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Take some baking soda or vinegar. I’ll show you how to make your shoes smell like new after one night

Take some baking soda or vinegar. I’ll show you how to make your shoes smell like new after one night

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How to Make Your Shoes Smell Like New with Baking Soda or Vinegar: A Simple Overnight Fix

We’ve all been there—after a long day of wearing your favorite shoes, they start to develop that unmistakable odor. Whether it’s your sneakers, boots, or even work shoes, unpleasant smells can creep in, leaving your footwear less than fresh. But don’t fret! You don’t need to toss them out or resort to harsh chemicals. With a couple of simple household ingredients—baking soda or vinegar—you can restore your shoes to their fresh-smelling glory overnight. Here’s how you can do it!

🛒 What You’ll Need:

  • Baking soda or vinegar
  • Socks, old cloth, or small bags (for baking soda)
  • Spray bottle (for vinegar method)
  • Towel or paper towels

🧴 Method 1: Baking Soda – The Ultimate Odor Absorber

Baking soda is one of the most effective natural odor neutralizers. It works by absorbing moisture and odors, making your shoes smell fresh again. Here’s how to use it:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Remove Insoles and Laces: For the best results, take out the insoles and laces of your shoes (if possible). This will ensure the baking soda can work its magic directly on the interior.
  2. Sprinkle Baking Soda: Generously sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into the shoes, focusing on the area where the smell is most prominent. If you want to prevent the baking soda from spilling out, you can place it inside an old sock or small fabric bag and tie it closed. This will create a makeshift sachet that can still absorb odors without making a mess.
  3. Let it Sit Overnight: Leave the baking soda in the shoes overnight to work its magic. It will absorb the moisture and neutralize the odor, leaving your shoes smelling fresh.
  4. Shake It Out: In the morning, simply remove the baking soda (or sock/bag) and shake the shoes to get rid of any excess powder. If necessary, wipe down the inside of the shoes with a damp cloth to remove any leftover baking soda.

🍋 Method 2: Vinegar – A Natural Deodorizer

Vinegar is a powerful disinfectant and deodorizer. It’s great at killing the bacteria that cause bad odors, making it an excellent option for refreshing your shoes. Here’s how to use vinegar to make your shoes smell fresh again:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Create a Vinegar Solution: In a small spray bottle, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Shake the bottle gently to combine.
  2. Spray the Inside of the Shoes: Lightly mist the inside of your shoes with the vinegar solution, making sure not to soak them. If you’re concerned about damaging delicate materials, test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.
  3. Dry with a Cloth: Wipe down the inside of your shoes with a cloth or paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help the vinegar solution dry faster while still allowing it to neutralize odors.
  4. Let Them Dry Overnight: Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area overnight to allow the vinegar smell to dissipate. By morning, your shoes will have a fresh, clean scent—without the vinegar smell!

💡 Extra Tips for Stubborn Odors

  • Sunshine Power: If your shoes are particularly smelly, after using baking soda or vinegar, place them in the sun for a few hours. The sunlight helps to eliminate bacteria and dry out any residual moisture, giving your shoes an added boost of freshness.
  • Use Dryer Sheets: After your shoes have dried, you can place a dryer sheet in each shoe to keep them smelling fresh throughout the day. These can also help prevent odors from returning.