe, the mild scent of the soap will absorb the unpleasant odor, while leaving the shoes with a fresh scent.

[caption id="attachment_4559" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Bar soap both gives fragrance and removes odor from shoes[/caption]

2.13. Cat litter

To effectively deodorize shoes, you can use unused cat and dog litter. Put a small amount of litter in a small cloth bag, place it in the shoe and leave it overnight. The next morning, you will be surprised by the amazing odor removal effect.

[caption id="attachment_4560" align="aligncenter" width="800"] To effectively deodorize shoes, you can use cat and dog litter[/caption]

2.14. Shoe deodorizer spray

Deodorant sprays are one of the popular solutions to eliminate shoe odor. However, to achieve optimal results, you need to choose the right spray for each type of shoe, such as men's sneakers, women's sneakers, ballet flats, etc.

[caption id="attachment_4561" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Specialized spray bottle to remove unpleasant odors in shoes extremely effectively[/caption]

2.15. Shoe deodorizer

Shoe deodorizers are a compact, long-lasting option. However, they are often more expensive than other methods and their effectiveness depends on the quality of the product.

[caption id="attachment_4562" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Shoe deodorizer tablets are a compact, long-lasting option[/caption]

2.16. Deodorizing insoles

Deodorizing insoles are a convenient solution, helping to absorb sweat and prevent odor-causing bacteria. However, you need to replace the insoles regularly to ensure effectiveness. Insoles made of activated carbon have good moisture absorption and deodorization properties, safe for health. Insoles made of antibacterial fabric absorb sweat well, are breathable, and are easy to wash. Insoles containing natural essential oils provide a pleasant fragrance and are also effective in deodorizing.

[caption id="attachment_4563" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Deodorizing insoles are a convenient solution, helping to absorb sweat and prevent odor-causing bacteria[/caption]

2.17. Shoe dryer and deodorizer

With limited time, a shoe dryer is the perfect choice. This device not only disinfects and cleans shoes effectively in a short time but also protects your shoes, helping you save valuable time.

[caption id="attachment_4564" align="aligncenter" width="800"] With limited time, a shoe dryer is the perfect choice[/caption] >>>See more: 10+ effective ways to deodorize sandals .

3. Tips to prevent smelly shoes

• Clean shoes regularly: Clean shoes after each use, especially the insoles.
• Talcum powder, desiccant bags: Use talcum powder or desiccant bags to absorb moisture, reduce humidity in shoes, and limit bacteria growth.
• Keep feet clean: Wash feet regularly and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
• Change insoles regularly: Insoles should be changed periodically, at least once every 1-2 weeks.
• Rotate shoes: Don't wear the same pair of shoes for several days. Rotate your shoes to give them time to dry.
• Store shoes properly: Keep shoes in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

[caption id="attachment_4565" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Clean shoes regularly[/caption]

4. Frequently Asked Questions

4.1. What is the best way to deodorize shoes?

Choosing the right method depends on your needs, conditions, and the severity of the odor. If you prioritize safety and economy, natural ingredients such as white vinegar, baking soda, tea leaves, and alum are suitable choices. If you need quick results, specialized products such as deodorizing insoles, shoe deodorizing tablets, and deodorizing sprays will be effective solutions.

4.2. How long does it take to deodorize shoes?

The time it takes to deodorize shoes depends on the method you use and the severity of the odor. With natural methods such as white vinegar, baking soda, tea leaves, alum, the deodorizing time is usually from a few hours to overnight. Specialized products such as deodorizing insoles, shoe deodorizing tablets, and deodorizing sprays usually work quickly, from a few minutes to a few hours.

[caption id="attachment_4566" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The time it takes to deodorize shoes depends on the method you use[/caption]

Deodorizing shoes is a simple but extremely important task to keep your shoes clean and free of unpleasant odors. Apply the above methods to deodorize shoes to confidently wear your favorite sandals! And don't forget to visit Shondo to choose for yourself fashionable, quality sandals at affordable prices!