How to Get Rid of Smelly Shoes: DIY Shoe Powder

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By Olivia Lily

Imagine getting ready to step out in your favorite shoes when you suddenly pull back, taken aback by an overpowering stench. Smelly shoes can put a damper on even the best days. No matter the reason for discharge, moisture from the sweat or general use, which needs to be pointed out, people do not want that smell in their shoes.

But don’t worry! You do not have to surrender your favorite shoes and place them for donations. You can create an all-purpose shoe powder with a few available ingredients by whipping up an effective home remedy. This will not only assist in removing shoe odor but also help prevent the presence of odor in the shoes for a long time.

Let’s look at some techniques used to clean and deodorize those smelly feet and bring back comfort while looking chic.

Read: How to Wash Stinky Flip-Flops and Sandals

How to Get Rid of Smelly Shoes: DIY Shoe Powder

Homemade footwear spray should do the trick against unwanted odors. Applying baking soda would be a good starting point for this creation, as it absorbs offensive smells. You would need half a cup of this and a few ingredients and place them in a container.

Proceed next to adding essential oils of your choice. Lavender tea tree oil smells nice and also fights the bacteria responsible for the stink. Combine these components well until you obtain a fragrant powder.

This mixture can be put into an old sock or a loosely woven cloth. Secure the knot tightly so that no magic can escape the contraption! An overnight application of the powder will deodorize the shoes.

In the morning, take out the pouches, and your shoes will be ready to be worn for another fun-filled day! This temporary solution is made simple so that it can be repeated anytime your feet stink again, and that is pretty much always great news for your feet!

Read: How to Clean Converse Shoes

Stinky Shoes – How to Clean Them

Cleaning stinky shoes: Cleaning stinky shoes can be a nasty experience, but it doesn’t have to be. First, remove the insoles and laces; this is important as it allows you to concentrate on the areas containing bacterial colonies.

Then, half a spray bottle should be filled with water, and the other half should be filled with white vinegar. Now spray the inside of the shoes lightly using this mixture. Vinegar serves two purposes: it acts as a deodorizer and an antimicrobial agent.

It would be even better to allow it to dry for a few hours and even overnight. Fresh air is great for troublesome odors.

For persistent smells, kindly sprinkle some baking soda inside your shoes when they dry. Let it remain overnight, and vacuum it off the next morning. Baking soda is great for odor because it absorbs moisture and food particles.

When washing your shoes, remember to remove the laces as well! Having a quick dip in warm, soapy water will also be helpful.

How to Clean Sneakers: Converse Included

Clean-up of Converse shoes is easier than most people think. The first one is removing the laces along with the insoles. This also prevents any damage to these components, allowing them to be cleaned more thoroughly.

Apply some water with a mild detergent to an old toothbrush or cloth and scrub the shoes gently. Concentrate on scrubbing a bit more on stain areas & scuff marks.

If the dirt does not go away, combine baking soda and vinegar, two potent natural ingredients. Mix equal parts of both and apply them to the areas being affected. Allow it to sit for around 15 minutes, and then syrup with a washcloth.

If washing is necessary, moisten them with the coldest running water possible; however, do not submerge them into the water entirely. Let them dry out on their own; the use of direct heat filaments could distort their shape. Clean laces can be machine-washed or even replaced for that new look!

Read: Everything you Need to Know About Cleaning with Essential Oils!

How To Make Your Crocs Shine

Crocs are easy to clean. First, you can soak them and wash off heavier dirt with warm water if necessary.

For more serious spots, dilute a small amount of soap into a water basin. Take a soft brush or sponge and work on the exterior of your crocs. Look for a grunge that clogs up the grooves, too.

After this, rinse off thoroughly to remove excess soap completely. Never leave any foamy residue, as this can increase pollution later.

If you have smelly Crocs, apply baking soda and leave them overnight. In the morning, remove the extra powder to get odor-free shoes.

Air dries them away from the sun to stop them from bending and colors from fading. It’s that simple, and with this regular practice, your favorite footwear will always look brand new and brightly colored!

How to Clean Flip-Filps

Flip-flops manage to bear a lot of dirt and smell very quickly, often in the warmer months. To avoid that, flip-flops should be rinsed in warm water first to remove any surface-level dirt.

For the next step, pour mild soap or dish detergent into warm water while thoroughly mixing it in. Straps and footbeds should be cleaned using soft brushing or cloth, but be careful not to apply too much pressure. Especially deep grooves, which are prone to dirt accumulation.

If the dirt is too severe or the shoes are off for good, baking soda is a perfect solution. Pour it into the specified areas and add water until it forms a paste. Leave it for about ten minutes, and only then attempt to scrub it off again.

When completed, the flip flops must be rinsed twice, and the last rinse should be followed by leaving them to dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight and perpendicular areas not to skirt the risk of deforming your flip-flops. When worn out, they will stay pristine until your next event.

Read: how to polish leather top siders shoes

How to Make Shoes Smell Good

Shoes that emit a foul odor will annoy any person. The good news is that you can banish odors with the right methods. Regular care and cleaning and home remedies such as DIY shoe powders are the most effective ways to prevent foot odor. If you haven’t met baking soda before, it is time to introduce it! Not only does it draw up moisture, but it also effectively combats any foul smells.

If you have cats in the house or smokers in the family, it is natural that the pet or cigarette smoke may increase and lead to permanent odor. This is where you will need to apply the shoe powder. Mix equal amounts of baking soda and essential oils in a small container to make sufficient shoe powder. Leave a significant amount of this powder inside the shoes overnight to cover any negative scents. There are many methods for applying this procedure, which is effective on a wide range of shoes.

Another key component is the consistent proper care of the shoes. Depending on the type of shoes, wash them every so often to avoid the accumulation of dirt that eventually leads to bad scents. I suggest taking this routine seriously, lest it is too late and the damage has been done.

This is also true for excessive moisture, particularly in damp climates. If it often rains where you live and you are engaged in outdoor activities, it is better to air-dry your shoes after a long day of wearing them. Avoid gathering bacteria in your shoes, and do not forget to clean them regularly to guarantee your shoes always smell fantastic.

These guidelines will help you enjoy more walks without the worry that a bad odor will stalk your footsteps!