How to Remove Bad Smells and Odors from Shoes, Sneakers, and Boots?

That sour smell doesn’t have to be permanent. For most shoes, a generous sprinkle of baking soda inside overnight will absorb moisture and neutralize the worst of the odor.

Here’s exactly what we’ll cover to get your footwear fresh:

• Immediate fixes using items you already have in your kitchen.
• How to safely wash different shoe materials, from canvas to leather.
• Targeting the bacteria that cause the smell, not just masking it.
• My routine for preventing odors from my kid’s sports gear to my husband’s work boots.

I’ve tested every method here, first on my own family’s well-worn shoes.

Panic-Level Assessment: Is That Stink Permanent?

Don’t panic. Most shoe smells are not permanent.

Let’s rate the urgency. A general sweat odor from a day’s wear is a low 4 out of 10 on the panic scale. It’s routine maintenance. The smell you catch right after your son Jason kicks off his soccer cleats? That’s a 4.

A persistent, musty, or sour smell that’s been brewing for weeks is a different story. If you smell distinct mildew or a fungal scent, that’s an 8/10. That needs a more strategic attack.

Think of the first 24 hours as your golden window. Act fast and you stop the smell-making bacteria from throwing a massive party and digging in. This is critical for materials like leather or suede. Roger’s hunting boots get soaked in a sudden rainstorm? I get them drying with cedar shoetrees that same night. Moisture is the enemy.

What’s Actually Causing the Smell in Your Footwear?

It’s not the sweat itself that smells. It’s the bacteria that eat it.

Your foot has thousands of sweat glands. They create a warm, damp, dark environment inside your shoe. It’s a bacteria buffet. As the bacteria break down the sweat, they release smelly waste compounds. Think of it like forgetting a lunchbox full of yogurt in your locker over a long weekend. By Monday, it’s a science project.

This happens everywhere in my house. Jason’s cleats after a two-hour practice are a prime example. Roger’s work boots after a humid day in the yard are another. Even my Aunt Jessica’s favorite flats get funky after a long day of travel. The cause is always the same: bacteria plus moisture plus time.

Mildew or fungal smells mean moisture was trapped for too long. Maybe the shoes were put away slightly damp, or they live in a humid closet. That’s when you need to shift from just deodorizing to actually killing the source. It’s particularly important to address mold and mildew on fabrics since they can be harder to eliminate.

Your First Move: Immediate Odor Control Steps

Jason’s soccer shoes hit the mudroom floor with a damp thud. I don’t wait. Smells set in fast when warmth and moisture mix.

Your goal here is simple: stop the odor before it starts. These steps work on sneakers, boots, or my aunt Jessica’s fancy flats.

• Pull out the insoles right away. I peel them from Jason’s cleats the moment he takes them off. This exposes more surface area to dry and lets you tackle the shoe and insole separately.
• Find a spot with moving air. Do not just set them by the door. I put Roger’s work boots on our screened porch or in front of a fan. A breezy, dry spot is your best friend for this first hour.
• Stuff the toes with crumpled newspaper. This old trick from my mom, Martha, is genius. Crumple sheets from yesterday’s paper and pack them inside. They will pull moisture from the lining like a sponge.
• Give the interior a quick dry wipe. Use a clean, dry cloth or even a paper towel to swipe out any obvious dampness or debris. I did this after Peeta’s muddy walk and it helped a ton.

Never, ever put damp shoes in a closet, gym bag, or enclosed space. I learned this the hard way with a pair of boots left in a duffel bag. Trapping that humid air creates a perfect home for smell-causing bacteria.

How to Deep Clean and Deodorize Different Shoe Types

You can’t use the same method on a leather loafer and a suede boot. The material dictates the plan. Here is how I tackle the three main categories in my own home.

How Do I Get the Smell Out of My Everyday Shoes?

My husband Roger has a pair of casual leather shoes he wears everywhere. After a week of errands, they start to have a faint, sour scent. The key with everyday shoes is a gentle but thorough approach that respects the material. Odor here comes from daily sweat and bacteria, not extreme athletic use.

