Remove Shoe Odor for Good

If you have excessive foot odor, it is important to see a doctor as it may indicate a serious issue like athlete’s foot, which is caused by a fungal infection, or hyperhidrosis, a disease that causes excessive sweating of the feet and hands.

Once these conditions have been ruled out or eliminated, you will want to clean your shoes to remove the odor. Don’t throw away those sweaty shoes. Give some home remedies a shot to wipe out any foul odors.

Keep Your Feet Clean

It may seem obvious, but an odor-free shoe starts with an odor-free foot. Feet generally start to smell after they have been perspiring. This sweat can combine with bacteria, and that’s what causes the odor.

Dry, clean feet won’t sweat as much and won’t build up as much bacteria. This will eliminate bad odors. Make sure you are washing your feet every day using soap and hot water. Also, make sure that you are thoroughly drying your feet when you are done. Pay special attention to the skin between the toes.

Give Your Feet a Soak

In addition to keeping your feet thoroughly clean, spoil them once a week with a foot soak. Not only will it ease your tired feet, it will also help to prevent foot odor. Mix warm water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda or 1/2 cup of vinegar. Then, fill your bathtub or basin with the mixture. Let your feet soak for about fifteen to twenty minutes. These soaks make the skin more acidic, which makes them an unpleasant environment for the fungi and bacteria that make feet stink.

Dry Your Shoes

Fungi and bacteria love moist, dark, and warm places, like the insides of your shoes. Thus, you want to clean as much bacteria and fungi as you can from your shoes. The best way to do this is to keep your footwear dry. Do not wear the same shoes for more than two days in a row, because your shoes will likely need a full day to completely dry. If the insoles come out, remove them when you’re drying the shoes. Finally, if your shoes get damp, air them out in the sun or put them in the dryer. Sprinkling talcum powder or cornstarch over your dried toes and feet can also absorb dampness. Before and after wearing your shoes, dust a little of the powder into them as well.

Change Your Socks

Another simple step is to put on new socks if they become damp. This may mean switching socks a couple of times each day. You’ll also want to make sure that you are buying socks made out of natural fabrics like hemp, wool, or cotton as these will encourage air circulation over the feet. These fabrics will also absorb moisture better than socks made out of synthetic fibers.

Disguise the Smell

When all else fails, deodorize your shoes to give them a more pleasant scent. Sprinkle plant leaves (dry or fresh) into shoes as they’re drying out. Herbs like rosemary, lavender, and sage all have strong scents that can hide unpleasant odors. Essential oils are also good for deodorizing your shoes and won’t irritate your skin, like synthetic sprays might. Patchouli or clove can be poured onto a cotton ball and placed onto waxed paper or plastic wrap to stop the oil from coloring your shoes. Keep the balls in your shoes until you wear them again.