Dealing with smelly gym shoes is common. Sweat mixes with germs. This makes a bad smell. Getting the smell out of gym shoes feels hard. But you can do it. There are ways to clean them. You can use simple things you have at home. You can also use special products. This post will show you how. It will help you end shoe stink. We will look at many shoe odor removal methods. These methods work well. They can make your gym shoes smell fresh again. We will cover the best way to clean stinky sneakers. We will also talk about how to get foot smell out of shoes.
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Why Shoes Get Smelly
Shoes can smell very bad. This happens when you wear them. Especially when you exercise. Your feet sweat inside your shoes. Sweat is mostly water and salt. It does not smell much by itself. But germs live everywhere. They live on your skin. They live inside your shoes. These germs eat the sweat. When they eat, they make waste. This waste smells bad. This smell gets trapped in your shoes. It gets into the fabric. It gets into the foam. It stays there. The more you wear them, the more they smell. Wet shoes smell worse. Drying them slowly makes it worse. Warm, dark, wet places are perfect for germs. Your shoes are that place. This is why you need smelly athletic shoe treatment.
Sweat and Germs Working Together
Think of your shoes like a tiny warm house. It is dark inside. Your feet make it warm. They make it wet with sweat. Germs love this house. They move in. They have a big party. The party food is your sweat. Their party waste is the bad smell. The more germs, the stronger the smell. This is a simple way to grasp what causes the odor.
What Happens Inside the Shoe
The shoe materials soak up sweat. The lining, the insole, the outer part. They all get wet. They hold the sweat. They hold the germs. Over time, the smell builds up. Just airing them out might not be enough. The germs are still there. The smell is deep in the shoe stuff. You need to kill the germs. You need to remove the sweat buildup. This is why you need real shoe odor removal methods.
Quick Fixes for Smelly Shoes
Sometimes you need a fast fix. Your shoes smell bad right now. You need to wear them soon. There are things you can do quickly. These might not fix the smell forever. But they can help for a little while.
Using Shoe Sprays
Shoe odor spray for gym shoes is a quick option. You spray it inside the shoe. Some sprays just cover the smell. They make the shoe smell like something else. This is like using air freshener in a room. It might hide the smell. But the bad smell is still there underneath. Other sprays kill germs. These are better. They attack the cause of the smell. Look for sprays that say they kill germs or bacteria.
How to Use Spray
- Take out the insoles if you can.
- Spray inside the shoe. Spray the toe area. Spray the heel area. Spray the sides.
- Spray the insoles too.
- Let the shoes dry completely. Follow the spray can’s directions.
- Put the insoles back in.
Using a shoe odor spray for gym shoes is easy. It is fast. It helps a bit. But for a long-term fix, you need more.
Quick Airing Out
After you wear your shoes, take them off right away. Do not leave them in your gym bag. Do not leave them in a closet. Take them out. Put them where air can get to them. Open them up wide. Pull the tongue forward. This helps them dry faster. If you can put them in a sunny spot, even better. Sun can help kill some germs. But too much hot sun can damage some shoe materials. Be careful. Airing them out helps some moisture leave. Less moisture means fewer happy germs. This is a simple step for how to prevent smelly shoes a little bit.
Deep Cleaning: Washing Your Shoes
Washing your gym shoes can help a lot. It removes dirt. It removes sweat. It washes away many of the germs. Washing is a key part of smelly athletic shoe treatment. You can wash them by hand. You can wash them in a machine. Always check your shoe’s tag first. Some shoes should not be washed in a machine.
Prepping the Shoes Before Washing
Get your shoes ready before you wash them.
1. Take out the laces. You can wash these separately. Or throw them away and get new ones.
2. Take out the insoles. These often hold a lot of smell. You should wash them separately. Or replace them entirely.
3. Brush off loose dirt. Use an old toothbrush or a soft brush. Get dirt off the bottom and sides. This keeps your washing machine cleaner.
