Smelly shoes are a common problem, especially after a long day, and as the heatwave attacks the country, your once clean shoes can start stinking of your sweat. Most people will rely on fancy sprays or even baking soda to fix it; however, there is one unexpected food item that could be the secret to getting rid of that sweaty odour for good.
Footwear expert Julian Nelson, founder of A Fine Pair of Shoes, shared that the surprisingly effective DIY method can absorb excess moisture and banish bad smells overnight. Julian added, “It’s simple, affordable, and surprisingly effective, and in this week’s heat, it’s the best way to keep shoes fresh without resorting to harsh chemicals.”
The secret? Rice. Just like rice can soak up moisture from a water-damaged phone, it can also absorb unwanted odours from the room, says experts at the Kitchn.
Julian went on to explain: “Uncooked rice is a natural desiccant, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, and in this case, from inside your shoes. You can also add bicarbonate of soda and salt to boost the effect; the bicarb neutralises smells, while salt helps kill off bacteria.”
Unlike temporary solutions like sprays or tossing shoes in the wash, this trick is gentle, long-lasting, and reusable, making it a great option. This method works for everything, including school shoes, leather work shoes, and canvas trainers.
“Washing shoes in a machine can ruin the structure and glue, especially in heat, but this is a dry solution that actually works,” Julian adds.
How to do it:
To freshen up your shoes, fill a clean sock with about half a cup of uncooked rice. If you want an extra scent, then add a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and a few drops of essential oil.
Tie the sock securely so nothing spills out. Place one sock into each shoe and leave them overnight. Repeat the process whenever your shoes start to smell.
Another method is to place uncooked rice in a jar with a few drops of essential oil, says experts at The Kitchn. Simply, cover the jar with a piece of breathable fabric and secure it using a rubber band or the outer ring of a Mason jar lid.
Gently shake or stir the contents to evenly mix in the essential oil. Then, place the jar next to your smelly shoes, whether it’s in a closet, laundry room, or hallway.
How to use baking soda
Baking soda is a popular ingredient for deodorising. Start by sprinkling about a teaspoon of baking soda onto each shoe, or a bit more for larger sizes. Give the shoes a shake to help spread the powder evenly inside.
“Let the powder remain in your shoes for a full 24 hours to give the baking soda time to fully absorb odours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut that to 12 hours or overnight,” says a home guru at the Spruce.
They concluded: “Make sure to shake out the excess powder before wearing your shoes again. If your shoes still smell, you can repeat the process to try to remove any remaining odour.”