how to get rid of shoe stink

Having smelly or stinky shoes is a big and embarrassing problem that is common to plethora of households.
In order to fix the problem, first we need to understand what causes it.

 What causes stinky Shoes?

  • Our feet have thousands of sweat glands which cause our feet to be quite sweaty, but this is one of the body parts which most of the time we keep covered either by wearing shoes or socks. When the sweat can't escape it causes bacteria growth. Bacteria loves humid and warm places, and our contained feet act like a catered environment for their growth. 
  • Once our feet start stinking, it is just a matter of time that the odor gets transferred to our shoes, and this is how you develop stinky shoes.

Once we have understood the science behind stinky and smelly shoes, now lets discuss how we can get rid of the stink.

Remedies for Stinky Shoes

There are various ways to solve this problem, but let me give you a to do list which will make sure that the smell is completely eradicated.

 Lets start with your feet because if the odor stays in your feet, it will just keep bouncing back to your shoes.
  • Smell is caused by bacteria. What kills bacteria? 
  1. Stay hygienic at all times. Specially wash your feet multiple times a day with warm to hot water with antibacterial soap.
  2. Before putting on your socks and shoes, make sure your feet are dry and clean.
  3. Before setting your feet in the shoe, cover the insole of your shoe with baby powder or put the powder in your socks.
Putting the baby powder won't only help in eliminating the odor, furthermore it will also assist in providing cool to your feet which will make it harder for the bacteria to nourish.
Getting rid of stink in your feet and shoes will require you to have a little lifestyle change from being lazy to being caring and hygienic.

  • Baking Soda and Essential Oil Method

  1. Put a small amount of baking soda and 3-5 drops of essential oil in your socks, and tie the mouth of the sock with either a rubber band or with a knot.
  2. Place the sock inside your shoe, and leave overnight or for at least 4-5 hours. This shall take care of most of the smell.
Implement the baking soda combined with the essential oil method on the first night.

  • Lemon or Orange skin
  1. Peel off either lemon or orange skin. It can actually be any citrus fruit because they have a strong pungent smell.
  2. Now place the peeled off skin inside your shoe. 
  3. Place overnight for best results. By morning there should be a considerable change in how the shoes smell now.
This remedy should be implemented on the 2nd day.
  • Tea Bags 
Tea bags are a great way to deodorize stinky shoes.
  1. This is probably the most easiest and quickest and effective way to fix stinky shoes. Just grab a few tea bags of your choice. In choosing go with the one with a strong smell so it can easily tackle the stink smell already existing in the shoes.
  2. Put 3-4 teabags in each shoe, and leave overnight. The next day your shoes should be good to wear.
If you follow the 3 remedies in any combination you want. It will guarantee you great results, and you will have odorless shoes.