How to Get Rid of Shoe Odors Right Away

To get rid of shoe odor, you have to kill the odor-causing bacteria and keep shoes dry — not just mask the smell. The fastest fixes: dab the insides with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol and let them dry completely, or sprinkle in baking soda overnight and shake it out in the morning. For prevention, rotate your shoes so they dry between wears, wear absorbent socks, and keep your feet clean. Here are all the methods, from quick deodorizing to stopping the smell at its source.

What causes shoe odor?

The soles of your feet are among the most sweat-gland-dense areas of the body — part of the body’s 2 to 4 million sweat glands. When that sweat gets trapped in your shoes, the damp interior becomes a perfect home for the bacteria that cause odor. (Unusually sweaty feet, called plantar hyperhidrosis, is medically treatable.) Not letting shoes dry out between wears is what lets the smell set in.

Supplies you’ll need

The key is products that actually neutralize odor and kill bacteria — many expensive “odor eliminators” only mask the smell, so it returns. (Use one product at a time; never mix a disinfectant spray with other cleaners.)

How to get rid of shoe smell

With vinegar or rubbing alcohol

Both vinegar and rubbing alcohol neutralize odor and kill bacteria.

Step 1: Get a clean microfiber cloth or piece of newspaper.
Step 2: Dampen it with vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
Step 3: Dab the insides of the shoes, re-dampening as you go.
Step 4: Let the shoes dry completely before wearing.

The video below shows the alcohol method.

With baking soda

Step 1: Sprinkle baking soda over the footbeds and leave overnight.
Step 2: In the morning, shake it out over a trash can.
Step 3: Wipe out any residue with a cloth or tissue. (Skip this method if you’ll go barefoot in the shoes and have sensitive skin — brush out all residue.)

With a shoe heater/dryer

Heat kills bacteria and drives out the moisture they need.

Step 1: For washable shoes, launder them first (in a mesh bag) to jump-start odor removal.
Step 2: Turn on the shoe dryer and load the shoes per the instructions.
Step 3: Run until completely dry.
Step 4: If they still smell, follow up with another method.

More ways to reduce shoe odor

• Tea bags: tuck dry bags inside to absorb moisture (cheap supermarket tea is fine).
• Activated charcoal: mesh bags or charcoal shoe liners absorb odor — follow the product instructions.
• Sunlight: a few hours in direct sun helps dry shoes and the UV can reduce bacteria.
• DIY charcoal sachets: spoon activated charcoal into a coffee filter and tie it off.
• Disinfectant spray: use Lysol the same way as vinegar or alcohol.
• Listerine: its antibacterial formula works dabbed on with a cloth, like the vinegar method.
• Essential oils: a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil mixed into baking soda freshens the scent (keep oil-treated shoes away from pets, as many oils are toxic to cats and dogs).

How to stop your feet from causing the smell

Deodorizing is only a temporary fix if the source is your feet:

• Treat underlying issues — plantar hyperhidrosis may need a doctor; athlete’s foot usually clears with an over-the-counter antifungal cream.
• Wash your feet at least once a day.
• Favor breathable shoes (natural fibers over synthetics).
• Wear absorbent, natural-fiber socks.
• Rotate your shoes so each pair dries fully between wears.

How to deodorize shoes quickly

• Wash washable shoes weekly and dry them with a shoe dryer.
• Shake baking soda into them when you get home; they’re ready by morning.
• Spray with a disinfectant, let it sit ~10 minutes, then dry with a shoe dryer for the fastest result.

FAQ

Conclusion

Stinky shoes are fixable — no need to toss your favorites. Kill the bacteria with vinegar, alcohol, or a disinfectant, dry the shoes fully, and prevent it returning by rotating pairs, wearing absorbent socks, and keeping your feet clean.