10 Ways To Get the Smell Out of Shoes

What should you do if your shoes give off unpleasant odours? To avoid this problem, you need to take daily care of both your shoes and your feet. Try our 10 solutions and your shoes will come out odour-free.

1. Sprinkle with baking soda:

Baking soda, which is deodorising and antibacterial, is perfect for this purpose. Sprinkle a little baking soda into your shoes until it covers the insole. Put your shoes in a bag and leave overnight. The next day, vacuum up the baking soda powder before putting your deodorised shoes back on. Baking soda can also be used on a daily basis. Prepare small sachets of baking soda in advance and place them in your shoes when you put them away.

2. Spray with essential oils:

Some essential oils have deodorising, antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. This is the case with lavender and grapefruit essential oils, both of which have deodorising properties. Lemon and tea-tree essential oils have purifying properties. Add a few drops to a volume of water and spray into your shoes. Leave to dry. Smell, it smells good!

3. Recycle lemon, orange and grapefruit peel:

Citrus peels are rich in essential oils. When you eat an orange, grapefruit or squeeze a lemon, put the peel in your shoes. Put them in a bag and leave them on for at least one night. It’s a natural, anti-waste solution for fruity-scented shoes!

4. Refrigerate your shoes:

It’s a well-known fact. Cold reduces the growth of bacteria and stops bad smells. Protect your shoes in a cover and lock them in the fridge or freezer overnight. The unpleasant odours will have disappeared. Of course, take your shoes out in advance before putting them on.

5. Change your insoles:

What smells worst in shoes? The insoles, of course! That’s where your feet rest and where the perspiration responsible for unpleasant odours is deposited. A simple solution is to change your insoles regularly. For an ecological and economical gesture, choose washable insoles and give them a quick spin when you put them in the washing machine.

6. Alternate shoes:

Change your shoes regularly. So it’s a good idea to have several pairs at your disposal. That way you can play with style and comfort. When you alternate wearing shoes, the others rest in the wardrobe and the bad smells have time to evaporate.

7. Air out your shoes:

When you get home and take off your shoes, put them on the balcony or windowsill. The fresh air dries your shoes quickly and limits the spread of bacteria. Put them back in your cupboard a few hours later.

8. Wear cotton socks:

Always wear cotton socks in your closed shoes. Cotton absorbs perspiration and prevents your feet from overheating. The sock absorbs a large part of your perspiration. Without socks, your shoes will act as absorbers. The result won’t be pretty to look at… or smell!

9. Rub an alum stone on your feet:

Alum stone is a 100% natural mineral. It is astringent and antiseptic. Choose it raw, in its original form, i.e. as a pebble. Run the alum stone under cold water and rub your feet, paying particular attention to the area around the toes. Alum stone acts as a deodorant and anti-perspirant.

10. Take care of your feet:

Since you want to limit unpleasant odours in your shoes, tackle the problem at source. Wash your feet once or twice a day with soap and then dry them thoroughly. Bacteria are responsible for the unpleasant odours on your little feet, which then permeate your shoes when you put on your shoes. So you might as well get rid of those nasty bacteria before you slip on your shoes!