How To Clean Smelly Shoes

Chances are, at one point or another, you are going to need to know how to clean smelly shoes. No matter what you do, there are times when shoes just pick up a bad odor. Don't think that you need to throw them out. There are ways to save and clean smelly shoes.  

You will need:

• a washing machine
• baking soda
• foot odor powder

1. Begin to clean smelly shoes in the washing machine. This is easy with tennis shoes and canvas shoes. Leather, suede, and other dress shoes or sandals materials will not work well in the washing machine. Make sure that there is nothing else in the washer.
2. Sprinkle baking soda into the smelly shoes before tossing them in. Also, sprinkle some extra baking soda on the inside of the machine. Add detergent as you usually would when washing your shoes.
3. Depending on the type of washing machine, select the cycle that makes most sense. Each machine has its own set of cycles. For the most part, anything except the delicate cycle will work.
4. When you are done cleaning the smelly shoes with the washing machine, take them out and allow them to air dry. You may want to loosen all of the laces as they will have tightened during the wash. Be sure they are laid out in a well ventilated area; outside works best.
5. Smell the shoes to see if the odor is gone. If it isn't, you may have to repeat the cycle. If there is just a small hint of smell, use foot odor powder from the store to keep inside the shoes when they are not being worn.
6. When it comes to dress shoes and sandals, the best you can do is wipe them down and put baking soda into the area that you feet come into contact with the shoes. For some, this is all that is needed. Unfortunately, with these types of materials, it may be necessary to throw them away.

Knowing how to clean smelly shoes is just one way to ensure that you and your closet don't smell bad.