In everyday life, unpleasant odors are found everywhere, and smelly shoes are also a common problem.

Sneakers can spoil the first impression at a party, even if your feet are washed and clean socks are put on, because the shoes immediately make them stale too.

How to get rid of the smell in sneakers, because such a problem can and should be dealt with.

Why do sneakers smell?

Before you start removing stink from shoes, you should understand the cause.

There may be two factors for this phenomenon:

• the smelling material from which the product is made;
• poor ventilation of sneakers and sweating of the feet, as a result of which bacteria begin to actively multiply, which causes a pungent odor.

It is worth noting that even with regular changes of socks and foot hygiene, such troubles can also arise. Sweat is released from human skin in any case, especially during physical activity. Therefore, after just a few uses, shoes made from artificial materials will acquire a stale “aroma.”

However, this does not mean that you have to put up with the problem. You can get rid of trouble, you just need to know how.

The reason is synthetics

How to remove odor from sneakers if the reason is synthetic material? It may emit an unpleasant specific aroma even before wearing it. The easiest way is to ventilate the products.

Remove the paper from the shoes and expose the new sneakers to fresh air for about a day. You can pre-treat it from the inside with vinegar.

Deodorants and other methods will not help in case of an unpleasant “aroma” of synthetics, since they are aimed at solving a different kind of problem, namely the stench after wearing.

Bacteria and sweat

Today, there are many ways to eliminate unpleasant odor from shoes. This includes both the use of professional store-bought products and ordinary household recipes.

The main thing in effectively eliminating unpleasant odors caused by bacteria is not only masking, but also eliminating the cause itself. This means there is no point in fighting the smell until the microbes are killed.

If your sneakers stink because of bacteria, then different remedies can be used. But first of all, it is important to maintain hygiene. If you regularly wash your feet, change your socks, and most importantly, wash the shoes themselves, then it will be much easier to deal with the fragrant manifestations of your shoes.

In a completely neglected situation with shoes, one wash may not be enough, and the stink will soon reappear.

About special means

What to do if your sneakers stink? Store-bought products can remove the “aroma” of sweat using different approaches. Some simply deodorize, others have antiseptic properties and kill bacteria, and others are able to absorb stench.

How to get rid of unpleasant odor in sneakers?

List of special products sold in stores:

• freshers with long-lasting effect;
• antibacterial or scented insoles;
• odor and moisture absorbers.

Each of the means has its own characteristics.

Among deodorants, there are those that simply mask the odor, and those that are additionally capable of quickly eliminating it. Therefore, if the choice falls on this product, then when purchasing, you should carefully read the description on the cylinder.

Fresher flavors can be purchased for sneakers at a sports or hardware store. They are not only designed to eliminate shoe odors, they can also be used on bags, cars, cabinets, etc.

They will perform their function for up to six months. It is worth noting that they are able to kill bacteria, and not only emit a pleasant aroma. It is these features that explain their effectiveness and long service life.

Insoles can be impregnated with synthetic fragrances, but they will not help you get rid of the unpleasant odor for a long time. But if they contain silver ions, the effect will be better, since silver has antibacterial properties.

As for odor absorbers, they are most often made from bamboo charcoal. You can make such a stink remover yourself, saving a certain amount of money.

Home methods

How to remove odor from sneakers using improvised means? You should not underestimate household methods and means of eliminating the smell of sweat in shoes.

Unlike store-bought flavors and other purchased products, the homemade arsenal of recipes is more environmentally friendly and harmless, but the methods are no less effective. And in some cases even more effective.

Washing sneakers

First of all, washing can save sneakers from an unpleasant “aroma”. No amount of masking will help if bacteria have already multiplied or even mold has appeared.

You can wash your shoes in a washing machine at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees. Add a glass of lemon juice to the powder.

After washing, the product must be dried thoroughly. Only after complete drying, sneakers can be put on.

Application of soda

You can remove unpleasant odor from sneakers using baking soda.

To do this, you will need to tightly pour baking soda inside the sneaker and leave for 12 hours. After the specified time, the soda is simply shaken out well.

Medical alcohol

Alcohol can not only kill germs, but also evaporate stench. You will need to soak a rag or sponge well in the liquid and thoroughly blot the inside of the sneaker.

