Work boots can be a necessary evil. No matter how often you clean them, they always seem to have an odor. Have you ever had that moment where you take your boots off after a long day of work and are hit with an odor so strong it makes you gag? It’s not a pretty smell, but luckily there are ways to get rid of it.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to freshen up your footwear and restore your confidence. Keep reading for methods on how to get rid of work boot odor.
Summary: The best way to reduce odors is to limit the amount of sweat and dirt inside the boots by changing socks often, using antiperspirants, using baking soda for extra protection, and properly drying them in the sun or a warm dryer. Additionally, it is important to regularly clean the insides of the boots with a damp cloth to prevent further damage.
Primary Reason for Work Boot Odor?
Reason can vary, but some common causes of work boot odor exist. The main reasons for work boot odor are given below:
- Sweat
- Dead skin cells
- Bacteria
- Poor hygiene
- Poor ventilation
- Tight-fitting boots
- Synthetic materials
- Damp conditions
- Dirty socks or hosiery
- Smoking habits
12 Methods on How to Get Rid of Work Boot Odor
There are some effective methods to get rid of work boot odor. These are as follows:
Method 1: Washing with Baking Soda
Boot odor is often caused by sweat and dirt accumulated over time. You can try washing your boots with baking soda to eliminate the smell. This will help to absorb the odors and make your boots smell fresher.
Add a few baking soda tablespoons to a warm water bucket to use this method. Stir well, and then soak your boots in the mixture for 30 minutes. Afterward, rinse them off with clean water and let them air dry.
Method 2: Washing with Vinegar
If you don’t have the time to wash your boots with soap and water, you can try using vinegar as a natural odor-eliminating alternative.
Simply fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar, then spritz the inside of your boots until they’re lightly damp. Then, allow them to air dry completely before wearing them again. You can also soak a clean cloth in vinegar and use it to wipe down the inside of your boots. Then, let the vinegar-soaked fabric sit inside the boots for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with water and allowing them to dry.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can help kill the bacteria causing the odor in your boots. Plus, it’s inexpensive and easy to keep your boots smelling fresh all season long!
You Can Check It Out To Keep Cleats From Smelling
Method 3: Using a Dehumidifier
If you live in a humid climate or your job requires you to be in a damp environment, moisture can build up in your work boots and cause them to smell. To combat this, set a small dehumidifier next to your boots when you’re not wearing them. This will help absorb the moisture and keep your boots from smelling musty.
Method 4: Wearing Socks and Changing Them Regularly
Wearing socks will help absorb sweat and keep your feet dry, which will, in turn, prevent your work boots from developing an odor. Be sure to change your socks regularly, especially if you’re sweating a lot. And, if possible, choose socks made of natural fibers like cotton or wool, which will help wick away moisture.
Method 5: Rotating Your Boots
If you have more than one pair of work boots, rotate them so that each team has a chance to dry out completely. This is very helpful if your work environment is particularly dirty or wet. So rotating your boots will extend their lifespan.
Method 6: Using Foot Powder
Foot powder can help absorb sweat and keep your feet dry, reducing the chances of your work boots developing an odor. Be sure to apply the foot powder generously, especially when you sweat the most. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of talcum powder inside your boots before putting them on, and be sure to shake out any excess powder before wearing them.
Method 7: Cleaning the Soles of Your Boots
The soles of your boots can collect dirt, mud, and other debris that can contribute to bad smells. Be sure to clean the soles of your boots regularly, using a stiff brush and soapy water. You can also try scrubbing them with baking soda and vinegar, as stated above. You can try any of these methods to eliminate work boot odor.
Method 8: Drying Your Boots Completely
After you’ve worn your boots, dry them thoroughly before storing them away. If they’re still damp, the moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which will make your boots smell even worse.
If possible, stuff your boots with newspaper or a boot dryer to help absorb any moisture. And, if you live in a humid climate, consider storing your boots in a cool, dry place like a basement or closet to prevent them from developing an odor.
Method 9: Using a Boot Shaper
If you’re not wearing boots, store them with a boot shaper. This will keep the boots’ shape and circulate air around them so they can dry out completely. This is beneficial and will help your boots last longer and smell fresher. You can find this product easily on amazon or at your local shoe store.
Method 10: Applying Essential Oils
Essential oils can help mask the odor of your work boots and have antibacterial properties that can help prevent the growth of bacteria. Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or peppermint to a cotton ball, and tuck it inside your boot. You can also try mixing a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spritzing your boots with the mixture.
Method 11: Avoiding Oil-Based Products
If you use oil-based products on your feet, like lotion or foot cream, wipe them off before putting your socks and boots on. Otherwise, the oil can transfer to your boots and produce foul smells. This is important because many people use oil-based products without even realizing it.