For leather and synthetic shoes, I never soak them. I mix a teaspoon of clear dish soap with two cups of warm water. I dip a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out well, and wipe the entire exterior. For scuff marks and water stains on leather, a dedicated leather cleaner works better.

The real work happens inside. I pull out the insoles if possible. Using the same soapy water, I lightly dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe the interior lining. I focus on the toe box and heel area. For fabric linings, I’m a bit more generous with the damp cloth to lift grime.

Drying is non-negotiable. I stuff the toes with crumpled newspaper or paper towels. I place the shoes in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat. This process usually takes a full day. This routine of a gentle exterior wipe, a careful interior wash, and patient drying is exactly how to remove bad smells from shoes that see daily use.

How to Remove Odors from Sneakers and Athletic Shoes

Jason’s soccer sneakers are the ultimate test. They get sweaty, muddy, and downright pungent. How do I get odor out of my shoes after a game? I start by checking the care tag to see if they are machine-washable.

For washable canvas or mesh sneakers, I follow this routine:

1. Remove the laces and insoles.
2. Place the shoes, laces, and insoles in a mesh laundry bag.
3. Wash on a gentle, cold cycle with a half-cup of baking soda and my regular detergent.
4. Air dry completely, never in the dryer.

For sneakers with glued soles or leather accents that can’t be machine-washed, I use a soak method. I fill a basin with two quarts of warm water and a half-cup of baking soda. I submerge just the fabric parts for 30 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush.

After rinsing, I spray the interior with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. The vinegar neutralizes odor-causing bacteria. I let them air dry in the sun for a few hours. The sun’s UV rays are a natural disinfectant. For a quick refresh, a sprinkle of baking soda inside overnight absorbs moisture and smells, which is my go-to answer for how to remove odors from sneakers between deep cleans.

How to Get Bad Smells Out of Boots

Boots are a different beast. They trap moisture deep inside. Roger’s work boots smell of sweat and soil. My winter boots get damp from slush. Peeta, our lab, once left a perfect set of muddy paw prints on my favorite suede pair.

For work boots and rugged fashion boots, I remove the laces and insoles. I scrub the insoles with a brush under warm, soapy water. For a powerful disinfectant, I wipe them down with rubbing alcohol on a cloth. It evaporates quickly and kills bacteria.

If the lining is removable, I hand-wash it. If not, I use a foaming upholstery cleaner and a soft brush. For severe moisture, I use a drying agent like uncooked rice or silica cat litter stuffed inside a sock, then placed in the boot overnight. It pulls out dampness from deep in the toe.

My mother-in-law Brianna from Southern Texas gave me a great tip for wet ranch boots. She balls up dry newspaper and packs the boots tightly. She changes the paper every few hours. It works incredibly well.

For suede or leather boots, I only use products made for those materials. A suede eraser and brush handle surface dirt. A dedicated leather cleaner conditions and cleans. To definitively remove bad smells from boots, you must address both the surface grime and the deep, trapped moisture where odor breeds. Odor removal for real leather isn’t the same as for faux leather, so use products labeled for each material. This helps keep both leather and faux leather fresh and intact.

Safe DIY Odor Remedies You Already Own

You don’t need a cabinet full of specialty products. For most shoe smells, the best solutions are already in your kitchen or medicine cabinet. These are my go-to items because they work, they’re safe, and they cost almost nothing.

I rely on three champions: baking soda, white vinegar, and rubbing alcohol. Each one tackles the problem of stinky shoes in a different way.

Your Kitchen Power Trio

Let’s break down what each one does and how to use it.

Baking Soda: The Odor Sponge

This is your first line of defense. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild alkali that neutralizes acidic odors. More importantly, it’s fantastic at absorbing moisture, which is what bacteria love to eat.

Sprinkling a tablespoon of dry baking soda inside each shoe overnight will soak up moisture and neutralize a surprising amount of funk. Shake it out in the morning. I do this weekly for Jason’s soccer cleats, which get a serious workout.