If the smell does not disappear completely after drying, then the procedure can be repeated several times until the desired result is obtained.

Vinegar or peroxide

Vinegar and peroxide can also remove odor.

You need to regularly spray your sneakers from the inside, and then give them a good cleaning. This way you can eliminate the stench not only in shoes, but also, for example, in the refrigerator.

Activated carbon

To prevent your sneakers from stinking, you need to put a few charcoal tablets in each shoe at night. In the morning the problem will be eliminated, as the coal will absorb everything.

Flavored sea salt

It is known that salt is capable of absorbing all unpleasant odors, and if it is also flavored, then this is what you need for shoes.

To get rid of the smell of sweat, you should pour bath salts into your sneakers for 12 hours, and after the time has passed, simply shake them out.

Formalin

You can buy formalin solution at a pharmacy. Just a few drops of the product quickly kills bacteria, which means it removes the odor.

This method is recognized as perhaps the most effective.

Essential oils

Plant esters have excellent bactericidal properties and at the same time pleasant aromas.

To treat smelly shoes, you can make a spray with essential oil in water, or simply drop a few drops of tea tree oil into your shoes. Be sure to let your sneakers dry thoroughly after the procedure. Citrus oils also work well to remove stench.

To keep your shoes fresh

In order to forget about smelly shoes once and for all, you will need to conscientiously follow a number of rules. Prevention in this case is the best option, and it is not at all difficult to do.

1. Hygiene. Be sure to regularly wash your feet with soap and then dry them thoroughly with a towel. After water procedures, you can use foot deodorant.
2. It is advisable to replace regular insoles in shoes with a new bactericidal kit, this will help prevent the growth of bacteria and the shoes will not stink.
3. Regular change of socks. After each wear, socks should be washed. If your feet hardly sweat, then you can wear socks twice, but no more.
4. If your foot gets wet or sweats a lot, the sneakers must be dried immediately, otherwise an unpleasant odor will soon appear.
5. You can't walk around in the same pair of shoes all the time. Sneakers must be periodically replaced with others, otherwise they will quickly become smelly.
6. If possible, boots should always be ventilated and left open.
7. Every day you can put fresh water in your shoes or treat them with deodorant at night.

By following these preventive measures, the freshness of your sneakers will be preserved for a long time and the question of how to eliminate the smell will fade into the background.

When you come to visit, there will be no awkward moments, which will allow you to always feel free and confident in any situation.

Many people are faced with the problem of unpleasant odor coming from their shoes and, as a result, their feet too. Therefore, everyone should know how to wash sneakers so they don’t stink. This essential skill will help keep your feet healthy, avoid diseases, and eliminate awkward situations when you need to take off your shoes while visiting.

Possible causes of unpleasant odor

Before you wash your shoes to prevent odor, you need to understand the reason why this happens. This will minimize the problem and washing your sneakers will be effective.

The first step is to learn how to choose the right shoes. It is better to spend more time looking for comfortable shoes, this is very important, since uncomfortable and tight shoes lead to the fact that the foot sweats much more. It is also important to choose shoes that will be ventilated. The material from which it is made plays an important role.

The most oxygen-permeable materials are:

• cotton;
• canvas;
• leather;
• hemp.

One of the popular materials is synthetic, but they are completely unsuitable for this. It is also important to choose the right socks, as some materials, such as cotton, can partially absorb sweat. Also, if you have problems with excessive sweating of your feet, then choose running socks, they are best.

Even if you wear shoes with heels, wear socks, there are special ones that will not be visible over your shoes.

How to eliminate stink from shoes?

Another reason that greatly contributes to the fact that shoes start to smell is the bacteria living on your feet, most often fungi. Due to sweat and heat in the shoes themselves, the infection receives excellent soil for development and reproduction.

That is why you need to wash your feet with antibacterial or antifungal soap at least every other day. After which your feet should be sprayed with deodorant. It is best to purchase a separate one for the legs. You need to treat mainly the sole and areas between the toes. The systematicity of such procedures will affect the condition of the shoes after wearing them, so they will smell less.

But in addition to the soles of the feet, these bacteria also live in the shoes themselves. This is where you need to know how to wash your shoes so they don't smell. Usually, in addition to the washing itself, you need to resort to the following measures, depending on the time of year:

• freezing in the freezer;
• allow for ventilation;
• treat with soda;
• spray with antibacterial agents;
• Wash your socks promptly.

