How to Get Rid of Shoe Odor: Shoe Deodorant & Quick Hacks

Unpleasant shoe odor can be really embarrassing even if you are relaxing alone at your home. It can be due to several reasons. An interesting fact is that sweat by itself is not "smelly." The smell is caused by bacteria formed on the skin. Fortunately, solving this dilemma does not require any expensive products or complex steps. You simply need a shoe deodorant to deal with all this in an instant. 

What Causes Shoe Odor?

The smell is caused by bacteria, to be very specific. Sweat and improper ventilation create a moist and warm environment for the bacteria to grow. As these bacteria break down the sweat molecules, they release the odor during the process, causing a bad smell to our feet.

Other contributing factors include moisture and warmth that get trapped inside your shoes. For instance, when it comes to workout shoes or boots worn on hot days, bacteria find the shoes to be their breeding ground. If you wear the same shoes every day without letting them dry, moisture accumulates, and therefore, the odor circulates.

Also, materials like synthetic fabric or rubber soles tend to trap more moisture than others. Thus allowing for increased bacterial buildup.

To get rid of the smell, it is essential that you let the moisture dry. However, shoe deodorants can provide quick relief as these deodorants contain antibacterial chemicals. Such measures can help you keep your shoes fresh and odor-free for a long time.

#101 Hacks: Quick Fixes to Get Rid of Shoe Odor

Surely there are several ways to get rid of the shoe odor. All you need to do is keep in mind the root cause: The Bacteria. Treat the bacteria and the problem is solved. 

Shoe Deodorant

This is the easiest and quickest fix for shoe odor. These sprays contain antibacterial chemicals and help neutralize the smell almost instantly. Moreover, if you use them regularly bacterial formation won’t happen in the first place. Many foot deodorant spray come with natural scents that are USDA Organic Certified.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another great natural fixer. It is known for its moisture-absorbing properties. Sprinkle a gentle amount inside your shoe and let it do the work throughout the night. It will absorb the moisture, leaving shoes fresher. 

However, make sure that you do not use excessive amounts and wear after cleaning any excess amount.

Stuffing Shoes with Dryer Sheets

If you are looking for a relatively quick 30-minute hack, you can use dryer sheets. The mechanism is the same as the previous one. They help in moisture absorption. Though it is recommended to use these sheets overnight, even a 30-minute session can make a noticeable difference.

If you like, you can sprinkle a few sprays before stuffing the dryer sheets for better results.

Using Activated Charcoal

It is another natural way to remove shoe odor. Charcoal absorbs moisture and other odor-causing microbes, working on the root cause of the odor. This method is eco-friendly and highly effective.

Many shoe deodorant come with natural odor-removing agents. Made up of vegan ingredients, they offer instant relief to foul smell compared to activated charcoal.

Sun Exposure

Sunlight is an excellent treatment for shoe odor. This method is entirely natural, and periodic exposure to sunlight keeps the shoe fresh and bacteria-free. UV rays present in sunlight help kill bacteria and remove moisture.

Newspaper

Tightly crush a few sheets of newspaper and stuff them into your shoes. The paper absorbs moisture and helps your shoes keep their shape while drying out. Leave it overnight for best results.

The Don’t(s): What Not to Do When Trying to Eliminate Shoe Odor

1. Do Not Just Conceal With Fragrance

Spraying perfume or air freshener directly into your shoes may sound like a quick fix but will likely only mask the smell for a very short period. Even worse, it might end up mixing with the odor and create an even worse smell. So if you prefer using spray, use foot deodorant spray.

2. Don't Expose Them to High Heat

Using a dryer or heater to dry the moisture may sound like another quick fix, but it can damage your shoes. Exposing your shoes to heat may harm their fabric/material, including their adhesives.

3. Keep them in an open space

Do you think putting your shoes in a closed space, such as a closet, will contain the odor? It will even increase the odor. Closed space will further act as a breeding ground for the odor-causing microbes. Instead, keep them in an open space. 

4. Do Not Skip Cleaning the Insoles

Most of us forget that the insoles absorb the most sweat. Leaving these outside during the deodorizing process will be like cleaning around a mess without actually wiping it all up. So make sure that you clean it too!

Preventive Measures: Do not Let Bacteria Generate in the First Place

Odor in shoes can be annoying, but fortunately, many preventive habits are very simple. The most important habit is to keep them clean and dry. Wash your feet and dry them before putting on socks or shoes. Bacteria find dark and moist places conducive for their generation.

Wearing socks made of good material can make a big difference. Sweat-absorbing socks are a good option as they keep your feet dry all day. And regularly change the pair you wear. Fresh socks keep both shoes and feet dry and fresh.

Another simple way to keep shoes fresh is to use common household items against odor. After wearing them, sprinkle herbal shoe deodorant or put a cedar in the shoes at night to absorb moisture and neutralize the odor. These are natural and easy-to-use methods.

Wrap Up

Keeping shoes fresh comes under personal hygiene and should be taken care of regularly. There are great natural ways to remove shoe odor, such as sunlight exposure, but when it comes to quick fixes, foot deodorant spray is the proven and best method.

If you struggle with foul odor and are looking for quick fixes to treat it, try Shoe Deodorizer by Celsius Herbs. They offer sprays that contain natural ingredients like tea tree oil and witch hazel, thus providing proven benefits with an accuracy of up to 98% in treating all kinds of shoe odor with unique Nano-Surfactant technology. Order today & get free delivery in the USA!