White Vinegar: The Germ Fighter

Vinegar is acidic, which makes it a gentle disinfectant. It kills odor-causing bacteria and fungi on contact. The smell of vinegar evaporates quickly, taking the bad smells with it.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the inside of the shoe, focusing on the insole and toe box. Let them air dry completely, preferably in the sun. The vinegar scent will be gone in an hour or two.

Rubbing Alcohol: The Quick Dry

Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) is a powerful disinfectant that evaporates in seconds. It’s my secret weapon for immediate odor control and for shoes that can’t get wet.

Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe down the interior lining. It kills microbes and helps dry out any dampness fast. I used this on Roger’s hunting boots after he got caught in a downpour. It saved them from mildew without a long drying time.

Simple Recipes for Stubborn Smells

For tougher odors, combine your ingredients. Here are my two favorite mixes.

The Baking Soda Paste for Fabric Linings:

• Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water to form a thick paste.
• Using an old toothbrush, gently scrub the paste onto the fabric interior of the shoe, like the insole or tongue.
• Let it sit for an hour, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and let dry. This lifts and absorbs embedded odors.

The Vinegar Refresh Spray:

• Combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, and 5-10 drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil (optional) in a spray bottle.
• Shake well. Remove the insoles and spray the interior and the insoles until lightly damp.
• Let them air dry completely. The essential oil leaves a faint, fresh scent behind.

How They Stack Up

It helps to know which tool to grab first. Think of them as a team.

Remedy	Best For	How It Works	My Typical Use Case
Baking Soda	Absorbing daily moisture, preventing smells, fresh sweat odors.	Absorbs moisture and neutralizes odor particles.	Jason’s school sneakers after practice.
White Vinegar	Disinfecting, killing bacteria/fungi, older, sour smells.	Acidic pH breaks down bacteria and dissolves residues.	Jessica’s rain boots that sat damp in the closet.
Rubbing Alcohol	Quick disinfection, leather/suede shoes, immediate treatment.	Kills microbes on contact and evaporates rapidly.	A quick wipe inside Roger’s leather work boots.

A Sweet Trick from Martha

My mom, Martha, has a gentler, old-school method for dress shoes or lightly worn sneakers. She swears by dried lavender.

She takes a handful of dried lavender buds and ties them up in a small piece of old stocking or cheesecloth. She tucks one sachet into each shoe overnight. The lavender doesn’t mask the smell so much as impart a light, herbal fragrance that bacteria don’t like. It’s a natural deodorizer. I tried it on a pair of my own flats, and it left them smelling like a sunny field, not a locker room.

You can use dried rosemary or cedar chips the same way. It’s a simple, chemical-free refresh.

Critical Warnings: What Never to Do on Your Shoes

Let me be blunt. A good shoe deodorizing effort can become a shoe-ruining disaster in seconds if you ignore the basics. I learned this the hard way with a pair of Jason’s soccer cleats. The mesh and synthetic leather look deceptively tough, but they are unforgiving.

These aren’t just suggestions. They are the rules that keep your favorite kicks from becoming trash.

Material Red Flags: Know Your Enemy

Your shoes are a mix of materials, and each one has a weakness.

• Never use bleach on colored fabrics or synthetics. It won’t just lighten the smell. It will lighten the color, leaving awful yellow or white splotches. I saw this on my running shoes once. A small splash of diluted bleach from cleaning the sink left a permanent, dull mark.
• Avoid direct heat on leather, suede, or nubuck. Putting them on a radiator, in a clothes dryer, or blasting them with a hairdryer is a recipe for cracked, brittle, and shriveled material. Heat dries out the natural oils. Think of it like overcooking a good steak. It gets tough and ruined.
• Be gentle with mesh and knit uppers. Aggressive scrubbing with a stiff brush can snag and pull threads, creating a fuzzy, worn-out look long before its time. Use a soft-bristled brush instead.

The “Never-Use” Chemical List

Some common household cleaners are shoe murderers.

Ammonia is the arch-nemesis of suede and nubuck. My aunt Jessica learned this after trying to clean a wine spill from her suede boots with a general-purpose cleaner. It stripped the delicate nap, leaving a hard, discolored patch. The boots were never the same.

