As a very active household, we are more than familiar with stinky shoes. If it isn’t my partner’s unwashable climbing shoes causing the stench, it’s my gym trainers. As a result, I’ve developed a knack for removing shoe odor.
Rather than covering the smell with scented sprays, I tackle it at the source using one common household ingredient: Baking soda.
Removing shoe odor with baking soda doesn’t have to be as messy as it sounds, however, with this simple trick to make an entryway smell nice.
Easily remove shoe odor with baking soda
Baking soda neutralizes odors by absorbing them, helping to tackle them at the root, rather than temporarily cover them up.
It is fairly common knowledge by now that cleaning with baking soda, such as the Arm & Hammer 100% Pure Baking Soda, from Target, is one of the best ways to remove bad odors from your home, especially if you prioritize creating a non-toxic home like I do.
However, this super fine powder can end up everywhere when removing shoe odor, and it turns out that vacuuming too much baking soda could shorten the life of your best vacuum cleaner.
That’s why I swear by reusable tea bags, from Amazon, which work out at only 56 cents per bag. Spooning some baking soda into these drawstring bags and tying them off means I can slot the odor-busting bags into shoes with minimal mess, making cleaning and wearing the shoes the next day quick and easy.
I simply refresh the baking soda every few uses to keep the method effective.
The best part of this method is that it contains exactly zero harsh chemicals. And, if you want to add a fragrance to your shoes, you have full control. Simply add a dab or two of your chosen essential oil (you can find essential oil starter sets at Walmart, if you are indecisive) to the bags before slotting them into your shoes.
Of course, how you organize shoes will also play a big part in removing shoe odor. Trapping shoes in contained spaces is likely to make the odor worse by providing the ideal breeding grounds for bacteria. On the other hand, you don’t want to leave your shoes lying around, creating visual clutter in an entryway.
The answer, Shaniece Jones, professional organizer, declutter expert, and founder of ClosetTherapy, suggests, is drop front shoe boxes – specifically the Drop-Front Shoe Boxes from The Container Store, which come with strategically placed ventilation holes.
She adds, ‘The key thing I always check for is the breathability of the shoe boxes; shoes need airflow, especially leather or suede, to prevent discoloration and odor. While I usually have a clear floor policy when organizing closets, a shoe wall built with drop-front boxes is one of the few exceptions I’ll make.’
What to shop
While removing shoe odor with baking soda is my go-to, there are a few other tools you can use to prevent malodors in your shoes and protect your feet.
This handy disinfectant spray is designed for sports equipment, making it safe for use in shoes. It kills 99.9% of bacteria and fungi to neutralize odors and prevent infections.
Febreeze's formulation fights odors, rather than covering them up, to help remove shoe odors for good with regular use.
Designed for spices and loose tea, these drawstring bags are perfect for packing baking soda into for reusable odor eliminators.
Baking soda is a natural odor eliminator and abrasive that helps break down tough deposits without scratching delicate surfaces such as metal and glass. Mixed into a paste with water or use with vinegar for fizzy cleaning. It's safe for use in most areas of your home.
Vinegar is another great natural odor eliminator that also kills mold. To use, spray directly into shoes before leaving them to dry in a sunny spot. Always spot test, especially on delicate fabrics such as suede.
The rear ventilation holes on these shoe storage boxes allow for air to circulate in and out of the shoe organizer. As a result, odors and moisture won't get trapped inside.
Meet the expert
If you’re a self-care aficionado, why not try storing broken bath bombs in shoes to prevent odors and stop creating unnecessary trash at home, too?