Machine Washing Steps
Washing gym shoes for odor in a machine is simple. But you need to be careful.
1. Put shoes in a mesh laundry bag. This protects them. It protects your machine.
2. Put the laces and insoles in small mesh bags too. Or wash them by hand.
3. Add a few towels to the machine. This helps balance the load. It stops the shoes from banging around too much. Use old towels. The shoes might make them dirty.
4. Use cold water. Hot water can damage the shoe glue. It can make colors run.
5. Use a small amount of laundry soap. Too much soap is hard to rinse out.
6. Use a gentle wash cycle. The shoes can be rough on the machine. A gentle cycle is kinder.
7. DO NOT use the dryer. Heat is bad for shoe materials. It can shrink them. It can melt glue. It can damage plastic parts.
Machine washing is effective for shoe odor removal methods. But drying them right after is super important.
Hand Washing Steps
Hand washing is gentler than machine washing. It might be better for delicate shoes.
1. Fill a sink or bucket with cool water.
2. Add a little bit of laundry soap. Or use dish soap. Dish soap is good at cutting grease and smells.
3. Put the shoes in the water. Push them down. Make sure they get soaked inside and out.
4. Use a brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub inside and out. Scrub the insoles too. Scrub the laces.
5. Really work on the areas that smell most. The toe box and the heel cup often hold a lot of smell.
6. Rinse the shoes very well. Press water out. Fill with clean water and press again. Do this many times. You want ALL the soap out. Soap left behind can attract more dirt.
7. Rinse insoles and laces too.
Hand washing lets you focus on smelly areas. It is a good smelly athletic shoe treatment.
Drying Washed Shoes
This is perhaps the most important step after washing. Wet shoes are a perfect home for germs. You must dry them completely and quickly.
1. Shake out extra water.
2. Stuff the shoes with paper towels or newspaper. Newspaper works great. It sucks up water very well. Do not use colored newspaper ink that might transfer. Black and white is best.
3. Change the paper every few hours. When the paper feels damp, take it out. Put dry paper in. Keep doing this until the shoes are dry. This can take a day or two.
4. Put the shoes in a place with good air flow. Near a fan is great. Do not put them in a closed closet.
5. Do not put them near a heater. Direct heat can damage them. Let them air dry naturally with help from air flow and the paper.
Proper drying after washing gym shoes for odor is key. If they don’t dry fully, the smell will come right back.
Trying DIY Shoe Deodorizer Ideas
You can make your own shoe deodorizer. Many things you have at home can help. These are often natural remedies for shoe odor. They can be very effective shoe odor removal methods.
Using Baking Soda for Shoe Smell
Baking soda is famous for removing smells. It works on shoe smell too. Baking soda sucks up bad smells. It does not just cover them.
How to Use Baking Soda
- Put plain baking soda inside the shoes. Sprinkle a lot. Get it into the toe area. Get it into the heel area. Coat the bottom.
- You can put baking soda inside old socks or cloth bags. Tie them shut. Put one in each shoe. This keeps the baking soda neat.
- Leave the baking soda in the shoes for a long time. At least overnight. A full day or two is even better.
- After waiting, dump the baking soda out. You can use a vacuum cleaner hose to get it all out.
Using baking soda for shoe smell is simple and cheap. It pulls the smell right out of the shoe material. This is a popular diy shoe deodorizer.
Vinegar Power
Vinegar is acidic. This acid can kill the germs that cause shoe smell. White vinegar works best. It’s cheap and strong.
How to Use Vinegar
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. For example, half a cup of vinegar and half a cup of water.
- You can spray this mix inside the shoes. Use a spray bottle. Make the inside a bit damp. Do not soak them completely.
- Or you can lightly dampen a cloth with the mix. Wipe the inside of the shoes. Make sure to get the insoles.