Method 12: Avoiding Humidity
If you live in a humid climate, try to keep your boots as dry as possible. Store them in a cool, dry place, and don’t wear them if they’re still damp. The humidity can cause the growth of mold and mildew, which will make your boots smell even worse. So, you need to be extra careful in humid climates.
With these methods, you should be able to get rid of the odor in your work boots for good! Just clean them regularly, dry them thoroughly, and rotate between multiple pairs of boots if possible. And, if you live in a humid climate, use a dehumidifier to help keep your boots from smelling musty.
What Home Remedy Good for Shoe Odor?
Assuming you don’t want to throw your shoes away, there are a few home remedies you can try to eliminate the odor. These include:
- Put baking soda in a small bag and insert it into each shoe. Let the shoes sit overnight, then remove the baking soda in the morning.
- Vinegar is another natural odor absorber. Soak a cotton ball in vinegar and insert it into each shoe. Let the shoes sit overnight, then remove the cotton balls in the morning.
- Lemon juice is also effective at neutralizing odors. Soak a cotton ball in lemon juice and insert it into each shoe. Let the shoes sit overnight, then remove the cotton balls in the morning.
- Orange peels can also help to absorb odors. Place orange peels in each shoe and let them sit overnight. Remove the orange peels in the morning.
- Other effective home remedies are to place your shoes in the freezer overnight or sprinkle baby powder on your feet before putting on your shoes.
While many home remedies can help to eliminate shoe odor, the best way to prevent it is to avoid sweaty feet in the first place. This can be done by wearing socks made of natural fibers like wool or cotton, which will help to absorb sweat and keep your feet dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do My Work Boots Stink?
There can be many reasons why your boots might smell. However, the most likely culprit is sweat and dirt. Sweat and dirt will mix with the oils in your skin to create a noticeable odor. The best way to avoid this is to wash your boots regularly and dry them completely. If the odor is really bad, you can try using a deodorant or cologne specifically designed for boots.
Why Do My Feet Smell in Work Boots?
Work boots can often contain chemicals and solvents that are harmful to the skin and lungs. These substances can cause a sweaty smell in the feet, which is typically caused by sebum production. Work boots also sit on your feet for long periods of time, which compresses blood vessels in the lower legs and causes discomfort due to repetitive pressure points.
To avoid these problems, it is important to properly break in work boots before you wear them for the first time. This means wearing them around the house for a few hours at a time so that they’re more comfortable and absorbent. Additionally, make sure to regularly wipe down your work boots with a damp cloth or sponge to remove sweat and dirt-causing particles.
Can You Put Baking Soda in Work Boots?
Baking soda is one of the most versatile household ingredients, and it can be used in a variety of ways. If you are wondering whether or not to put baking soda in your work boots, there is no harm in trying it out. Just make sure that the amount you use is minimal and that it doesn’t leave any film on your footwear or membrane. Additionally, try not to exceed the recommended maximum usage limit for baking soda which is 3 teaspoons per week.
Baking Soda has been proven to reduce odor and foot sweatiness by absorbing odors and moisture from the feet. It also absorbs oil and dirt so that they don’t have a chance to accumulate on footwear over time. In sum, using baking soda as a deodorizer or sanitizer can help keep your workplace clean and fresh-smelling!
Can I Put Work Boots in the Washing Machine?
Unfortunately, work boots cannot be placed in the washer and dryer. The soles of these shoes are made from rubber or vinyl, which can become damaged if they come into contact with water. Additionally, this could lead to a dangerous condition called shingles. Shingles is an infection that spreads along the surface of your skin when you wear clothing or footwear that has been exposed to the sun and then comes in contact with water. This includes work boots!
So what should you do? If you absolutely need to clean your work boots quickly, first remove all the dirt and debris by scraping them with a dull object like a pencil eraser. Next, dunk them in cold water for several minutes until they are sufficiently wetted down.
Conclusion
There are many ways that you can eliminate work boot odor. Some methods may work better for you than others, so it’s important to experiment until you find the best one. Remember to be patient, as it may take time to eliminate the odor.
Getting rid of work boot odor can be difficult, but there are a few things you can do to help. You don’t need to spend much money on fancy products; just a few household items will do the trick.
If you read the article on how to get rid of work boot odor, you should be able to find a way that works for you and your boots. However, don’t forget that preventing the odor in the first place is always the best solution. Make sure to clean and dry your boots after each use, and apply a boot freshener or powder regularly. Then, you can keep your boots smelling fresh all day with a little effort. Thanks for reading!
