Have you ever worn shoes that stink or met someone with smelly shoes? Well, you are not the only one experiencing this. Bad odour from shoes can, at times, make you want to vomit, but there are easy home tricks that Guardian Life will teach you that could change the story.
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There are several simple ways to deal with shoe odour, especially if you have sweaty or smelly feet. One easy step is to make sure you wash your feet with soap and water regularly and always put on fresh socks—this is very important. You could also consider using charcoal insoles, foot powders, or disinfectant sprays. If you’re into trying home remedies, baking soda and lemon juice could help, as they are known to have deodorising properties.
However, just cleaning your feet won’t completely fix the issue. It’s important to keep your shoes clean too, as they can contribute to the smell.
READ ALSO: 10 Surprising Uses For Baking Soda
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Here are some budget-friendly tips to keep your shoes fresh throughout the year.
What makes shoes smell?
Smelly feet are common, especially in hot weather. Bacteria or fungi can grow in your shoes and attach to your skin. Some of these tiny germs can even eat away at the top layer of your skin, causing a nasty smell.
When your shoes are made from synthetic materials, the mix of sweat, bacteria, and fungi can create an even worse smell. If your feet sweat a lot, you are more likely to have smelly shoes. The moisture gives germs the perfect place to multiply, and before you know it, the odour is back. It gets worse when you keep wearing the same shoes every day. Allow your shoes to dry out between wears, and you can even remove the insoles to help them dry faster.
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1. Use foot powders
If your feet are always sweaty, prevention is key. A good foot powder, like Squeaky Cheeks, can soak up the extra moisture and keep your feet dry. Don’t forget to clean between your toes, as moisture there can make things worse.
You can also sprinkle odour-absorbing powders inside your shoes. Baking soda is a popular choice for this, and it works well to keep shoes smelling fresh.
2. Try cat litter
Believe it or not, cat litter can do more than just keep your house fresh—it can also work for your shoes! Simply fill some old socks with kitty litter, tie them off with rubber bands, and leave them in your shoes overnight to soak up any moisture and bad smells.
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3. Use disinfectant spray
Disinfectant sprays can help you kill off the bacteria living in your shoes. Another option is rubbing alcohol, which works in the same way. Just be careful not to spray too much—use a light mist to avoid soaking your shoes.
4. Charcoal insoles
Some people swear by charcoal insoles to get rid of shoe odours. While there’s no solid proof that charcoal can remove smells from shoes, it’s worth a try. Look out for products like Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Insoles, which are made to help fight odours.
5. Lemon juice as an astringent
Lemon juice is known for its antibacterial properties, and it can also act as an astringent to get rid of dead skin cells. While there’s no scientific proof that washing your feet with a lemon juice and water solution works, some people find it useful.
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6. Baking soda and coffee filter as deodorisers
If you have baking soda and a coffee filter at home, you can make a simple deodoriser. Fill the filter with baking soda, cornstarch, or talcum powder, then close it up with a rubber band or tape. Leave this inside your shoes overnight to absorb any moisture and odour.
7. Wash your feet and wear clean socks
Finally, never underestimate the power of good hygiene. Wash your feet with soap and water every day, making sure to get in between your toes. After washing, dry your feet completely before putting on fresh socks. If your feet sweat a lot, try wearing padded socks, which can help absorb the moisture.
With these simple tricks, you can keep your shoes smelling fresh and prevent embarrassing foot odour from becoming an issue!
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