Harsh solvents like acetone or nail polish remover will destroy glued soles and certain plastics. They can melt the adhesive that holds your shoe together. If the sole starts separating, the shoe is often done for. These solvents can also permanently stain or dissolve synthetic materials.

Undiluted essential oils or rubbing alcohol can stain or dry out leather, especially delicate materials like leather or suede. They are powerful but need to be used with extreme caution and proper dilution.

The Golden Rule: Spot Test First

I do this every single time, even with products labeled “safe for all fabrics.” Your shoes are unique. Dyes and material blends vary.

Always apply your cleaning or deodorizing solution to a hidden area first, like the inside of the tongue or behind the heel liner. Let it dry completely. Check for any color change, staining, or texture damage. This two-minute step has saved more shoes in my house than I can count.

Peeta’s slobber once got on my good leather boots. Before I treated the whole spot, I tested the leather cleaner on the very back of the boot shaft. No issue. Then I cleaned the mess with confidence. It’s a non-negotiable habit.

Surface Compatibility: Tailoring Your Attack for Leather, Canvas, and More

Treating all footwear the same is a big mistake. My husband Roger learned this the hard way with a favorite pair of leather boots.

Material matters more than anything. The right method protects your investment and gets rid of the stink for good.

This quick guide helps you match the method to the shoe. You can save time and avoid costly damage.

Material	Safe Cleaning Agent	Drying Method
Leather	White vinegar solution (1:1 with water), baking soda paste	Air dry at room temp, away from direct heat
Canvas	Baking soda, enzyme-based laundry spray, diluted dish soap	Air dry, stuff with paper to keep shape
Suede & Nubuck	Cornstarch, cornmeal, specialized suede eraser	Never use water. Brush out powder after 24+ hours.
Rubber/Plastic	Mild soapy water, baking soda paste, vinegar spray	Wipe dry thoroughly; air dry completely

Treating Leather Shoes and Boots

Leather needs a gentle touch. Harsh scrubbing or heat will crack and warp it.

For a deep clean, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the interior liner and insole. Let it sit for an hour before wiping with a damp cloth.

Roger’s hunting boots used to have a legendary funk. A vinegar wipe-down inside became our pre-season ritual.

For maintenance, a light sprinkle of baking soda inside works wonders overnight. Just vacuum it out in the morning.

Refreshing Canvas Sneakers and Trainers

Canvas is forgiving but holds moisture. My son Jason’s soccer cleats are the ultimate test.

I pull out the insoles and laces. Then, I give the entire interior a good spray with an enzyme-based fabric spray.

Let the spray work for 15 minutes, then stuff the shoes with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to absorb the moisture and odors. The paper also helps them keep their shape.

For a fresh pair, a simple dusting of baking soda inside before storing them does the trick.

Caring for Delicate Suede and Nubuck

Water is the enemy here. It can leave permanent dark spots and ruin the nap.

My go-to method comes from my mom, Martha. Generously sprinkle cornstarch or plain cornmeal inside the shoe.

Let it sit for at least a full day, maybe two for a strong smell. The powder absorbs the oils and odors from the inside.

Use a soft-bristled brush (a clean toothbrush works) to gently brush all the powder out of the interior. Finish by tapping the shoes upside down over a trash can.

Handling Rubber and Synthetic Materials

Think rain boots, garden clogs, or shoe soles. These can usually handle a bit more.

A simple soapy water wash inside and out often does the job. Use a drop of mild dish soap in warm water and a cloth.

For stubborn smells, make a paste of baking soda and a tiny bit of water. Spread it inside, let it dry completely, and then rinse. This is especially effective when trying to remove musty or mildew smells from fabrics.

Always dry synthetic materials thoroughly with a towel first. Then, let them air dry in a well-ventilated space.

A fan pointed at them speeds things up. This prevents that damp, mildewy smell from ever starting.

