How to Remove Shoe Odour Permanently: Get Complete Guide

  • Riya Yadav
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How to Clean Sports Shoes Properly
How to Clean Sports Shoes Properly

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Shoe odor is one of those common issues that may seem trivial but can easily become embarrassing, uncomfortable, and difficult to get rid of. Whether it is sports shoes, leather shoes, office shoes, or casual sneakers, bad shoe odor can stick around even after you wash them or let them dry. If you have been looking for a way to get rid of shoe odor permanently, this ultimate guide is exactly what you need.

In this ultimate guide, we will discuss shoe odor causes, how to Remove Shoe Odour Permanently, professional shoe cleaning products, and much more.

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Why Do Shoes Smell? Understanding the Root Cause

Before learning how to remove shoe odour permanently, it’s important to understand what causes it in the first place.

1. Sweat and Moisture

Feet contain thousands of sweat glands. When sweat gets trapped inside shoes, especially closed footwear, it creates a moist environment.

2. Bacteria and Fungi

Sweat itself doesn’t smell but bacteria that thrive in warm, damp shoes break down sweat into acids, causing foul odour.

3. Poor Ventilation

Shoes made of synthetic materials don’t allow airflow, trapping moisture and accelerating odour formation.

4. Repeated Use Without Drying

Wearing the same shoes daily doesn’t give them enough time to dry, making odour worse over time.

5. Improper Cleaning

Surface cleaning or spraying deodorants only masks the smell instead of eliminating odour-causing bacteria.

Types of Shoes That Are Most Prone to Odour

Some footwear types are more likely to develop persistent smell issues:

  • Sports and gym shoes
  • Running and walking sneakers
  • Leather office shoes
  • School shoes
  • Boots
  • Monsoon footwear

Knowing your shoe type helps choose the right odour-removal method.

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How to Remove Shoe Odour Permanently at Home

Let’s start with tried-and-tested home remedies that help eliminate shoe smell naturally.

1. Baking Soda for Shoe Odour Removal

Baking soda is one of the most effective and affordable solutions.

How to use:

  • Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda inside each shoe
  • Leave it overnight (or 24 hours for strong odour)
  • Shake out or vacuum the powder

Why it works:
Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes odour-causing acids.

2. Vinegar Spray to Kill Bacteria

White vinegar is excellent for killing bacteria and fungi.

How to use:

  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water
  • Lightly spray inside the shoes
  • Let them air dry completely

Tip: The vinegar smell disappears once dry, taking shoe odour with it.

3. Sun-Drying Shoes

Sunlight is a natural disinfectant.

Steps:

  • Remove insoles
  • Place shoes in direct sunlight for 4–6 hours

This method works best for canvas, sports, and fabric shoes.

4. Tea Bags for Shoe Smell

Tea contains tannins that fight bacteria.

How to use:

  • Place dry tea bags inside shoes
  • Leave overnight

This is a quick fix for mild odour.

5. Essential Oils for Fresh Smell

Essential oils not only mask odour but also have antibacterial properties.

Best oils:

  • Tea tree oil
  • Lavender oil
  • Eucalyptus oil

Add a few drops to cotton balls and place them inside shoes overnight.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have much time to invest in stain removal and cleaning, then you can seek professional help like Tumbledry Dry Cleaning Service for spotless cleaning with free pickup and delivery service.

How to Remove Shoe Odour Permanently from Insoles

Insoles are often the main source of smell.

Washable Insoles

  • Wash with warm water and mild detergent
  • Add baking soda or vinegar to the wash
  • Air dry fully

Non-Washable Insoles

  • Sprinkle baking soda
  • Use antibacterial sprays
  • Replace old insoles if smell persists

Replacing insoles can instantly reduce shoe odour.

Professional Shoe Cleaning: The Most Permanent Solution

While home remedies help, professional shoe dry cleaning is the most reliable way to remove shoe odour permanently.

Why Professional Shoe Cleaning Works

  • Deep cleaning removes bacteria from inner layers
  • Industrial-grade disinfectants
  • Controlled drying prevents moisture retention
  • Deodorizing treatment eliminates odour at the root

This is especially useful for:

  • Expensive shoes
  • Leather and suede footwear
  • Severe, long-term odour problems

How to Prevent Shoe Odour Permanently

Prevention is just as important as treatment.

1. Rotate Your Shoes

Avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row.

2. Keep Feet Clean and Dry

  • Wash feet daily
  • Dry thoroughly between toes

3. Use Antibacterial Foot Powder

Reduces sweat and bacteria formation.

4. Wear Breathable Socks

Choose cotton or moisture-wicking socks.

5. Store Shoes Properly

  • Keep in dry, ventilated areas
  • Avoid closed cabinets without airflow

Common Myths About Shoe Odour Removal

Sprays Remove Odour Permanently

Truth: They only mask smell temporarily.

Freezing Shoes Always Works

Truth: It may kill some bacteria, but doesn’t remove moisture or deep odour.

Washing Shoes Once Is Enough

Truth: Without proper drying and maintenance, odour returns.

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Final Thoughts

Learning how to remove shoe odour permanently is not about quick fixes—it’s about treating the root cause. By combining proper hygiene, smart prevention, effective home remedies, and professional shoe cleaning when needed, you can enjoy fresh-smelling footwear every day.

Odour-free shoes not only feel better but also boost confidence and hygiene. Follow this guide, and stubborn shoe smell will be a thing of the past.

Pro Tip: If shoe odour keeps returning despite home remedies, it’s time to switch to expert shoe dry cleaning for long-lasting freshness.

FAQs: How To Wash Sports Shoes At Home

Yes. Professional shoe dry cleaning penetrates inner layers and removes long-term odour-causing bacteria effectively.

Most deodorizers offer temporary relief. They should be combined with moisture control and proper cleaning for lasting results.

Ideally, clean or deodorize shoes every 2–3 weeks and deep clean every 2–3 months depending on usage.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily purport to reflect the values or views of Tumbledry.

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