The insole in shoes is also an important detail; it needs to be changed, since the bulk of the sweat goes to it and there is always a large accumulation of harmful microorganisms across its entire surface, causing a corresponding odor.

Freezing in the freezer will help get rid of harmful microorganisms. Leave your shoes in the freezer overnight; low temperatures can kill almost all microorganisms.

Treat the inside of your shoes with baking soda, leaving it for several hours, and before putting on, tap one shoe against the other to shake out any remaining soda. Baking soda is known to be used in many cases to eliminate odors.

Give your shoes a chance to “breathe.” This will help eliminate the stench, or leave your shoes in the garage or car in winter, at least for one night, ideally for a couple of days. If you need to put them on, bring them into a warm room, and put them on when the shoes are at room temperature. And, of course, don’t forget about fresh socks made from materials that help absorb moisture.

You can also get rid of the stink from your shoes thanks to cedar insoles. This wood has anti-fungal properties and is often used to deodorize all types of clothing.

How to properly and effectively wash sneakers by hand?

Almost all manufacturers of sneakers and ballet shoes indicate that such items should be washed exclusively by hand. This is due to the materials used in manufacturing. Some parts, such as mesh, stripes and other rather delicate components, can deteriorate or become damaged when washed in a machine.

Important points

Before you wash your ballet shoes, so that they don’t stink, you need to take out the insoles from them, and also take out the laces from the sneakers, soak them in washing powder, you need to do this separately from the shoes. The shoes themselves, if they are dirty, must first be cleaned of debris on the soles. Matches, ear sticks, and other items can be used for this. Everything must then be rinsed under running water.

To prevent the appearance of your shoes from deteriorating as a result of washing, place them in a bowl of warm water, the temperature of which should not be lower than 30 degrees. The powder dissolves well in such water; leave them in the container for a few minutes.

For high-quality washing, use a brush, this will help remove any remaining dirt, then wash and rinse the shoes under running water.

Before washing your shoes, so as not to stink, add a little detergent to a bowl of dissolved powder, this will enhance the effect. They are great for white sneakers, but not quite suitable for leather shoes. It is better to wash it in a diluted soap solution.

As for synthetic shoes, it is better to wash them using, for example, laundry or other types of soap. But suede products cannot be washed at all, so special cleaning agents are used for them that do not require immersion.

Returning to the topic of lace, like from sneakers, after soaking it with the insoles, take some kind of brush, a toothbrush is perfect, which you no longer use for its intended purpose. Wrap the lace around your fist and use a brush to rub it with detergent, or just soap. If you clench and unclench your hand during the washing process, they will be cleaned more thoroughly. After this, rinse well and rinse with water.

If the laces are not very dirty, then you don’t have to pre-soak them, but start washing them right away, and if they are pretty dirty, then it’s better to soak them for half an hour.

Drying process

How and with what to wash sneakers so that they don’t stink seems to be already clear, but you still need to dry them. To do this, place the shoes in a ventilated place, perhaps on the balcony, wipe the shoes with a paper towel and place crumpled newspapers inside. Keep in mind that this advice is not suitable for white sneakers, as newspaper paint can spoil the appearance by leaving paint on the fabric. And in shoes of other color ranges, simply replace the paper that has absorbed water with a new one after getting wet.

Paper helps not only dry shoes faster and better, but also helps maintain their correct shape. Drying on a radiator is not recommended, as the sneakers may become deformed, and stains, stains and other visual defects will appear. A hair dryer also has a negative effect, as it does not dry evenly, and as a result, deformation occurs.

It is best to dry laces in an open space where the wind blows; again, a balcony is perfect.

If you don’t have time to eliminate the unpleasant smell, put a napkin soaked in vinegar inside your shoes and leave it in the sun for a while, the smell will go away.

Taking proper care of your shoes will help them stay worn longer, and will also save you money and health.

In order to figure out how to get rid of the smell in sneakers, you need to understand why it appears. Unfortunately, there is no one answer here, as there may be several. If we are talking about a new pair of sports shoes, then the bad smell that comes from them may be due to residues of glue, rubber, packaging and other materials from which the sneakers are made.