Recommended Product Types for Stubborn Shoe Odors

Sometimes, the usual tricks just don’t work. I learned this after a summer of my son Jason’s soccer cleats smelling like a locker room, no matter how much I aired them out. For stubborn smells, you need tools that target the root cause, not just mask it.

Enzyme-Based Cleaners

Think of these as hungry little cleaners for organic messes. They contain natural enzymes that break down sweat, skin cells, and food residues-the stuff bacteria love to eat and turn stinky. Enzyme cleaners don’t just cover odors; they digest the source, leaving shoes truly fresh. I used one on Roger’s old hunting boots after a muddy season, and it eliminated that sour, earthy smell for good.

You spray or wipe them inside the shoe, let them sit, and then wipe or rinse. They work best on fabrics and linings.

Odor-Absorbing Inserts

These are your moisture managers. They are little packets or balls you tuck into shoes after wearing them. Their main job is to pull dampness out of the material, which stops new odors from forming. It’s a simple, set-it-and-forget-it approach.

I keep a basket of them by the door for Peeta’s muddy paw prints and the kids’ wet shoes. They’re fantastic for daily maintenance and mild smells.

UV Light Sanitizers

These devices use ultraviolet-C light to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. It’s a dry, chemical-free way to sanitize. UV light gets into all the nooks and crannies, zapping the microbes that cause odors at their core. I was skeptical until I tried one on a pair of my own running shoes.

The difference was clear. They didn’t just smell better; they felt cleaner deep down.

How to Choose the Right Tool

Match the product to your smell’s severity and source. Here’s my simple guide:

• For damp, musty odors: Start with odor-absorbing inserts. They’re perfect for shoes worn in rain or stored a little damp.
• For strong, organic smells (sweat, food, pet accidents): Go straight for an enzyme-based cleaner. It tackles the biological gunk.
• For sanitization or mildew: A UV light sanitizer is your best bet, especially for non-washable shoes.

Take my daughter Jessica’s rain boots. They sat in a bin all winter and developed a foul, mildewy smell. For a case like that, I’d use a one-two punch: first an enzyme spray to break down the mold, then UV light to sanitize, and finally inserts to keep them dry. It sounds like a lot, but it saves the boots from the trash. That same method can be adapted to remove mold and mildew from leather shoes or boots.

Your choice depends on what you’re fighting. Start with the simplest solution and work your way up.

How to Keep Your Shoes Smelling Fresh for Good

Beating shoe odor isn’t just about reacting to a smell. It’s about building smart habits that stop the problem before it starts.

Think of it like brushing your teeth to prevent cavities. A little daily care saves you from a big, stinky problem later.

Your First Line of Defense: Rotation and Rest

Never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. I know you have a favorite pair, but trust me on this.

Feet sweat. That moisture gets trapped inside the shoe’s lining and insole. It needs a full 24 hours to completely air out and dry.

If you don’t let them dry, you’re creating a warm, damp petri dish for odor-causing bacteria every single day.

Jason has two pairs of sneakers for this exact reason. After a muddy soccer practice with his buddy Edward, those shoes get a mandatory day off to dry fully.

Rotating your shoes is the single easiest habit to adopt for long-term freshness.

Control the Moisture, Control the Smell

Your goal is to pull moisture away from your foot and let it escape the shoe. This is a two-part job.

First, start with your socks. Cotton socks feel soft, but they trap sweat next to your skin.

I switched our whole family to moisture-wicking socks made from merino wool or synthetics like polyester blends.

My mom, Martha, swears by good wool socks for my dad’s work boots. “They keep his feet drier in North Texas heat than anything else,” she says.

Second, think about your shoe’s material when you buy them. Canvas sneakers and leather boots with breathable linings are your friends.

Roger’s heavy waterproof hunting boots are necessary for the field, but he knows to wear his lightweight hikers for everyday chores to let his feet breathe.

Smart Storage is Everything

Where you put your shoes matters. Tossing them in a dark, airless closet is asking for trouble.

I keep a wire shoe rack in our garage entryway. This lets air circulate around every pair.

For shoes we don’t wear often, or for a boost between wears, I use cedar shoe inserts or a handful of cedar chips in a breathable bag.

