How to Remove Bad Smells From Shoes With Vinegar
Nobody wants to be known as the one with smelly shoes. Unfortunately, any number of everyday activities can create bad smells that end up trapped in your footwear. From feet perspiring to wet socks and dirt, it’s no wonder our shoes can become ripe over time! Thankfully, there are easy solutions available so you can rid yourself of those unpleasant odors – one such quick fix is vinegar.
In this blog post we’ll explore just exactly how you can use vinegar to remove bad smells from your shoes and keep them smelling fresh longer. Keep reading to learn more about this DIY odor removal trick!
Why Vinegar?
If you’re looking for an all-natural alternative to harsh chemicals, vinegar might just be your new best friend. Not only is it a great ingredient to add to your salad dressings, but it also works wonders as a household cleaner. Vinegar’s acidic properties make it a natural disinfectant, perfect for tackling germs and bad smells in shoes.
Best of all, it’s safe for most shoe materials, so you can clean and deodorize with peace of mind. Apple cider vinegar, in particular, is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, thanks to its acetic and malic acid content. So the next time you’re in need of a cleaning solution, consider reaching for a bottle of vinegar instead of those harmful chemicals.
Step-By-Step Guide to Removing Bad Smells from Shoes with Vinegar
Prepare the vinegar solution
Nobody likes smelly shoes, and it can be particularly embarrassing when others can smell them too. Fortunately, there’s a solution- literally!
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle to make a gentle and effective solution for removing odors from your shoes. This simple and inexpensive step can help you to feel more confident and comfortable in your footwear, without any harsh chemicals or unpleasant fragrances. So why not give it a try and see what a difference it can make for your shoes and your senses!
Remove insoles and laces
This step is essential to ensure that every nook and cranny of your shoes is thoroughly cleaned and that they are able to air out properly. Taking out the insoles and laces allows you to give them a thorough clean separately, making sure that no dirt or bacteria is left behind.
Spray the vinegar solution
Say goodbye to stinky shoes with this easy vinegar solution! Spray the solution both inside and outside of your shoes, pay special attention to the areas that tend to hold onto odors the most. Let the vinegar work its magic for 15-30 minutes, giving it enough time to eliminate all those pesky odor-causing bacteria. Don’t forget to cover all surfaces of the shoe to ensure no odor goes untouched.
Wipe and air-dry
After taking the time to soak your shoes in a vinegar solution, it’s important to finish off the cleaning process properly. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to gently remove any excess solution, being careful not to damage the material. Then, find a well-ventilated area or a spot in the sun to let your shoes dry completely. It may be tempting to rush this step, but resist the urge! Making sure your shoes are completely dry will help prevent unwanted odors and bacteria growth. So take a deep breath, let your shoes dry naturally, and enjoy the fresh scent of clean footwear.
Deodorize laces and insoles
If you want to get rid of unwanted odor from your shoes, then it’s time to deodorize those laces and insoles. Using a vinegar solution can do the trick. Give them a good spray and let them sit for a few minutes before rinsing them off with cold water. Once done, allow them to air-dry before placing them back into your shoes. This simple step can make your shoes feel and smell like new again.
Odor prevention
If you want to prevent odors from setting in, then make sure you regularly clean your shoes. A simple vinegar solution will help to keep them fresh between wears. Just moisten a cloth with diluted white vinegar and water and use it to wipe down any visible dirt on the upper of your shoe. Additionally, sprinkle baking soda at night inside the shoes and shake it out in the morning; this helps absorb moisture and keeps odors away while they are not being worn. Taking these steps together will help prolong their life and keep them smelling fresh for longer.
Other remedies to remove bad smell from shoes
Tea Bags
Nobody likes smelly shoes, but luckily there’s a simple trick to combat those unpleasant odors. Tea bags, yes tea bags, are an effective and natural way to absorb and eliminate those pesky smells.
Black tea in particular works wonders for neutralizing the stench. Simply stick in a couple of dry tea bags into each shoe before you hit the hay, and let them sit there overnight. When you wake up in the morning, the tea bags will have absorbed all the moisture and odor, leaving your shoes smelling fresh and clean. It’s a quick and easy solution that saves you from having to buy expensive sprays or shoe inserts.
Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used for centuries for their numerous benefits, and one of their remarkable applications is in fighting off odor-causing bacteria. While adding a pleasant scent to any space, essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus can effectively eliminate unpleasant smells from shoes.
To use them for this purpose, simply apply a few drops of the essential oil onto a cotton ball or piece of fabric and leave it in the shoe overnight. The next day, remove the cotton ball or fabric and enjoy the fresh aroma of your shoes. With just a few simple steps, your shoes can smell as good as new, thanks to the natural properties of essential oils.
Citrus Peels
Citrus peels are more than just waste that we throw away after enjoying the juicy fruits inside. These peels can play a crucial role in keeping our shoes odor-free! The aroma of citrus fruits like orange, lemon, and grapefruit is not only refreshing but can also neutralize the unwanted smell that can build up inside our shoes over time. Simply save the peels, let them dry for a few days, and then place them inside your shoes overnight. The next day, your shoes will smell as fresh as the citrus fruits themselves.