A worn pair also often has an unpleasant odor. The reasons for its appearance in this case may be excessive sweating, poor-quality materials, improper hygiene or poor ventilation of shoes. As a result of most of these reasons, bacteria develop in sneakers, which contribute to the appearance of such an “aroma.”

A worn pair of sneakers develops bacteria that contribute to the appearance of “odor.”

Even with careful hygiene, shoes can develop an odor, because a person’s feet tend to sweat, even if he doesn’t feel it. And if the shoes are made of unnatural and non-breathable materials, then an unpleasant odor will appear much earlier. Just put on these sneakers a few times and a characteristic amber will immediately appear.

How to remove odor from sneakers

First, let's understand how to remove odor from new shoes. The easiest way is to simply air your sneakers. You need to take the new pair out of the box and put it on the street or balcony. It is best to leave it for 12-20 hours. After thorough ventilation, to prevent the appearance of odor, you can treat the sneakers with a special deodorant for shoes, which will be discussed below.

Most often, shoe deodorants contain silver ions. The product itself has an antibacterial effect. Therefore, for some time you will not have to worry about the appearance of unpleasant odors. This deodorant can be purchased at the hardware store or sporting goods store. You can also look for similar products in online stores. Let's list a few of them - Kiwi, Salaman, Tarrago fresh, Woly sport and others. There are still so-called “freshers” on sale. These are special long-lasting flavors. They can be used for 3 to 6 months. They are designed for both sneakers and sports bags, cars and closets. They neutralize odors and prevent them from appearing for a long time. This is achieved thanks to its strong antibacterial effect. You can adjust the intensity using a special window. Keep in mind that if mold appears in your shoes, deodorant will not help. There are also traditional methods of combating the unpleasant “aroma” in sneakers, and their effectiveness is no less high. Below we will consider the main of these methods.

"Freshers" - neutralize odors and prevent them from appearing for a long time

Soda

As you know, baking soda has a strong antibacterial effect, so it is very effective in combating this problem. It can be used for. However, you need to be careful with colored sneakers. Baking soda can eat away at the color of your shoes, so test in the least visible area first. It is ideal to use it for white shoes. So, take regular baking soda and pour the steam inside. Leave it on overnight and shake out the residue thoroughly in the morning. To enhance the effect, baking soda can be mixed with corn starch in equal proportions. Pour the resulting mixture into your socks and place it inside your sneakers. It also needs to be left overnight for it to work.

Activated carbon

Activated carbon is a good remedy. It can also quickly deal with the “aroma” of sports shoes. To do this, you will need 5-10 tablets of activated carbon, grind it well and add it to the steam. Leave for 10-12 hours to work.

Chlorine

Chlorine is usually capable of . However, like soda, it can affect the color of products. Therefore, you must first try it on the least noticeable area. You need to dilute chlorine with water and pour it into your sneakers. Leave to act for a couple of minutes. In addition to chlorine, you can use any bleach. This method is best used for white shoes.

Alcohol

Alcohol is very effective when odors first appear. It is necessary to soak a clean piece of cloth in alcohol and thoroughly blot the inside of the pair. You can carry out this procedure several times to completely disappear the unpleasant odor.

Animal litter

Oddly enough, toilet filler is an effective method of combating this problem. It must be poured into regular cotton socks and tucked inside a pair. Then leave for several hours for the litter to take effect.

Green tea

Green tea is great for getting rid of odor in athletic shoes. Take the tea bags used after brewing and place them in your sneakers. A couple of hours will be enough for the effect.

Soda
Activated carbon
Chlorine

Alcohol
Animal litter
Green tea

Orange or lemon zest

You can take either zest or just peels from citrus fruits. Place them inside the products and leave them overnight. By the way, this product also copes well with the smell of tobacco smoke.

Potassium permangantsovka

It is best used for dark shoes. Potassium permanganate effectively copes with many odors. Take a couple of crystals and dissolve them in water. Use a clean piece of cloth to wipe the inside of the pair. It is best to use gloves for this.

Hydrogen peroxide

You can use peroxide not only for wounds and cuts, but also to eliminate odors. It is necessary to pour the product inside the products and wait until bubbles appear on the surface. Then you need to turn the sneakers over and dry them thoroughly.

Vinegar solution

Take a cotton pad and soak it in the vinegar solution, treat the steam inside. After this, leave them in the fresh air until completely dry.

