If you’ve ever dealt with a pair of stinky shoes, you know how unpleasant it can be. Luckily, there are several cleaning hacks that can help eliminate shoe odor and leave your shoes smelling fresh and clean. From using baking soda to dryer sheets, essential oils to vinegar soaks, here are some effective methods to get rid of that funky smell in your shoes.
One simple and inexpensive method is to use baking soda. Overnight, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside your shoes and let it sit. In the morning, shake off or vacuum the baking soda. This household staple works like magic to absorb odors.
Dryer sheets can also be used to freshen up the smell of shoes. Place one to two dryer sheets in each shoe and let them sit overnight. While they may not completely eliminate odors, they will leave a pleasant scent in your shoes.
If you prefer a fragrant smell, try using essential oils or scented cleaning sprays. Soak a few cotton balls in your favorite essential oil and leave them in your shoes for a few hours. Tea bags can also be used as they are absorbent and have a sweet scent.
For deep cleaning and deodorizing smelly sneakers, vinegar is a great option. Mix vinegar with water and soak your sneakers in the solution. Once washed, the smell will be gone. OxiClean is another effective cleaner for sneakers. Soak your sneakers in hot water with a scoop of OxiClean for about four hours to achieve a clean and odor-free result.
When it comes to cleaning leather shoes, polish and buffing are the best options. For suede shoes, spot cleaning with a pencil eraser is a genius hack. Gently rub the eraser on the stained areas to remove dirt or marks.
It’s a good idea to clean your shoes on a regular basis to prevent buildup of stains and smells. While deep-cleaning is not necessary daily, giving them a quick wipe down once a week can help maintain their freshness.
With these tips and hacks, you can enjoy wearing shoes that not only look stylish but also smell great. Say goodbye to stinky shoes and hello to a fresh pair every time you slip them on.
Sources:
– Sharon Garcia, L.A.-based professional cleaner and cleaning expert for Fabuloso
– Clean Freak & Germaphobe via YouTube
– Kaylie Hill, Orange County-based “CleanTok” pro and Scotch-Brite Brand Ambassador
– David Edricks, owner of Edricks Fine Drycleaning in Farmington, Connecticut
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