Cedar naturally absorbs moisture and gives off a light, clean scent that bacteria hate.

It’s a classic trick from my aunt Jessica. She uses cedar blocks in her Arizona closet to keep everything fresh.

Avoid plastic storage boxes unless the shoes are bone dry. That sealed environment is a mold and mildew party.

Peeta, our golden retriever, taught us this lesson. He dragged a damp slipper into his crate once. The smell that developed in that enclosed space was unforgettable (and not in a good way).

Don’t Forget the Source: Your Feet

Fresh shoes start with fresh feet. If your feet are prone to sweating, a simple routine makes a world of difference.

Dry your feet completely after a shower, especially between the toes. This is non-negotiable.

I keep a small container of plain cornstarch or a foot powder with baking soda by the door. A quick dusting on dry feet before putting on socks absorbs moisture all day.

For a natural antibacterial step, my aunt Jessica mixes a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle. She mists her feet lightly and lets them dry before putting on socks.

It has a strong, medicinal smell at first, but it fades and works wonders.

Making it Stick: A Simple Routine

This might sound like a lot, but it becomes second nature. It’s just part of getting dressed.

My maintenance routine looks like this: grab socks from the moisture-wicking drawer, dust my feet if needed, put on shoes from the aired-out rack.

At the end of the day, shoes go back on the rack, not in the bedroom closet.

Once a month, I’ll sprinkle baking soda inside shoes that see heavy use, like my gardening sneakers or Jessica’s little rain boots, and vacuum it out later.

A consistent, simple routine beats a frantic deep-clean every time.

You don’t need to do everything. Start with one new habit, like shoe rotation. Build from there. Your nose (and your family) will thank you.

FAQ about Removing Shoe Odors

What should I do if the baking soda trick doesn’t work on my shoes?

Escalate to a stronger disinfectant like a white vinegar spray or rubbing alcohol wipe to kill the odor-causing bacteria directly. For persistent, organic smells, an enzyme-based cleaner that breaks down sweat and skin cell residue is often the most effective solution. Bio-enzymatic cleaners are designed for odor elimination by digesting organic residues at the source. They can be a natural next step for ongoing freshness.

What’s the fastest way to freshen my shoes between deep cleans?

Use a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol for a quick interior wipe-down, as it disinfects and dries in seconds. Alternatively, place odor-absorbing inserts or a sachet of dried lavender inside the shoes immediately after you take them off to manage moisture and scent. For gym shoes, especially athletic leather, a leather-safe deodorizer can refresh the exterior between cleanings without risking damage to the material. This helps keep footwear smelling fresh and protected between uses.

Is it safe to use a fabric odor-eliminator spray inside my sneakers?

Check the label first; many are safe for shoe linings, but always do a spot test in an inconspicuous area to check for color bleeding. Avoid sprays containing bleach or harsh solvents, as these can damage materials and adhesives.

How do I choose between an enzyme cleaner and a UV sanitizer for a bad smell?

Use an enzyme cleaner for odors caused by organic buildup like sweat or food, as it digests the source. A UV sanitizer is better for killing mildew, mold spores, and bacteria in shoes that cannot be washed or wiped down.

When is a shoe odor too far gone, and the shoes need to be replaced?

Consider replacement if a severe mildew or fungal smell persists after multiple deep-cleaning attempts, indicating the material is saturated. Also, replace shoes if the interior lining is disintegrating or the sole structure is compromised, as odors become trapped in the damaged materials.

Your Game Plan for Long-Lasting Freshness

After rescuing everything from Roger’s work boots to Jason’s soccer sneakers, I stick to one rule: kill the odor by killing the moisture it lives on. Whatever method you choose, letting your footwear dry completely is the non-negotiable first step that makes every other trick work. The same moisture-first rule works for clothes too—air them out and dry fabrics thoroughly to curb odors. If you’re tackling smelly laundry, you can apply that approach to remove bad smells from clothes. I’m always testing new ways to handle household messes, so for more real-life advice, keep exploring with me here at Stain Wiki.