Do your boots smell bad? They always seem to have a weird smell, no matter how often you clean them? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with smelly boots, but there are some things you can do to get rid of the odor. In this article, we’re going to show you some tips on how to get rid of smelly boots so your boots can stay fresh and new-looking.
Boot season is in full swing, but if you’re like many people, you may be struggling with how to get rid of the smell coming from your boots. So we’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent your boots from stinking in the first place. Read on to learn more!
Summary: To get rid of smelly boots, you can try airing them out by leaving them outside in the sunlight or in a well-ventilated area. You can also sprinkle baking soda or activated charcoal inside your boots to absorb the odor. Additionally, using essential oils or tea bags can help to freshen up your boots. Finally, regularly washing your feet and wearing clean socks can help prevent odor from building up in your boots in the first place.
10 Reasons That Causes Stinky Boots
1. Wearing the Same Pair of Socks Every Day:
If you wear the same pair of socks every day, your boots will start to stink. The same goes for wearing the same pair of shoes every day. Your feet sweat, and the bacteria builds up, causing that characteristic stench.
2. Not Washing Your Socks:
Even if you’re not wearing the same pair of socks every day, if you’re not washing your socks regularly, they will start to stink. Socks absorb sweat and bacteria, so it’s important to wash them often.
3. Sweaty Feet:
Sweaty feet are one of the main causes of smelly boots. When your feet sweat, the sweat gets trapped in your boots, and the bacteria start to build up, causing that unpleasant smell.
4. Poor Ventilation:
If your boots don’t have good ventilation, the sweat and bacteria will have nowhere to go and stay in your boots. So make sure to buy boots with vents or holes to allow the air to circulate. You can also try using boot trees or shoe forms to help keep the shape of your boots and allow them to dry out between wearings.
5. Not Drying Your Wet Boots:
If you get your boots wet and don’t dry them out properly, they will start to stink. Be sure to stuff your wet boots with newspaper or another absorbing material to help them dry out quickly and thoroughly.
6. Not Cleaning Your Boots Regularly:
Just like any other type of shoe, if you don’t clean your boots regularly, they will start to stink. So be sure to clean them with soap and water regularly. You can also use a boot brush or boot scraper to help remove dirt and debris.
7. Storing Your Boots in a Moist Environment:
If you store your boots in a moist environment, such as a damp basement or closet, they will start to stink. Be sure to store your boots in a dry, well-ventilated area.
8. Not Wearing Socks:
If you don’t wear socks with your boots, your feet will sweat and the sweat will make the boots smell. Be sure to wear socks made of natural fibers, such as wool, which will help absorb moisture and keep your feet dry.
9. Wearing Tight Boots:
If your boots are too tight, they will cause your feet to sweat, making the boots smell. Be sure to buy well-fitting, comfortable boots and allow your feet to breathe.
10. Wearing the Wrong Socks:
If you wear the wrong socks with your boots, it can cause them to smell. Cotton socks absorb moisture and sweat, which can lead to bacteria growth. Wearing synthetic or wool socks will help wick away moisture and keep your feet dryer, which will prevent your boots from smelling.
You Can Check It Out Get Rid of Work Boot Odor
15 Easy Ways on How to Get Rid of Smelly Boots
1. Take Them Off as Soon as You Get Home
The longer you keep your boots on, the more time the sweat and bacteria have to build up and cause an odor. So, take your boots off as soon as you come in from outside. If you can’t take them off right away, try to prop them up, so they’re not touching your floor.
2. Wear Socks
Wearing socks will help absorb some sweat and bacteria that can cause your boots to smell. It’s best to wear socks made from natural materials like cotton or wool since they absorb more moisture than synthetic materials.
3. Rotate Your Boots
If you have more than one pair of boots, rotate them, so you’re not wearing the same pair every day. This will give each pair of boots a chance to air out between wearings.
4. Stuff Them with Newspaper
Stuffing your boots with newspaper can help absorb excess moisture and odors. Just crumple up a few sheets of paper and stuff them into your boots overnight. In the morning, remove the paper and give your boots a good shake to avoid any lingering odors.