Bay leaf

Oddly enough, bay leaf is also an effective remedy for solving such problems. It must be crushed, poured into products and left for several hours. For prevention, use a whole bay leaf and place it under the insoles.

Cold

Cold is a useful tool in combating odors. Many bacteria die and thus the smell goes away. If it's winter outside, just take the pair outside and leave them for a few hours. In the summer, place them in bags and put them in the freezer.

Zest
Potassium permangantsovka
Hydrogen peroxide

Vinegar
Bay leaf
Cold

We looked at how to deal with odor in sports shoes. Now we need to understand prevention. After all, it is better to prevent a problem than to solve it. Below are some recommendations.

Insoles need to be changed on a regular basis. New insoles cost very little, but this will prevent the appearance of unwanted odors. The optimal solution would be to purchase several new insoles to go with it when purchasing a new pair.

Regularly replacing insoles will help prevent unwanted odors.

It is very important to let the pair dry each time after wearing. To do this, you can use a special electric dryer.

Especially if the weather outside is wet, because in this case mold may also be added to the smell of sweat.

If you have excessive sweating, then you need to purchase special foot creams with a drying effect, and also use deodorant. Folk remedies that help are baths with soda or black tea.

Such a simple rule as regularly changing your socks will also prevent the appearance of odor in your sneakers. In addition, their correct choice is important. Be sure to purchase only all-natural socks made from cotton. In such products, your feet will sweat much less.

Do not store shoes in a poorly ventilated, damp place. It is better to remove the insoles each time so that they also dry thoroughly. It is optimal to have several pairs of sports shoes, wear them in turns, and let them dry thoroughly after use each time.

Updated: 12/15/2018

Sneakers are comfortable shoes that are preferred by active people. Although now they are used not only for sports, but also for creating fashionable images. Due to the fact that many people wear sneakers almost every day, they are faced with the problem of unpleasant odor coming from their sneakers. This is not only uncomfortable for the shoe owner, but can also cause discomfort to others.

Therefore, if you prefer to wear sneakers for other than sports activities, it is important to know how to get rid of odor in sneakers.

An unpleasant odor can occur for various reasons. First of all, these are shoes made from cheap non-natural fabrics. It’s better not to buy such sneakers at all. You also need to carefully select the size, because a tight and uncomfortable pair can cause sweaty feet. Well, the owner himself may be to blame for the sneakers stinking.

Active physical activity almost always causes sweating. The reason may be wearing synthetic socks, and, of course, problems in the body. For example, hyperhidrosis (this is the medical name for excessive sweating), kidney and heart disease, the presence of fungus, etc. Almost every sneaker owner has a question: how to remove odor from sneakers. There are several methods, which we roughly divided into traditional and folk.

Basic methods for removing odor

These are proven options that do not raise questions. They are scientifically proven and quite effective. So, how to get rid of unpleasant odor in sneakers?

1. Use the drug "Formidron".
   This product is sold in pharmacies and is claimed to have a disinfectant and antibacterial effect. Recommended if you need to get rid of sweat odor. You should only work with the product while wearing gloves. Apply it to a cotton swab and thoroughly treat the inside of the shoes. Leave your sneakers on the balcony - the drug has a pungent odor, and its vapors are not recommended to be inhaled. Please read the instructions carefully to use Formidron correctly.
2. Change your insoles.
   If your sneakers stink, try buying moisture-wicking insoles that have an antibacterial effect. There are many manufacturers producing such useful products. For example, the Salton company. The insoles of this company not only absorb moisture and eliminate unpleasant odors, but also have an antimicrobial effect.
3. Buy a professional product.
   To prevent your sneakers from stinking, use shoe deodorant. We recommend products from manufacturers such as Scholl, Salton, Salamander, etc. Professional products also include odor and moisture absorbers.

Removing odor using improvised means

How to remove odor from sneakers using unconventional methods using improvised means? There are many options, among which you are sure to find one that suits your particular case.

