Removing the Stink from Shoes

If your shoes can be washed, follow the method below. Use caution with sneakers as washing can loosen the glue in the soles.

What You Will Need:

• Washing machine
• Pillow Case
• Detergent
• Bleach (optional)

The Cleaning Process:

1. Remove the shoestrings, and soles (if possible) from your shoes.
2. Place the shoes in the pillow case.
3. Place the pillow case in the washing machine.
4. Run the shoes through a normal cycle using HOT water and plenty of detergent. If your shoes are white, you could also add some bleach.
5. If the odor is very strong, you may want to run them through two complete cycles to get rid of the odor.

What You Will Need:

• Baking Soda
• Vinegar
• Sink (or this can be done outside)

The Cleaning Process:

1. Begin by filling each shoe with approximately 1 cup of baking soda. (Use less for smaller shoes.)
2. Add 1 cup of vinegar to each shoe. This will cause bubbling and fizzing.
3. Let this set and work in your shoes for about 15 minutes.
4. Remove the mixture from the shoes, rinse, and wash following the instructions above for washing if your shoes can be washed.

Use caution with this method as the water and heat can loosen the glue in the soles.

What You Will Need:

• Tea Kettle
• Water
• Bleach
• Sink (or this can be done outside)

The Cleaning Process:

1. Begin by filling the kettle with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Set your shoes in the sink or on a clean surface outside.
3. Fill each shoe with boiling water and add a small amount of bleach.
4. Let this set for a few minutes.
5. When the water has cooled, dump out the water and wash following the instructions above. The bleach will kill the bacteria, thus removing the odor.

Any shoes that are glued rather than sewn should avoid excess water as the glue can become loose. Instead, try these handy tricks.

• Wipe out the interior with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol to kill bacteria. It is bacteria that are causing the odor.
• Bowling shoe disinfectant can also be used to remove odor. Spray liberally and allow to dry completely.
• Lysol disinfectant spray may also be helpful in removing bacteria. Spray inside the shoes and allow to dry.
• There are UV cleaning lights made for shoes that can be very helpful, cleaning deep in places where sprays can’t reach.

There are many odor absorbers you can place in your shoes when you are not wearing them to keep odors under control. Here are a couple you may find useful.

What You Will Need:

• Baking soda
• Salt
• Fabric softener sheets
• Kitty litter
• Coffee grounds

The Cleaning Process:

1. Begin by washing the shoes following the method above.
2. When shoes have dried, keep them fresh by using one of these methods
   1. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of baking soda or salt each day to absorb odors. Dump out the baking soda before wearing.
   2. Place a fabric softener sheet in each shoe at the end of the day. Replace as needed.
   3. Cut off the ends of an old pair of pantyhose (you want toe pieces about 1 foot long). Fill each piece with about ½ cup of kitty litter or coffee grounds and tie off the end. Place in shoes overnight to absorb odor.

Sometimes the problem is smelly feet rather than smelly shoes. If this is the problem, try these methods to minimize foot odor.

What You Will Need:

• Stick Deodorant
• Baking Soda
• Hand Sanitizing Gel
• Tea bags
• Dishpan
• Water

The Cleaning Process:

1. Rub the stick deodorant onto the soles of your feet before putting shoes on.
2. Dust feet with baking soda each morning to absorb odor. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
3. Rub hand sanitizing gel on the soles of your feet before putting shoes on. The alcohol in the gel will kill bacteria and minimize odor.
4. Fill a dishpan half full with hot water and add about 6 teabags. Allow the water to cool and the tea to release into the water.
5. Soak your feet for 15 minutes each night in the tea water.

• If your shoes are damp, you may be able to microwave them for 90 seconds to kill the bacteria.
• Try to alternate between pairs of shoes to give them a chance to dry out and air out in between wearings.