How to Deodorize Your Shoes With Baking Soda

I have always loved going on walks and hikes, but my shoes almost immediately start to smell bad. It doesn’t matter if it is my hiking boots or running shoes. I tried everything to get rid of the smell, but nothing worked.

deodorize your shoes with baking soda

The smell used to become so bad that I couldn’t stand it anymore. I knew I had to do something.

That’s when a friend of mine told me that baking soda could be used to deodorize shoes. I decided to give it a try. And it worked like a charm!

In this article I’ll explain how you too can deodorize shoes with baking soda and get rid of stinky shoes. A simple shoe care hack that actually works!

The problem of smelly shoes

Shoes can start to smell bad for a variety of reasons. Maybe you sweat a lot, or you live in a hot and humid climate. Maybe you wear the same pair of shoes every day without giving them a chance to air out. Or maybe you have a pair of shoes that are just naturally prone to retaining odors.

Whatever the reason, stinky shoes can be a real problem. And it leads to smelly feet.

Not only is the smell itself unpleasant, but it can also be tough to get rid of. If you’ve tried everything from airing out your shoes to spraying them with deodorant and nothing seems to work, don’t despair. Baking soda can be a helpful tool for deodorizing a smelly shoe.

what is baking soda

What is baking soda?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder. It has a slightly salty, alkaline taste and is used as a leavening agent in baking.

Baking soda is also a mild cleaning agent and can be used to remove shoe odors. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces.

The benefits of baking soda for deodorizing shoes

Baking soda is an amazing household product that can be used for a variety of purposes. In this instance, we will be using it to deodorize shoes.

Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. That means it can help to get rid of unpleasant smells by absorbing them into its own molecules.

Baking soda is also non-toxic and safe to use, which makes it a good natural shoe deodorizer, especially if you’re concerned about using chemical sprays or powders. A great way to keep your shoes fresh!

how to use baking soda to deodorize shoes

How to use baking soda to deodorize shoes

There are a few different ways you can use baking soda to deodorize your shoes.

Sprinkle Baking Soda Into Your Shoes

One option is to sprinkle baking soda directly into your shoes. You can do this by putting a small amount of baking soda in a plastic bag and then shaking it so that the baking soda inside covers the whole shoe. Alternatively, you can put the baking soda in a container with a wide opening and then dip your shoe in so that the baking soda has a chance to get inside. Once the baking soda is in your shoes, let the baking soda sit for a few hours before shaking out the excess and wearing them as usual.

Make a Paste Out of Baking Soda

Another option is to make a paste out of baking soda and water. To do this, mix together two tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to make a paste. Then, apply the paste to the inside of your shoes using a brush or your fingers. Let the paste sit in your shoes for a few hours before washing it off with warm water.

Mix Baking Soda with Vinegar

If you want to deodorize your shoes and kill any bacteria that might be causing the smell, you can mix baking soda with vinegar. To do this, put equal parts baking soda and vinegar in a bowl and mix them together until they form a paste. Then, apply the paste to the inside of your shoes and let it sit for an hour before washing it off with warm water.

deodorize leather shoes

How to deodorize leather shoes using baking soda

There are a few risks associated with using baking soda on leather shoes.

Baking soda can be a mild abrasive and, if used too often, it can damage the surface of your leather boots or shoes. It’s important to use baking soda sparingly and to test it on an inconspicuous area of your shoe before using it on the entire shoe.

Baking soda can also cause leather to dry out and crack. To avoid this, be sure to moisturize your leather footwear regularly.

More Homemade Shoe Deodorizers that Work

homemade shoe anti smell remedies

White vinegar and water for shoe odors

There are a few homemade shoe deodorizers that don’t rely on baking soda. One is a mixture of white vinegar and water. Another is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. You can also put cedar chips or tea bags in your shoes to help absorb the smell.

