Stench be Gone? Here’s How to Get Rid of That Shoe Odor

Well, let's put an end to that; caused by bacteria and fungi, bad odors from shoes can be embarrassing but know that this challenge is not unique to you. From gym shoes to work shoes, basically any shoes you sweat in could potentially cause your shoes or feet to smell foul.

Find the cause: Before treating the odor, you should examine the shoes properly, if there are damaged insoles, replace them or dry them out. Better to exchange your old insoles for new ones than to get a new pair of shoes when there are chances of experiencing the same thing.

• Dry them out: By simply putting the shoes in a sunny spot or by a heater, this will dry them out which helps prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause odors.

• Freezing the shoes: Just like drying them out, freezing can also kill odor-producing bacteria. You can do this by carefully putting the shoes inside a plastic bag, then put them in a freezer overnight.

• Black teabags: Containing tannins, this trick is also quite effective in getting rid of odors. Put black tea bags in boiling water for a few minutes, remove and let it cool for about 5 minutes then proceed to place teabags into your shoe and let it sit in for an hour or more.

• Baking Soda: if the freezer trick doesn’t sit right with you, put some baking soda powder into the offending shoe and let it sit overnight then dump out the powder in the morning

Disclaimer:baking soda can dry out leather shoes so be careful when trying this.

• Salt: In this Lagos heat, Canvas shoes or gym shoes can get really smelly. To help combat this, sprinkle salts occasionally in the offending shoe as a shoe deodorizer.

• Essential oils: Few drops of your favorite essential oil can go a long way in giving your shoes that refreshing smell. Apply a few drops of any essential oil, either tea tree oil or chamomile oil into a tissue paper, place inside your shoe and leave overnight.

• Rubbing alcohol: A household favorite, rubbing alcohol can help to disinfect shoes and also help to deal with the stench as it acts as a natural shoe deodorizer.

• DIY shoe odor-spray: Alternatively, if you notice that you’re prone to shoe odors, you can make this solution of shoe spray by mixing half a cup of water and half a cup of white vinegar as well as a few drops of essential oils into a bottle. Spray this into your shoe and allow it to air dry.

 Shoe odors should not be something a #shoepifiedwoman would have to worry about, we've got you covered!