- Let the shoes air dry completely. The vinegar smell will go away as it dries. It might smell like vinegar for a little while. But then the bad shoe smell should be gone too.
- Make sure they dry very well. Dampness brings germs back.
Vinegar is a strong natural remedy for shoe odor. It kills the tiny things making the smell.
Essential Oils for Freshness
Some essential oils smell nice. Some also have properties that fight germs. Tea tree oil is good at killing germs. Lavender oil smells good and can also help.
How to Use Essential Oils
- Mix a few drops (maybe 5-10 drops) of essential oil with water. Put it in a spray bottle. Shake well before each spray.
- Lightly spray the inside of the shoes. Do not make them very wet.
- Or, put a few drops of oil on a cotton ball. Put the cotton ball in each shoe overnight.
- You can add essential oils to baking soda. Mix a few drops into the baking soda before putting it in the shoes. Use maybe 10-20 drops per cup of baking soda. Mix it well.
- Always let the shoes dry fully after using sprays.
Using essential oils adds a nice smell. If you use oils like tea tree, they also help kill germs. This adds another layer to your diy shoe deodorizer efforts. It’s a pleasant natural remedy for shoe odor.
Other Home Items
Other things from your kitchen might help with shoe smell.
* Dry Tea Bags: Put dry, unused tea bags inside the shoes. They can soak up some smell. Leave them overnight.
* Coffee Grounds: Put dry, unused coffee grounds in thin socks or cloth bags. Tie them up. Put one in each shoe. Coffee is good at grabbing smells. Leave them overnight or longer. Dump out carefully as coffee can stain.
* Activated Charcoal: This is like a super-powered version of baking soda or coffee. It sucks up smells very well. You can buy charcoal inserts or bags for shoes. They are reusable. You just put them in the sun sometimes to refresh them.
These are more natural remedies for shoe odor. They work by absorbing the smell.
Best Way to Clean Stinky Sneakers
What is the single best way to clean stinky sneakers? There isn’t one magic bullet. Often, the best approach uses a few methods together.
1. Start with deep cleaning: If they are really smelly, washing is often the best first step. Either machine wash (if safe) or hand wash. This removes the most dirt, sweat, and germs.
2. Dry thoroughly: This is CRUCIAL after washing. Use newspaper and air flow. Do not rush this.
3. Follow with deodorizing: After washing and drying, use a deodorizer. Baking soda is great for pulling out leftover smell. Or use charcoal inserts.
4. Maintain: Once they are clean and smell good, use prevention steps to keep them that way.
Combining washing, proper drying, and a strong deodorizer like baking soda or charcoal is usually the best way to clean stinky sneakers for a deep clean.
Smelly Athletic Shoe Treatment Options
There are many ways to treat smelly athletic shoes. The right one depends on how bad the smell is and how much time you have. Here is a look at different smelly athletic shoe treatment options:
- Quick Fixes: Sprays, airing out. Good for slight smells or temporary help.
- Absorbers: Baking soda, charcoal, coffee, tea bags. Good for pulling smell out of dry shoes.
- Killers: Vinegar, some sprays, washing with soap. Good for killing the germs causing the smell.
- Washing: Machine or hand wash. Best for removing buildup of sweat and dirt, and killing germs.
- Freezing: Some people suggest freezing shoes. The idea is the cold kills germs. Put shoes in a plastic bag first. However, this does not remove the smell-causing waste. And germs can come back when the shoes warm up. It is not a strong, long-term solution compared to washing or using baking soda.
Choosing the right smelly athletic shoe treatment depends on the problem. For a big problem, you need strong steps. For a small problem, a simple step might be enough.
Natural Remedies for Shoe Odor
Many home items are natural remedies for shoe odor. They offer shoe odor removal methods without harsh chemicals.
* Baking Soda: Absorbs smells.
* Vinegar: Kills germs.
* Essential Oils (like tea tree): Kill germs, add scent.
* Dry Tea Bags: Absorb some smell.
