Are You Tired of Smelly Boots? There are several ways to tackle this problem and keep your boots smelling fresh.
If you’re anything like me, then you know there’s nothing worse than smelly feet. Not only is it embarrassing, but it can also be extremely uncomfortable. And if you wear boots, the smell can be even harder to get rid of. Thankfully, there are a few things that you can do to help get rid of foot odor in boots. Check out the tips below!
Odor in boots can be a real annoyance. Whether your boots smell like they’ve been stored in a musty basement for years or they have an ongoing sweaty feet odor, follow these tips on how to get rid of foot odor in boots.
Summary: Clean your boots regularly to reduce foot odor. Start by removing the laces and removing any dirt or debris from the surface. Make sure to use a damp cloth or brush to clean away all sweat, dirt, and oil that can accumulate in the material. To fight bacteria that cause smell, spray the inside of the boots with a disinfectant. Let them dry before putting them back on, and wear moisture-wicking socks for extra protection against further odors.
What Can Make Odor in Boots?
- Sweaty Feet: Sweat can build up in the fabric and cause a stench.
- Bacteria: Bacteria grow on sweaty, damp surfaces and can also contribute to odor.
- Poor Ventilation: The smell can linger if your boots can dry out properly.
- Material: Certain fabrics and materials may hold onto odor more easily than others.
- Improper Cleaning or Storage: How you clean and store your boots can also affect their odor.
What Will You Need?
- Cleaning brush or old toothbrush
- Mild detergent
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Activated charcoal
With these items on hand, you’ll be ready to tackle the stink in your boots.
10 Steps on How to Get Rid of Foot Odor in Boots
1. Take Out the Insoles and Laces
Remove the insoles and laces from your boots before cleaning to clean all surfaces properly. Use a brush or old toothbrush to scrub away any dirt and debris gently. Make sure to clean under the insoles as well.
2. Wash with Mild Detergent and Hot Water
Fill a sink or bucket with hot water and a small amount of mild detergent. Gently scrub the outside and inside of your boots with soapy water using a brush or old toothbrush. Then rinse your boots thoroughly to remove any lingering soap residue. Don’t use harsh detergents, as they could damage the material of your boots.
3. Stuff with Newspaper
To help them keep their shape, stuff your boots with newspaper and let them air dry overnight. Ensure they are not placed directly in front of or near a heat source, as this can damage the material. Because bacteria and sweat can build up in the fabric, it’s best to stuff them with the newspaper every time you clean them.
4. Sprinkle Baking Soda Inside
After they’ve dried, sprinkle some baking soda inside each boot to absorb any lingering odor. Let sit for at least an hour before shaking out the excess baking soda and letting the boots air out completely. Don’t forget to clean out the insoles with baking soda as well.
5. Disinfect with Vinegar
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar and spray inside each boot, paying special attention to areas like the toe box where sweat can easily build up. Let them sit for a few hours before wiping away any excess moisture with a clean cloth. Be careful not to oversaturate the material, as this can cause damage.
6. Place Activated Charcoal Inside
Activated charcoal absorbs odors, so placing some inside your boots overnight will help eliminate any remaining stench. You can find activated charcoal in capsule form at many health food stores or online. Simply open the capsules and sprinkle the charcoal inside your boots before letting them air dry again.
7. Regularly Alternate Your Shoes
Giving your boots time to air out and dry between wears can help prevent odor buildup. Alternate wearing your boots with other shoes to give them a break and ensure they have time to dry out properly.
8. Replace Insoles Regularly
Insoles can hold onto sweat and bacteria, so replacing them regularly can also help prevent odor in your boots. Look for insoles specifically designed for sweat or odor control. You can get these at most shoe stores or online.
9. Clean Your Feet Thoroughly Before Wearing Boots
Proper foot hygiene is important to preventing odor in general. Ensure you’re washing and drying your feet thoroughly before putting on your boots (especially if you tend to have sweaty feet). Make sure also to wear clean socks to help absorb any excess sweat. Because moisture can contribute to odor, consider using a foot powder or antiperspirant on your feet before slipping on your boots.
10. Store Properly
Ensure that your boots are stored in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in plastic bags or sealed containers, as this can trap moisture and lead to odor buildup. You can use shoe trees or stuff them with newspaper to help maintain their shape.
Following these steps will keep your boots smelling fresh all season long! But remember, if the odor problem persists or is particularly strong, it may be time to invest in a new pair of boots. Don’t let stinky shoes hold you back – take control and get rid of that foot odor for good!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use a foot powder or spray: Try using a foot powder or spray before wearing your boots to help absorb moisture and prevent odor.
- Change your socks daily: Wearing clean, dry socks every day helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and odor in your boots.
- Use Waterproofing Spray: Waterproofing your boots helps prevent moisture from getting trapped inside and causing odor.
- Use deodorizer inserts: Adding deodorizer inserts to your boots helps eliminate odor and freshen them up.
- Use dryer sheets: Placing a dryer sheet in your boots overnight can help absorb odor and freshen them up. Remember to replace the dryer sheet daily.
These tips and tricks help keep your boots smelling fresh and odor-free. Try them out and see what works best for you! Happy stomping!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Wear the same pair of socks or tights daily without washing them.
- Not changing your socks after sweating or getting them wet.
- Skipping showering or washing your feet before putting on socks and shoes.
- Not properly airing out your shoes or boots after wearing them.
- Not using foot powders or insoles to absorb moisture and odor.
Taking proper care of your feet and shoes is important in preventing odor buildup. Avoid these habits to keep your boots smelling fresh!
Does Febreze Work on Leather?
While Febreze may work temporarily on leather, it is not recommended for long-term use as it can potentially damage the material. Instead, try using a leather cleaner and conditioner to maintain the quality of your leather shoes or boots. If the odor persists, consider investing in a new pair. The longevity and quality of your shoes are worth it!
Moreover, always check the label on any cleaning products and ensure they are safe for use on leather before using them. Cleaning products specifically made for leather are often your best bet.
Good luck keeping those leather shoes and boots smelling fresh!
Can You Put Your Boots in the Washing Machine?
Putting your boots in the washing machine is not recommended, as they can become misshapen and damaged. Instead, try spot cleaning with a mild detergent or using a leather cleaner specifically designed for shoes.
Moreover, allow them to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. If necessary, stuff them with newspaper to help maintain their shape while drying.
You can also try using deodorizing inserts or placing a dryer sheet inside overnight for freshening up. Always check the care instructions on your specific shoes before attempting any cleaning methods.
Can Freezing Remove Odor from Your Boots?
Freezing your boots is not a recommended method for removing odor. It may temporarily mask the scent but will not eliminate the bacteria or moisture causing the odor.
Additionally, sudden temperature changes can damage the material of your shoes. Because of this, it is best to try other odor-eliminating methods, such as using foot powder or spray, changing your socks daily, and properly airing out your shoes.
If the odor persists, consider investing in a new pair of boots. Your feet (and nose) will thank you!
Conclusion
Whether you’re on your feet all day or just like to hit the gym hard, you know coming home to stinky boots is the worst. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with some tips on how to get rid of foot odor in boots for good.
Foot odor in boots is a common problem, but it’s one that you can fix with the right tips and products. Following the steps above and using the right foot odor spray or insoles, you can quickly and effectively eliminate foot odor. If you are looking for a way to eliminate foot odor in your boots, try one of these methods. With a little bit of effort, you can have fresh-smelling boots in no time.
Now you know the ways of getting rid of foot odor in boots. We hope these tips on removing foot odor in boots were helpful! Happy stomping!
