Some shoes trap odour more than others, retaining sweat in which bacteria grows and produces that distinctive unpleasant “old shoe” smell.
Various foot conditions can contribute to the smell, but ultimately this is a problem just about everyone faces, especially when that favourite pair of shoes starts to get old. Fortunately, mother nature has provided us with a number of natural deodorizers which can help neutralize shoe odours.
Here are some natural ways of dealing with the lingering smell of old shoes.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is probably one of the most well-known deodorizers, used everywhere for housecleaning purposes. It’s even used by medical professionals to neutralize odours from medical waste(1). Just put a tablespoon of baking soda in each shoe, shake the shoes to spread the baking soda around, and let them sit overnight – you’ll notice a marked improvement by morning.
2. Sage and Lavender
Combine some sprigs of sage and lavender into small bundles and place them in your shoes, then leave the shoes in a sunny, well-ventilated spot for 24 hours. The sunlight and fresh air will ventilate and dry your shoes, and the lavender and sage will leave them smelling lovely.
3. Tea Tree Oil
A natural mild disinfectant(2), tea tree oil can kill odour-causing bacteria. Simply put drops of tea tree oil in your shoes and let them sit overnight in a well-ventilated area once a week.