* Coffee Grounds: Absorb smells.
* Activated Charcoal: Strong smell absorber.
These natural methods are often safe and cheap. They work well for how to get foot smell out of shoes by cleaning the shoe itself.
Shoe Odor Removal Methods: A Quick Look
Here is a quick look at some shoe odor removal methods:
| Method | How it Works | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washing | Removes dirt, kills germs | Deep cleaning, very bad smells | Very effective total clean | Takes time, requires drying, might not be good for all shoes |
| Baking Soda | Absorbs smell | Dry shoes, pulling out smell | Cheap, easy, very effective absorber | Needs time, messy to remove |
| Vinegar Spray | Kills germs | Attacking germ source | Cheap, kills germs | Smells like vinegar at first, needs drying |
| Shoe Spray | Kills germs or covers smell | Quick fix, maintenance | Fast, easy to use | Can just cover smell, might not be long-lasting |
| Activated Charcoal | Absorbs smell strongly | Long-term absorption | Reusable, very effective | Costs money to buy |
| Essential Oils | Kills some germs, adds scent | Adding freshness, light odors | Smells good, natural | Need to be careful with quantity, might not kill all germs |
| Airing Out | Helps shoes dry | Prevention, light moisture | Free, easy | Doesn’t remove deep smell or kill many germs |
This table helps compare different shoe odor removal methods.
How to Get Foot Smell Out of Shoes
Sometimes the problem starts with the feet. Your feet have sweat glands. They can get sweaty. They also have lots of germs. These germs are different from the ones causing athlete’s foot (a fungus). These are the regular germs living on your skin. They make waste when they eat sweat. This waste is what smells bad. It rubs off your feet into the shoes. So, how to get foot smell out of shoes involves treating the shoes AND caring for your feet.
Foot Hygiene Tips
Taking care of your feet helps reduce the smell that gets into shoes.
1. Wash your feet daily. Use soap and water. Wash between your toes well.
2. Dry your feet completely. Make sure the skin between your toes is dry. Damp skin here is a perfect spot for germs and fungus.
3. Wear clean socks every day. Do not re-wear socks.
4. You can use foot powder on your feet. This helps keep them dry. Less sweat means less food for germs.
5. Some people use antiperspirant on their feet. This is like the stuff you use under your arms. It helps reduce how much your feet sweat. Use one made for feet or check with a doctor.
Good foot care is the first step in how to get foot smell out of shoes. It stops some of the smell from getting into the shoe in the first place.
Sock Choices Matter
The kind of socks you wear makes a difference.
* Cotton socks: These soak up sweat. But they hold onto the wetness. They stay damp for a long time. This is bad. Damp socks make shoes damp. Damp shoes get smelly.
* Synthetic socks: Socks made from materials like polyester, nylon, or special blends often wick sweat away from your skin. They help your feet stay drier. Dry feet mean less sweat in the shoe.
* Wool socks: Even thin wool socks (like Merino wool) can be great. Wool helps control temperature. It also wicks away moisture. And wool naturally resists odor.
Wearing the right socks helps manage foot sweat. This reduces the amount of smell that goes into your shoes. It is a simple way how to prevent smelly shoes.
How to Prevent Smelly Shoes
Stopping the smell before it starts is the best plan. Prevention is key. If you can keep your shoes dry and limit germs, they will not smell bad. These steps are how to prevent smelly shoes.
Drying Between Wears
This is the most important rule. NEVER wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.
* After you wear your gym shoes, take them off.
* Take out the insoles. Let them air out separately.
* Leave the shoes open to air out. Put them in a place with good air flow. Near an open window or a fan.
* Let them dry for at least 24 hours. This gives moisture a chance to leave.
Wearing different shoes each day lets one pair dry out completely. This stops germs from growing fast. This simple habit is powerful for how to prevent smelly shoes.
Using Inserts
Putting things inside your shoes when you are not wearing them can help prevent smell.
