Destinking stinky shoes?

[LizzieMint]

Is there any hope? My favourite sandals are decidedly whiffy, what can I try to destink them? Or is the bin the only way?

[TheRealMaryMillington]

I have a similar problem with my lovely barefoot shoes. They are in perfect nick other than a bit smelly. I have thrown caution to the wind and bunged them in the washing machine. They are vegan leather and I think they will stand up to it. But will it de-stinkulate them? I just don't know.

[InternetFOREVER]

Dishwasher works well (I don't put any dishes in with them though!)

[abitoutofmydepth]

If you can't / don't want to risk washing them (glues / finishes etc), what about liberally coating with bicarb for 24 hours then brushing off? seems to see off most stinks!

[BeCool]

Bicard/baking soda works well - you can add some tea tree oil too.

have you tried just leaving them in the sun? Sunshine is a great deodorizer.

Also if you alternate your footwear, so your fav shoes rest and air every 2nd day that can help.

[Explored]

According to an old QI I watched on Dave this weekend, burying them in (clean!) cat litter will work.

[LizzieMint]

Right, I have no cat litter, so bicarb it is. I will report back!

[minkah]

Yes please do report back. My sons shoe cupboard is a bit overwhelming.

[BlueBrightBlue]

How to clean and sanitise smelly shoes


Natural ways to deodorise shoes




Things you need


Cat litter

Old socks

Baking soda

Shoe deodorant spray



Show More





Instructions

1

Fill a pair of old socks with cat litter, and tie a knot at the end of each sock to keep the cat litter from spilling out. Place one sock in each shoe and leave overnight. The cat litter with help absorb trapped moisture in the shoes as well as neutralise the odour.

2

Sprinkle baking soda inside each shoe and leave overnight. Shake out the baking soda before wearing the shoes. Baking soda will help neutralise the odour of smelly shoes.

3

Spray the inside of each shoe with a shoe deodorant spray. Allow the spray to dry completely before wearing the shoes.

4

Place odour-neutralising insoles in your shoes. Replace once a month.

[TheRealMaryMillington]

My yellow shoes are in the bin
No joy with washing machine or bicarb
Que sera

[kelper]

I have a lovely pair of merrell boots that stink, I read somewhere that talc was good for getting rid of smells.
Put a good liberal amount in them, and stood them in the porch.
Hubby dropped his keys in one and came in looking like Santa!!!!
And I can't get rid of all the talc so all my socks are going to be white when I start wearing them again!!

[DomesticGoddess52]

Activated charcoal. This is what they use in the orient. The well appointed shoe closet has a decorative container for the charcoal.

[gingergiraffe]

I did this with favourite leather shoes that were smelly to begin with, but after wearing in the rain with no socks on they were disgusting.

Tip a generous amount of cheap plain white vinegar into shoes and swill around until well completely soaked inside. Tip out excess and leave to dry out completely, outside in the sun if possible. For good measure I then dusted liberally with bicarbonate of soda and left for a few more days. Then tap to remove the powder.

When completely dry my shoes smelt of nothing. Completely odour free and have remained so ever since.