20+ ways to remove odor in sports shoes effectively and quickly

Sports shoes are an indispensable companion in daily life, from going to work, going to school to practicing sports. However, sports shoes are often prone to unpleasant odors, causing a loss of confidence and affecting the health of your feet.

Coming to Celidior, you will understand the causes of bad shoe odor, the harmful effects of this problem, and most importantly, learn how to deodorize sports shoes with simple but extremely effective tips. Discover now to keep your shoes fragrant and clean!

Causes of smelly sports shoes

Understanding the causes of bad odor in sneakers will help you find a more effective odor removal solution. Here are some common reasons:

There are many reasons why sports shoes smell bad.

• Foot sweat: When jogging or exercising vigorously, sweat is secreted a lot and accumulates in the shoes, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to grow.
• Bacteria and mold: Moisture in shoes combined with high temperatures is the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow, causing unpleasant odors.
• Not cleaning shoes regularly: Not washing or drying shoes regularly causes dirt, sweat and bacteria to accumulate, causing shoes to quickly smell.
• Non-breathable shoe material: Some types of shoes are made from non-absorbent materials, limiting ventilation, preventing sweat from escaping and causing odor.

The harmful effects of smelly sports shoes

Bad odor in shoes brings many potential harmful effects

The bad smell in sports shoes is not only annoying but also has many potential harmful effects on health and daily life:

• Loss of confidence: The bad smell from shoes can make you feel embarrassed, especially when in crowded places or in closed spaces.
• Causes skin diseases: Bacteria and mold in shoes can easily lead to problems such as athlete's foot, dermatitis or itchy rashes.
• Affects shoe quality: The accumulated bad smell can damage the shoe material, causing the shoe to deteriorate quickly.
• Causes discomfort to people around: The bad smell of shoes can affect people in close contact, creating a bad impression.

20+ effective ways to remove odor in sports shoes

Below are simple but extremely effective ways to help you get rid of bad odors in sports shoes, bringing a feeling of comfort and confidence every time you wear shoes.

1. Deodorize sports shoes with talcum powder

Baby powder is not only for children but also a great “assistant” in eliminating shoe odor. With its excellent moisture absorption ability, baby powder prevents the growth of bacteria – the main cause of unpleasant odors.

Deodorize sports shoes with talcum powder

How to use:

• Sprinkle a thin layer of baby powder inside the shoe, especially the insole.
• Leave it overnight for the powder to take effect, the next morning shake off the powder before wearing the shoes.

Note: Use just enough, avoid leaving too much powder in the shoe, causing discomfort when using.

2. Deodorize sports shoes with vinegar and baking soda

Washing shoes with vinegar and baking soda will help reduce unpleasant odors. This is also a way to wash sports shoes that many people choose because of its effective odor-preventing ability. The ingredients in vinegar help eliminate odor-causing bacteria very well, and also help clean stains on shoes effectively.

Deodorize sneakers with vinegar and baking soda

How to do:

• Mix vinegar and baking soda with water in a 1:1 ratio.
• Use a soft cloth or brush to soak the solution and gently wipe the inside of the shoe.
• Let the shoe dry naturally in a ventilated place.

Note: Do not apply to leather shoes or shoes made of water-absorbent materials.

3. Deodorize sports shoes with specialized shoe spray

If you want a quick fix, shoe freshener spray is the ideal choice. Not only will it freshen your shoes, it also contains antibacterial ingredients to prevent the odor from returning.

Deodorize sports shoes with specialized shoe freshener spray

How to use:

• Shake the spray bottle well, spray directly into the shoe with a sufficient amount.
• Wait about 10-15 minutes for the shoe to dry before wearing.

Note: Choose to buy products from reputable brands to ensure safety for the skin of your feet.

4. Deodorize sports shoes with lemon

Similar to vinegar, you can mix lemon with soap and then wash your shoes. The acid in lemon not only removes stains effectively but also helps to deodorize.

Deodorize sports shoes with lemon

How to do:

• Cut fresh lemon peel, place in the shoe and leave overnight.
• The next morning, remove the peel and dry the shoe if necessary.

Note: Make sure the lemon peel is dry, avoid making the shoe more damp.

5. Deodorize sports shoes with shoe insoles

A simple but effective way is to replace your old insoles with antibacterial or deodorizing ones. New insoles will help absorb sweat better, keep your shoes dry and reduce odor.

Deodorize sports shoes with insoles

How to do:

• Buy antibacterial insoles at shoe stores or supermarkets.
• Replace old insoles with new ones, adjusting them to fit the shoes.

Note: Regularly wash or replace insoles to ensure long-term effectiveness.

