A Canadian’s complete, no-nonsense guide on how to take the smell out of shoes using household staples and a few smart habits
Whether it’s your favourite sneakers after a long summer run or your winter boots after months of wear, smelly shoes are a near-universal problem. If you’ve been wondering how to take the smell out of shoes without tossing them in the bin or spending a fortune at the dry cleaner, you’re in the right place. The good news is that most odour problems can be solved at home, quickly, and with products you likely already own.
Shoe odour is caused primarily by bacteria that thrive in warm, moist environments exactly the conditions inside your footwear after a long day. Understanding that cause makes it much easier to tackle the problem at its root, rather than just masking it temporarily.
Why Do Shoes Smell in the First Place?
Your feet have roughly 250,000 sweat glands more per square centimetre than almost anywhere else on your body. All that moisture gets trapped inside your shoes, creating the perfect breeding ground for odour-causing bacteria. The bacteria break down sweat and dead skin cells, releasing the isovaleric acid that produces that distinctive, unpleasant smell.
Certain footwear makes the problem worse. Synthetic materials trap moisture more than natural fibres like leather or canvas, and shoes worn without socks allow sweat to absorb directly into the insole. If you wear the same pair every day without giving them time to dry out, bacteria multiply quickly. Knowing this is the first step in understanding how to take the smell out of shoes and keep it from coming back.
Simple Home Remedies That Actually Work
Before reaching for a commercial spray, try these proven methods. Most Canadians will have everything they need already sitting in their pantry or bathroom cabinet.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most effective tools for how to take the smell out of shoes. It works by neutralising the acidic compounds produced by bacteria rather than simply covering them up. Sprinkle a generous amount into each shoe, leave it overnight (or for up to 24 hours), and then shake or vacuum it out before wearing. For a more contained approach, fill a pair of old socks with baking soda, tie them off, and place one inside each shoe.
White Vinegar
White vinegar has natural antibacterial properties that make it excellent for how to take the smell out of shoes at a deeper level. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, lightly mist the interior of the shoe, and allow it to air dry completely ideally outdoors. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, taking the bacterial odour with it. Avoid using this method on suede or delicate leathers, as vinegar can alter the texture.
The Freezer Method
This one surprises people, but it works. Sealing your shoes in a plastic bag and leaving them in the freezer overnight kills many odour-causing bacteria. It won’t eliminate all of them, but it’s a useful reset especially for shoes that can’t get wet. Once removed, let them return to room temperature before wearing. This method is particularly handy for athletic shoes and children’s footwear.
Activated Charcoal Inserts
Activated charcoal inserts or pouches are another solid option for how to take the smell out of shoes on an ongoing basis. Charcoal is highly porous and absorbs both moisture and odour molecules rather than masking them. Simply place a pouch inside each shoe when you’re not wearing them. Many charcoal inserts can be refreshed by setting them in direct sunlight for a few hours, making them a reusable and eco-friendly solution.
When to Clean the Shoe Itself
Sometimes surface treatments aren’t enough, and you need to clean the shoe more thoroughly. Here’s how to take the smell out of shoes when the problem has set deep into the material.
Machine-Washable Sneakers
Most canvas and mesh sneakers can be washed on a gentle, cold-water cycle. Remove the laces and insoles first wash those separately or by hand. Add a small amount of mild laundry detergent and toss in a few old towels to cushion the drum. After washing, stuff the shoes with newspaper or paper towels to help them keep their shape and absorb moisture, then allow them to air dry away from direct heat sources. Never use a dryer, as high heat can warp the sole and break down adhesives.
Don’t Forget the Insoles
Insoles are the primary site of bacteria accumulation, yet they’re often overlooked when people are figuring out how to take the smell out of shoes. Remove them and scrub with a mixture of warm water and a small amount of dish soap or white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely before reinserting. If your insoles are worn out or permanently saturated, replacing them is often the most effective fix and affordable replacements are widely available at Canadian drug stores and sporting goods shops.
How to Keep the Smell from Coming Back
Knowing how to take the smell out of shoes is only half the battle. Prevention is what keeps the problem from returning week after week.
Rotate your footwear. Wearing the same pair every day doesn’t give moisture a chance to evaporate. Alternate between at least two pairs to allow a full 24 hours of drying time between wears.
Always wear socks. Socks act as a barrier, absorbing sweat before it reaches the insole. Choose moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or technical fibres over straight cotton when possible.
Store shoes properly. Avoid sealing shoes in closed boxes or bags while still damp. Open-air storage or a shoe rack allows airflow and helps prevent bacterial growth between wears.
Use cedar shoe trees. Cedar is naturally antimicrobial and absorbs moisture. Inserting cedar shoe trees after each wear is one of the most effective long-term strategies for how to take the smell out of shoes and prevent it from recurring and they help maintain the shape of your footwear as well.
When Nothing Seems to Work
If you’ve tried multiple methods and the odour persists, the bacteria may be embedded too deeply into the material to remove without professional intervention. Cobblers and professional shoe cleaning services can often restore heavily soiled footwear. It’s also worth considering whether the shoes themselves have simply reached the end of their life foam insoles degrade over time and become impossible to fully deodorise.
In some cases, persistent foot odour (known medically as bromodosis) may be related to a skin condition or fungal infection such as athlete’s foot. If you notice peeling, itching, or redness alongside the odour, consult a pharmacist or family physician treating the underlying issue will make it far easier to keep your shoes fresh.
Fresh Shoes Are Well Within Reach
Learning how to take the smell out of shoes doesn’t require expensive products or professional help in most cases. A combination of baking soda, good airflow, occasional deep cleaning, and smart storage habits is enough to keep even well-worn footwear smelling neutral. The key is consistency build a simple routine around your footwear and you’ll rarely need to scramble for a solution.
Your shoes work hard for you. A little maintenance goes a long way.