• Baking soda. It is especially effective in the case of white shoes. Just pour baking soda inside your sneakers and remove it after 12 hours. You can also mix it with cornstarch in equal proportions. Pour the mixture into an ordinary sock and place it in your shoes overnight.
• Activated carbon. Prepare a powder from this drug and add it to your favorite couple. In the morning, remove the sorbent.
• Vinegar. It is enough to treat the inside of the sneakers with it. You can repeat the procedure several times.
• Ethanol. The product is effective if the smell has just appeared. Soak a cotton swab in it and treat the inside of the sneakers. You can put it in your shoes for 5 hours and take the sneakers out onto the balcony.
• Cat litter. Pour it into cotton socks and place them in your sneakers. You need to keep the product for up to 4 hours.
• Tea. Take the dry bags and place them in your favorite pair. They will absorb moisture and unpleasant odors.
• Various dry products. You can remove the smell of sweat by adding flour, regular baby powder, or salt to your sneakers.
• Charcoal. It is used in air filters. This charcoal is great for removing odor. Simply place it in your sock and insert it into your shoe.
• Freezing. This method is effective due to the temperature difference. Place your pair in a plastic or paper bag and stick it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, before putting on your sneakers, be sure to let them warm up at room temperature.

How to wash sneakers in a machine

What can I do to prevent my sneakers from stinking, besides the steps described above? Just machine wash them. This must be done correctly, taking into account the type of material from which they are made. For example, leather and suede are prohibited from being subjected to this type of treatment.

Before washing, thoroughly wash your shoes, remove the insoles and laces, and place the sneakers in a special bag. Ideally, use liquid laundry detergent. It has a gentler effect than granular ones and is easily washed out. choose the “delicate” washing mode. It’s even better if your household appliances have a mode specifically for washing shoes. The water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees.

The drying process is also important. Heaters or radiators must not be used. Simply place dry paper inside your shoes and expose them to fresh air. Now you know how to wash sneakers. There is nothing complicated about this, the main thing is to be careful.

How to prevent unpleasant odors?

To avoid questions about how to remove an unpleasant odor, it is better to prevent its occurrence.

1. Hygiene comes first. Clean feet are very important. Wash them daily using antibacterial soap.
2. Fighting hyperhidrosis. If sweating is your problem, do not be lazy and use various powders, deodorants, and ointments. Traditional methods of struggle (foot baths with sea salt, herbs, etc.) are also effective.
3. Don't forget to change your insoles and socks (do this regularly). Insoles made of cedar wood have proven themselves to be excellent. They not only prevent odor, but also have an antifungal effect.
4. Don't wear the same pair of shoes all the time, even if they are your favorite. No sneakers can withstand such a load. Naturally, if you sit at work all day in the shoes you arrived in, this will contribute to the appearance of sweat odor in your sneakers.
5. Remember that when you get home, you should dry your shoes and not immediately put them in a closed closet.
6. Buy an electric dryer, which will be especially useful in the off-season.
7. Buy high-quality sneakers from famous brands made from modern materials. This also applies to socks - choose only natural fabrics.

If you leave your sneakers in your bag after training, they will emit an unpleasant odor. The same will happen if a person wears shoes for a long time on a hot sunny day: a greenhouse effect will be created inside the product, under the influence of which the feet will begin to sweat intensely. Synthetic socks, tight or non-breathable shoes, stress, fungus, excessive sweating, and various diseases also lead to m wow, the sneakers stink. In order not to provoke the appearance of an unpleasant odor, you need to get rid of the unpleasant smell of sneakers. Fortunately, there are many methods to remove odor from sneakers.

The situation when sneakers stink is a consequence of the active development of bacteria and increased sweating. In a hot, dark, humid environment, pathogens have an ideal opportunity to grow and reproduce. To prevent this, before ridding shoes of the smell, they must be disinfected.

Freezing will help cope with this - bacteria die at low temperatures. To remove the smell, sneakers should be placed in a paper bag or plastic bag and placed in the freezer (in winter, on the balcony). In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and let the shoes warm up. It must be borne in mind that this method is not suitable for patent leather shoes.

Another method is washing. The sneakers can be washed in a washing machine, placed in a pillowcase, on a delicate cycle, without using a spin cycle or hot water. After washing, dry first with paper towels, then air dry. You should not place the product under or on top of the battery - the sole may burst and the shoes will shrink in size. If the sneakers cannot be cleaned in a machine, you can wash the sneakers by hand: wipe the inside and outside with a damp piece of cloth.

