How to Make Your Shoes Smell Like New: The Secret to Freshness with Baking Soda or Vinegar

We’ve all been there—after a long day, you kick off your shoes and are met with a less-than-pleasant odor. Whether it’s your favorite sneakers, work shoes, or sandals, the smell can quickly become a problem. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective solution that requires only baking soda or vinegar, two household staples that you likely already have on hand.

With just one night of treatment, you can have your shoes smelling fresh and new again—and the best part? You won’t have to wash them nearly as often. Here’s how to banish odors and restore that “new shoe” freshness without the need for harsh chemicals or frequent cleaning.

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Why Shoes Get Stinky

Before we dive into the solution, it’s helpful to understand why shoes develop odors in the first place. The primary cause of foot odor is bacteria and fungus that thrive in warm, moist environments—like the inside of your shoes. As your feet sweat throughout the day, they provide the perfect breeding ground for these odor-causing microbes. Over time, this leads to unpleasant smells that can cling to your shoes.

So, how can you eliminate the smell without having to wash your shoes every time they start to get funky? Let’s look at two simple ingredients—baking soda and vinegar—that work wonders.

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Option 1: Baking Soda to the Rescue

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and is commonly used to freshen up everything from your fridge to your shoes. Here’s how to use it to eliminate odor:

What You Need:

• Baking soda (about 1–2 tablespoons per shoe)
• A small sock, old stocking, or fabric bag (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean the Shoes First: If your shoes are visibly dirty or dusty, give them a quick wipe down with a cloth or brush. You don’t need to do a deep clean—just remove any obvious debris.
2. Add Baking Soda:

• For powder application: Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda directly into each shoe. Use your hands to spread it evenly inside. If you’re using the shoes immediately, you can simply leave it there overnight.
• For a DIY pouch: If you prefer not to deal with the powder getting everywhere, place the baking soda inside a small sock, stocking, or fabric pouch. Tie it securely and place one pouch in each shoe.

1. Let It Sit: Leave the shoes overnight (or at least for 8 hours). The baking soda will absorb moisture and neutralize odors, leaving your shoes smelling fresh.
2. Shake Out the Baking Soda: In the morning, remove the baking soda from the shoes, and give them a light shake or tap to get rid of any remaining powder. Your shoes will smell clean and fresh.

Why It Works:

Baking soda works by absorbing moisture and neutralizing the acidic compounds that cause odors. It also helps dry out any dampness that can create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

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Option 2: Vinegar – The Natural Antiseptic

Vinegar is another powerful tool in the battle against shoe odor. Not only does it help kill bacteria and fungus, but it also neutralizes odors, leaving your shoes smelling clean. Here’s how you can use vinegar to freshen up your footwear.

What You Need:

• White vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• Water
• A spray bottle (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Vinegar Solution: In a spray bottle or small bowl, combine one part white vinegar with two parts water. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can dip a clean cloth into the solution.
2. Spray or Wipe: Lightly mist the inside of your shoes with the vinegar solution or wipe the interior with a damp cloth soaked in the mixture. Be sure not to oversaturate the shoes, as too much moisture can damage certain materials, like leather.
3. Let Them Dry: After applying the vinegar solution, let the shoes air dry completely. Place them in a well-ventilated area, ideally near a window or fan, to speed up the drying process.
4. Repeat if Necessary: If the odor persists, repeat the process. However, after one or two treatments, most odors should be gone.

Why It Works:

Vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help kill the microbes that cause odor. Additionally, vinegar itself has a strong smell that dissipates as it dries, leaving your shoes smelling neutral and fresh.

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Option 3: A Combo of Baking Soda and Vinegar (For Extra Stubborn Odors)

For shoes that are especially stinky or for when you need a more powerful solution, you can combine both baking soda and vinegar. This double punch tackles the odor from different angles and is effective at neutralizing even the toughest smells.

What You Need:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle
• A clean cloth

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