* Cedar wood inserts: Cedar wood smells nice. It also helps absorb moisture. You can get shoe trees made of cedar. Put them in your shoes after wearing.
* Deodorizing balls or pouches: You can buy small balls or pouches filled with deodorizing stuff. Put them in the shoes after wearing. Some have nice scents, some use activated charcoal.
* Homemade pouches: Fill small cloth bags or socks with baking soda, coffee grounds, or dry tea bags. Tie them shut. Put one in each shoe when not wearing them. These act as a continuous diy shoe deodorizer and help soak up moisture and smell.
Using inserts helps keep the shoes dry. They also absorb small smells before they get big. This is a great way how to prevent smelly shoes.
Rotating Shoes
Wearing different pairs of shoes helps them last longer. It also helps prevent smell.
* Have at least two pairs of gym shoes. Wear one pair today. Let it dry out tomorrow. Wear the other pair tomorrow.
* This gives each pair a full 24 hours or more to dry. This drying time kills most of the germs that cause smell.
Rotating your shoes is a simple habit. It costs nothing extra if you already have more than one pair. It is very effective for how to prevent smelly shoes.
Putting It All Together
Ending gym shoe stink for good needs a few steps.
1. Clean smelly shoes: Use washing (machine or hand) for a deep clean. Dry them fully using paper and air.
2. Deodorize: Use baking soda or charcoal to pull out leftover smells. Vinegar can kill germs.
3. Care for your feet: Wash and dry feet well. Wear clean, wicking socks.
4. Prevent future smell: Rotate shoes, always air them out, use drying/deodorizing inserts.
By combining these methods, you can get the smell out of gym shoes for good. It takes some effort at first. But preventing the smell later is much easier. This comprehensive smelly athletic shoe treatment plan works. It uses effective shoe odor removal methods. It includes easy diy shoe deodorizer ideas. It shows you how to get foot smell out of shoes from the source. And most importantly, it focuses on how to prevent smelly shoes in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about smelly shoes.
How often should I clean my gym shoes?
It depends how much you wear them. If you wear them often and they get sweaty, clean them maybe every few months. Or whenever they start to smell. Using prevention steps means you might not need to deep clean as often.
Can I put my insoles in the washing machine?
Check the insole material. Foam insoles might break down in a machine. Some can be machine washed on a gentle cycle in a bag. Hand washing is often safer. Or just replace them. Replacing insoles is a fast way to reduce smell, as they hold a lot of it.
Is it okay to use fabric softener when washing shoes?
It’s best not to. Fabric softener can leave a film. This film can attract dirt. It can also make it harder for the shoe materials to breathe later. Just use regular laundry soap.
Will freezing my shoes really kill the smell?
Freezing can kill some germs because it is very cold. But it does not remove the sweat or the waste the germs left behind. The smell often comes back when the shoes warm up. Washing and drying is much more effective. Baking soda is better at removing the smell itself.
How long does it take for shoes to dry after washing?
It can take 24 to 48 hours. Maybe even longer. It depends on how wet they got, what they are made of, and how good the air flow is where they are drying. Using paper towels or newspaper inside helps speed this up a lot. Changing the paper is key.
Do new shoe inserts help with smell?
Yes, very much. Insoles soak up a lot of sweat and hold many germs. Putting in fresh insoles can make a big difference in how your shoes smell. You can buy insoles made to fight odor. They might have charcoal or other stuff in them.
Can I use rubbing alcohol for shoe smell?
Yes, rubbing alcohol can kill germs. You can mix it with water (half alcohol, half water) and lightly spray inside the shoes. Let it dry completely. Be careful, alcohol can sometimes affect colors or materials. Test a small hidden spot first. It is another way to kill germs, similar to vinegar or some sprays.
Using these methods and tips can help you tackle smelly gym shoes. Keep them clean, keep them dry, and stop the stink for good.