6. Dry your shoes in the sun to remove odor from sports shoes

Sunlight is the “nemesis” of bacteria and mold in shoes. Drying shoes in the sun not only helps to deodorize but also dries shoes quickly.

Dry shoes in the sun to remove odor from sports shoes

How to do:

• Place the shoes in a place with direct sunlight, you can put some newspaper inside to absorb moisture faster.
• Dry for 2-3 hours and then put the shoes in a dry place.

Note: Avoid drying for too long because high temperature can damage the shoe material.

7. Deodorize sports shoes with newspaper

Newspaper has excellent moisture absorption properties, making it easy to remove odors. Additionally, newspaper also helps maintain the shape of shoes while drying.

Deodorize sports shoes with newspaper

How to do:

• Crumple the newspaper and stuff it inside the shoe.
• Leave it overnight or at least 6-8 hours for the newspaper to absorb all the moisture.

Note: Choose dry newspaper that is not wet with ink to avoid staining the shoe.

8. Deodorize sports shoes with baking soda

Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb moisture and effectively deodorize. This is a suitable solution for shoes with persistent unpleasant odors.

Deodorize sports shoes with baking soda

How to do:

• Sprinkle about 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda inside the shoe.
• Leave it overnight, the next morning pour out the powder and wipe it clean with a dry cloth.

Note: Do not use baking soda on dark-colored shoes or leather shoes because it can leave white stains.

9. Deodorize sports shoes with tea bags

Dry tea bags are a convenient and eco-friendly option for deodorizing shoes. The tannins in the tea help absorb moisture and provide a natural fragrance.

Deodorize sports shoes with tea bags

How to do:

• Place 2-3 dry tea bags in each shoe.
• Leave overnight or at least 6 hours before removing.

Note: Use completely dry tea bags, avoid using used tea bags as they can easily make the shoes damp.

10. Put shoes in the freezer

Cold temperatures not only kill bacteria but also help prevent odors in shoes. This method is suitable when you need to refresh your shoes quickly.

Putting shoes in the freezer is a way to deodorize.

How to do:

• Put the shoes in a clean plastic bag, tie the bag tightly.
• Put it in the freezer and leave it overnight.
• Take the shoes out and let them dry naturally before wearing.

Note: Make sure the plastic bag is sealed to avoid dirtying the shoes or the refrigerator.

11. Use essential oils to deodorize sports shoes

Essential oil is an extremely convenient and effective deodorizing method thanks to its strong aroma. Not only does it eliminate unpleasant odors, it also helps kill bacteria, helping to clean shoes from the inside. This is a simple method but worth trying, especially if you already have essential oil in the house.

Use essential oils to deodorize sports shoes

How to do it:

• Drop 2-3 drops of essential oils onto a cotton ball or tissue.
• Place this cotton ball or tissue inside the shoe, leave it overnight.
• The next morning, take it out and enjoy the fragrant shoes.

Note: Do not drop essential oils directly onto the shoes, especially fabric or leather shoes, because the oil can stain or affect the material.

12. Use shredded newspaper, tea grounds, or coffee grounds to deodorize

If you are looking for a simple and economical way to do this, shredded newspaper, tea leaves or coffee grounds are the perfect choice. These materials are not only easy to find but also have the ability to absorb moisture and eliminate odors extremely effectively.

Use shredded newspaper, tea grounds, coffee grounds to deodorize

How to do:

• For shredded newspaper, crumple it up and stuff it inside the shoe.
• For tea or coffee grounds, dry them completely, then wrap them in a thin cloth bag and place them in the shoe.
• Leave them overnight to absorb all the odor and moisture in the shoe.

Note: Make sure the tea or coffee grounds are thoroughly dried before use to avoid dampening the shoe, causing a more unpleasant odor.

13. Deodorize shoes with orange, lemon, and grapefruit peels

Orange, lemon, or grapefruit peels not only contain aromatic essential oils but also have mild antibacterial properties, helping to eliminate odors naturally and pleasantly. This method is suitable for those who love natural scents.

Deodorize shoes with orange, lemon, and grapefruit peels

How to do:

• Take orange, lemon or grapefruit peels and place them inside the shoes.
• Leave the shoes in a cool place overnight to let the essential oils in the peels take effect.
• The next morning, take the peels out and feel the pleasant aroma.

Note: Use fresh peels and do not let them get wet to avoid making the shoes damp or causing unwanted odors.

14. Deodorize with alcohol solution

Alcohol is not only a powerful disinfectant, but it also evaporates quickly, leaving your shoes clean and odor-free. This is the ideal method when you want to kill odors and bacteria at the same time.