Mixing baking soda with essential oils

If you still want to use baking soda, there is the option to make a baking soda and essential oil mixture. This can be done by mixing 1 cup baking soda with 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil. Once you have made your mixture, you can put it into a small bag and place it inside your shoes overnight. In the morning, simply remove the bag and enjoy your fresh smelling shoes!

Using shoe sachets to get rid of shoe odors

If you want to stop your shoes from smelling, you can also use shoe sachets. Shoe sachets are little bags that you can put in your shoes to make them smell nice.

Can corn starch be used for stinky shoes?

Yes, corn starch can also be used as a shoe deodorizer. It is a natural odor absorber and can help to get rid of unpleasant smells by absorbing them into its own molecules. Corn starch is also non-toxic and safe to use.

Kill bacteria in shoes with tea tree oil

Tea tree oil can kill bacteria in your shoes. It is a natural way to do this and it doesn’t use any chemicals. You just have to put some of the oil on a cloth and rub it inside your shoes.

How to use black teabags

Black tea bags contains tannins that helps to fight bacteria and fungus. This can help to get rid of the smell in your shoes. Just put a few black tea bags in your shoes, let them soak in water for a few minutes, and then place them in your boots or shoes and let them sit overnight.

The tea bags will absorb the smell and leave your shoes smelling fresh and clean.

Additional tips and tricks for keeping your shoes smelling fresh

stinky socks

Wear the Right Kind of Socks

In addition to using baking soda, there are a few other things you can do to keep your shoes smelling fresh. One is to make sure that you’re wearing socks that are made from materials that will help to absorb sweat. Cotton socks are a good choice for this. You can also try wearing socks that are treated with an anti-bacterial agent.

change shoes

Don’t Wear the Same Pair of Shoes Everyday

Another thing you can do is to rotate your shoes. If you wear the same pair of shoes every day, they’re going to have a chance to build up shoe odors. But if you have more than one pair of shoes and you switch them out on a regular basis, each pair will have a chance to air out between wearings.

Put Your Shoes in the Freezer

Finally, if you live in a hot and humid climate, it’s especially important to take steps to prevent your shoes from getting smelly. One way to do this is to put your shoes in the freezer for a few hours before you wear them. This will help to kill any bacteria that might be causing the smell.

A final word on using baking soda for deodorizing shoes

Baking soda is a helpful tool for deodorizing stinky shoes. It’s a natural odor absorber, so it can help to get rid of unpleasant smells. Baking soda is also safe to use and non

It is a cheap, easy and effective way to get your shoes smelling fresh again. All you need is baking soda and a little bit of time. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, so it will absorb the bad smells and leave your shoes smelling great!

FAQs about using baking soda to deodorize shoes

How to Deodorize Shoes With Baking Soda?

There are a few different ways that you can use baking soda to deodorize your shoes. One is to sprinkle baking soda directly into your shoes. You can also make a paste out of baking soda and water, or mix baking soda with vinegar. Another option is to put your shoes in the freezer for a few hours before you wear them. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber, so it will help to get rid of the bad smell.

Can I use baking soda to clean my shoes?

Yes, you can use baking soda to clean your shoes.
Baking soda is a great odor absorber and a natural shoe deodorizer. This means that by absorbing odors into its own molecules, it may assist in the removal of unpleasant scents.
Baking soda is also non-toxic and safe to use, making it an ideal solution for deodorizing bad smelling shoes, especially if you’re worried about using chemical sprays or powders.

How long should I leave baking soda in my shoes?

It depends on how strong the odor is. If you have a really bad smell, you can leave the baking soda in your shoes overnight. If the smell isn’t too bad, you can leave it for a couple of hours. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, so it will help to get rid of the bad smell.

How do I deodorize my shoes with baking soda?

There are several methods to deodorize your shoes using baking soda. One is to put a pinch of baking soda straight into your shoes. Alternatively, you may combine baking soda with vinegar to make a paste.

Patricia Merken

Interior design blogger

Neat freak and shoe lover. American expat in Switzerland.
Blogger and mom. Blogs at Footweardrobe.