5. Sprinkle with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. Just sprinkle some in the bottom of each boot and let it sit overnight. In the morning, brush it out with a soft-bristled brush, and voila! The baking soda will have absorbed all the funky smells.
6. Try a Boot Deodorizer
You can find boot deodorizers at most sporting goods stores. These usually come in the form of little packets that you insert into your boots. Some types need to be replaced every few days, while others can last six months.
7. Freeze Your Boots
Freezing your boots can help get rid of the bacteria that cause odors. Just put them in a plastic bag and stick them in the freezer overnight. In the morning, take them out and let them thaw. This will kill the bacteria and leave your boots smelling fresh.
8. Let Your Boots Breathe
Once you take your boots off, let them air out in a cool, dry place. If possible, prop them up on something, so they’re not sitting directly on the ground. This will help circulate air around them and prevent moisture from building up inside.
Consider getting a boot dryer if you live in a humid climate or don’t have a good place to let your boots air out. This small appliance looks like a fan and blows warm, dry air over your boots to help speed up the drying process.
9. Try a Vinegar Solution
If your boots are stinky, you may need to resort to a vinegar solution. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz your boots with it. Then, let them air dry or wipe them down with a clean cloth.
The vinegar will help kill the bacteria that are causing the odor. You can also soak your boots in a vinegar solution overnight to remove the stink. For example, mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a bucket and let your boots soak for several hours. Then, rinse them off with clean water and let them air dry.
10. Invest in Good Quality Socks
As we mentioned before, wearing socks can help prevent your boots from smelling. But not all socks are created equal. For example, cheap socks made from synthetic materials will make your feet sweat more, leading to stinky boots. So instead, invest in some good quality socks made from natural materials like cotton or wool. They may cost a bit more, but they’ll help keep your feet dry and odor-free.
11. Avoid Going Barefoot
Wearing shoes without socks can make your feet sweat more, which leads to stinky boots. So, even if it’s just for a quick trip outside, always wear socks with your shoes. Your feet (and your nose) will thank you.
12. Wash Your Feet Regularly
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to wash your feet every day, especially if you’re prone to foot odor. Use an antibacterial soap and scrub your feet well, paying special attention to the areas between your toes.
13. Dry Your Feet Thoroughly
After washing your feet, make sure they’re completely dry before putting on socks and shoes. Moisture is one of the main causes of foot odor, so it’s important to keep your feet as dry as possible. Towel dry your feet thoroughly, and if possible, let them air dry for a few minutes before putting on socks and shoes.
14. Dust Your Feet with Talcum Powder
If you’re struggling with foot odor, try dusting your feet with talcum powder or cornstarch before putting on socks and shoes. These powders absorb moisture and help keep your feet dry, which will help prevent the growth of bacteria. Just shake out your shoes before wearing them to avoid getting powder everywhere.
15. Use a Boot Tree or Shaper
If you have a pair of boots that you love and don’t want to get rid of, invest in a boot tree or shaper. These devices help maintain the shape of your boots and prevent them from getting creased and damaged. They also help circulate air around your boots and keep them from getting too stinky.
Tips to Prevent Your Boots From Getting Stinky
Here we have given tips on how to get rid of smelly boots and prevent them in the future.
- Be sure to take your boots off as soon as you get home.
- If your boots are wet, stuff them with newspaper to help them dry out faster.
- Never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. This gives them time to air out between wearings.
- Alternate between two or more pairs of shoes.
- Keep your shoes and socks clean. Regularly wash your socks in hot water and your shoes with mild soap.
- Don’t wear shoes that are too tight. Shoes that are too tight don’t allow your feet to breathe, leading to foot odor.
- Try sprinkling baking soda inside your shoes. This will help absorb moisture and odors.
Why Should You Get Rid of Smelly Boots?
Wearing smelly boots is unpleasant for you, but it can also be a turnoff for other people. If you’re tired of your boots smelling bad, you can do a few things to get rid of the odor.