Steam is characterized by a powerful bactericidal effect: under the influence of high temperature, fungi and bacteria die, the main cause of unpleasant odors. A steam cleaner or an iron with a steam function will help you cope with the task.

Professional products

Professional products will help remove the smell from sneakers. Odorless aerosols (Salamander Shoe Deo, Scholl Fresh Step, Kiwi Extra-Fresh, Dividic) quickly neutralize unpleasant odors, and antibacterial and antifungal components prevent the active growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Among the disadvantages is rapid consumption.

Spray deodorants last a long time and are safe for feet and shoes due to the absence of gas. Among such products are Cliven, Odor Gone Shoes, Tamaris 4Ever Shoes Shoes Deo. These drugs not only mask the odor from sneakers, but also eliminate the source of the odor and have antibacterial properties.

Scented sprays such as Saphir, Shoe Fresh Deo from Solitaire destroy bacteria, fungi, and effectively help get rid of the smell of sneakers. Effective anti-sweat sprays add mint, lemon, or other scents to shoes.

Folk remedies

If you don’t have the money for expensive professional medications, there are many home ways to get rid of unpleasant odor in sneakers:

• soda;
• alcohol;
• vinegar;
• Activated carbon;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• bleach;
• green tea;
• vinegar solution;
• citrus peels;
• Bay leaf.

It is good to use soda for white shoes, since colored items will have to be thoroughly rinsed to remove white stains after the procedure. To rid your sneakers of foot odor, pour a thick layer of baking soda into your shoes and leave for 12 hours, then shake out. You can achieve a greater effect by pouring baking soda and cornstarch into socks in equal proportions and placing them in the product overnight.

Another solution for white sneakers is bleach, slightly diluted in water, or liquid bleach. Pour the solution into the product and leave for three minutes, then pour out and dry well. This method is not suitable for colored sneakers, as the surface may be discolored.

Activated carbon can remove unpleasant odors: it absorbs aromas well and neutralizes bacteria. You need to crush five tablets, pour the powder into the product, leave it overnight, and remove it in the morning.

Medical or ethyl alcohol, vodka, vinegar can also be used if sneakers emit a bad odor. It is necessary to moisten cotton wool in the product and treat the shoes from the inside. Then wet a new tampon and place it in sneakers for five hours, then leave it to ventilate on the balcony. You can use ammonia using a similar method, but given its pungent odor, the product should be processed in the fresh air, and the sneakers should be left on the balcony.

Green tea has antibacterial properties that make it useful for getting rid of unpleasant odors. For this purpose, place 5 tea bags in the product overnight. Another option is to pour strong tea leaves into your shoes and immediately leave them to dry.

Citrus peels can help eliminate the smell of sweat: just add a few fresh lemon or orange peels at night. You can also use lemon juice by squeezing it directly into the product and immediately wiping it with a rag. Then dry the product in a well-ventilated area.

When your sneakers smell bad, a bay leaf can help: chop it up and put it in your sneakers overnight. The seasoning can also be used to prevent sweat odor by placing a bay leaf under the insole and changing it periodically.

An atypical but effective method for removing odor from sneakers is using cat litter. Pour the unused mixture into a sock and leave it inside the shoe. It will absorb moisture and smell well. Good results can be achieved by leaving the product in the product for 24 hours. After use, dry the filled sock on a radiator, then you can use it again.

Prevention

To prevent sneakers from stinking, preventative measures are necessary. When purchasing, you should give preference to “breathable” shoes, otherwise synthetics will create a greenhouse effect, which will lead to sweaty feet. For the same reason, shoes should not be tight.

We should not forget about this method of combating sweating, such as regular foot washing with soap. Athletes must wash their feet after each workout and leave their sneakers out on the balcony for airing with the insoles removed. To store shoes, you need to ensure good ventilation and use scented pads.

Worn out insoles should be thrown away. If they are in good condition, they should be cleaned regularly, using a toothbrush and dry washing powder. After cleaning, rinse and dry the insoles. The same applies to socks: they must be washed and changed daily (if necessary, even several times a day). To prevent unpleasant odors, you can use deodorizing insoles.

If the appearance of an unpleasant odor is caused by a fungus, it is necessary to treat it, and the sooner the better. The disease is accompanied by flaky skin, brown nails, spots, itching, and if it becomes chronic, treatment will take several years.