Deodorize with alcohol solution

How to do:

• Using a small spray bottle, spray a moderate amount of alcohol solution inside the shoe.
• Place the shoe in a ventilated place to let the alcohol evaporate and kill odor-causing bacteria.
• After a few hours, the shoe will be dry and fragrant again.

Note: Do not spray too much alcohol as it can dry out or damage the lining inside the shoe.

15. Use scented paper

Fabric dryer sheets are a quick and effective solution. With a mild fragrance, dryer sheets help to eliminate unpleasant odors in shoes, while making you feel comfortable when wearing them.

Scented paper is a quick and effective solution.

How to do:

• Take 1-2 sheets of scented paper, fold them and place them inside the shoes.
• Leave them overnight for the scented paper to work its magic.

Note: Choose scented paper with a mild scent and no harsh chemicals to avoid irritating the skin when wearing shoes.

16. Add scented essential oils to your sneakers

Natural essential oils not only bring a pleasant fragrance but also have mild antibacterial properties, helping to effectively deodorize shoes. This method is very suitable for those who love natural scents such as lavender, mint or lemongrass.

Drop scented essential oils into sports shoes to effectively deodorize

How to use:

• Put 2-3 drops of essential oil on a cotton ball or tissue.
• Place the cotton ball or tissue in the shoe and leave it overnight.

Note: Do not drop essential oil directly onto the shoe as it may stain or damage the material of the shoe.

17. Use cat litter

Cat litter has the ability to absorb moisture and deodorize extremely well, especially useful for shoes that are often wet.

Cat litter has the ability to absorb moisture and deodorize extremely well.

How to do:

• Take a sufficient amount of cat litter, put it in a cloth bag or old sock.
• Place this cat litter bag in the shoe and leave it overnight.

Note: Choose cat litter that is unscented or has a light fragrance to avoid making the shoe smell.

18. Deodorize shoes with a dryer

A dryer not only helps dry shoes quickly but also helps eliminate odors caused by moisture. This is a convenient way when you need to deal with shoe odor in a short time.

Dryers help eliminate odors caused by moisture.

How to do it:

• Set the machine to a low heat setting, not too hot.
• Dry the inside of the shoe for about 10-15 minutes to remove moisture and bacteria.

Note: Do not use too high a temperature as it may damage the lining or shoe material.

19. Use alum to deodorize shoes

Alum is a natural ingredient that is commonly used to clean and deodorize many items, and sneakers are no exception. Alum has the ability to absorb moisture and kill bacteria – the main causes of bad odors in shoes. This is an effective and easy way to keep your shoes smelling fresh.

Alum has the ability to absorb moisture and kill bacteria.

How to use:

• Grind the alum into a fine powder (if needed).
• Sprinkle a thin layer of alum powder inside the shoe.
• Leave overnight, then pour out all the powder and wipe the inside of the shoe clean.

Note: Make sure to sprinkle the alum evenly and clean thoroughly to avoid leaving powder residue in the shoe, which can cause discomfort when used.

20. Deodorize shoes with bar soap

One of the simple yet effective ways to remove odors from shoes is to use bar soap. Soap has natural deodorizing properties and emits a pleasant scent, helping you feel comfortable and confident when wearing your shoes.

Soap has natural deodorizing properties and gives off a pleasant fragrance.

How to do it:

• Choose a dry, fragrant bar of soap.
• Place the bar in each shoe.
• Leave it overnight or for a few days to allow the scent to spread and absorb the odor.

Note: Use completely dry soap to avoid dampening the shoes. If your shoes are small, cut the bar of soap into small pieces to make it easier to place in the shoes.

How to prevent odor in sneakers

When your sneakers start to smell, it's not just a sign of overuse, but also a result of bacteria and moisture buildup. To avoid this, it's important to prevent odors from developing in the first place. Here are some simple ways to keep your sneakers dry and odor-free.

To avoid smelly sneakers, clean your shoes regularly.

• Keep your shoes dry: Foot sweat is the main cause of odor in sneakers. After use, make sure your shoes are dried in a cool place. If your shoes are wet, you can use newspaper or a dryer to quickly absorb the moisture.
• Use moisture-absorbing pads: Insoles have the ability to absorb sweat and prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. You can use specialized moisture-absorbing pads to keep your shoes dry and fragrant.
• Change insoles and socks regularly: Insoles and socks are prone to dirt and moisture after a period of use. Replacing insoles regularly and choosing socks that absorb sweat well will help reduce odor and keep your shoes clean.

Conclusion

Thus, the bad smell in sports shoes is not only inconvenient but can also affect the health of your feet. Hopefully, with the ways to remove bad odor in sports shoes shared in the article, you will easily get rid of the unpleasant odor and always be confident with your favorite shoes.

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