First, try airing out your boots. If that doesn’t work, try using vinegar or baking soda to absorb the odor. You can also sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder inside your boots to absorb moisture. If you still can’t get rid of the smell, you may need to replace your boots.
Can You Get Rid of Smelly Boots With Household Items?
A few household items can help get rid of smelly boots, like vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, so it can help remove any bacteria causing the odor. Just soak a cloth in vinegar and rub it on the inside of your boots.
You can also sprinkle baking soda inside your boots to absorb any moisture and odors. Finally, if you’re struggling with foot odor, try dusting your feet with talcum powder or cornstarch before putting on socks and shoes. These powders absorb moisture and help keep your feet dry, which will help prevent the growth of bacteria.
How to Remove Smell From Shoes Instantly?
Wearing shoes without socks can make your feet sweat more, which leads to stinky boots. So, even if it’s just for a quick trip outside, always wear socks with your shoes. Another way to keep your feet dry is to sprinkle some baby powder or cornstarch in your socks before putting them on.
This will help absorb any moisture and keep your feet feeling fresh all day long. However, if your shoes are already starting to smell, there are a few things you can do to nip the problem in the bud. First, try sprinkling some baking soda in your shoes.
Baking soda is a natural absorbent and will help soak up any moisture causing the smell. You can also try putting your shoes in the freezer for a few hours. The cold temperature will kill any bacteria that are causing the odor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Boots to Stink?
The most likely culprit is the leather uppers of boots. Over time, these uppers can start to break down and release a compound called formaldehyde. This compound is responsible for the Boot’s smell, as well as that of other items that contain leather (like purses and wallets).
The best way to avoid this problem is to keep your boots in good condition by regularly cleaning them with a quality leather cleaner. You can also try treating the uppers with a treatment like Formaldehyde-free Boots & Shoe Polish. If you find that the Boots smell is really overpowering, you may want to consider replacing your boots entirely. But overall, keeping your boots in good condition will go a long way in preventing them from stinking up your closet!
Can You Wash Stinky Boots?
It may sound strange, but you can actually wash your stinky boots in the washing machine! Soak them in cold water with a bit of detergent and let them soak for several hours. Remove the dirt, grass, and other debris that’s stuck to the boots before putting them into the washer on gentle cycle. Be sure to add some fabric softener if desired. Hang up or roll up your boots after they’ve been washed and dried to prevent mold formation.
Can Smelly Shoes Be Saved?
Unfortunately, most shoes will eventually start to smell. However, there are a few ways that you can try to save them before it’s too late. The first thing you can do is put them in the dryer on low heat for a short time (15-20 minutes), which will help to remove some of the moisture and odor. If that doesn’t work, then you may want to take them outside and let them air out for a while. And if that still isn’t enough, then you could consider throwing them away or donating them to charity. Ultimately, there is no single solution that works for everyone – just make sure to try different things until one of them seems to be working!
Why Do Shoes Still Smell After Washing?
Shoes typically smell bad because of sweat, bacteria, and other organic matter that accumulates over time. When you wash them in a standard machine with soap and water, the detergents strip away these compounds, but they can often return afterward due to contact with damp materials like carpet or turf.
To prevent this from happening, try washing your shoes in a special cycle called “delicates,” which uses low concentrations of soap and warm water. This helps to reduce the number of enzymes that are generated by soil organisms after being exposed to moisture. And finally, air-drying is another good option since it allows the shoe’s molecules to move freely and dissipate smells more thoroughly than when stored indoors.
Conclusion
Boot odor is caused by bacteria that thrive in moist environments. The sweat your feet produce provides the perfect breeding ground for these bacteria. There are a few ways to get rid of smelly boots. You can try airing them out, using baking soda or vinegar, or using a boot deodorizer. There are a few different methods that can be used to clean and deodorize boots, depending on the materials they are made from.
It is also important to keep in mind that leather boots should not be exposed to water for an extended period, as this could cause them to become damaged. We hope this article has helped you understand the causes of boot odor and how to get rid of smelly boots. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments below!
