How to Clean Smelly Tennis Shoes

tennis shoes, smell, clean, baking soda, vinegar, essential oils

If your tennis shoes are starting to smell a little bit, don’t worry! There are a few easy ways that you can clean them and make them smell fresh again. baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils are all great options for getting rid of that pesky shoe smell.

Introduction

Few things are more unpleasant than putting on a pair of shoes that stink. And if you’re a tennis player, the problem is even worse because you’re constantly sweating in your shoes. If you’ve tried everything to get rid of the smell and nothing has worked, don’t give up hope. There are a few things you can do to clean smelly tennis shoes and make them smell fresh again.

The first thing you need to do is identify the source of the problem. If your shoes are made of leather or synthetic materials, the cause of the smell is probably bacteria that have built up on the surface of the material. If your shoes are made of fabric, the cause is probably sweat or other moisture that has become trapped in the fabric. Either way, the key to getting rid of the smell is to remove the bacteria or moisture from your shoes.

Here are a few tips for cleaning smelly tennis shoes:

The Problem: Why Do Tennis Shoes Smell?

Here’s the thing about that icky smelling bacteria—it loves warm, moist environments. In other words, your shoes are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

And that’s not even the half of it. As that bacteria multiplies, it gives off waste products (nitrogen and sulfur compounds) which produce an unpleasant smell. But it gets worse! Those same waste products can actually break down the materials in your shoes, making them fall apart faster.

The good news is that you can fight back against smelly sneakers with a little bit of preventative maintenance and some regular cleaning.

The Solution: How to Clean Smelly Tennis Shoes

You’ve probably had this problem before. You’re out on the tennis court, sweating your behind off, and when you take your shoes off afterwards they’re just rank. The good news is that there is a solution and it’s actually quite simple. All you need is some vinegar, water, and baking soda.

Materials Needed

-1/2 cup baking soda
-1/2 cup vinegar
-1 cup water

Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle and shake well to combine.
3. Spray the shoes liberally, paying special attention to the inside of the shoe where the footrests.
4. Let the shoes sit for 30 minutes, then remove any excess solution with a cloth.
5. Allow shoes to dry completely before wearing them again.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to clean smelly tennis shoes using items you likely already have in your home:

-Remove the insoles from the shoes. If your shoes have removable insoles, take them out. If not, skip to the next step.
-Fill a sink with warm water and add ½ cup of baking soda. Stir until the baking soda is dissolved.
-Place the shoes in the sink and let them soak for 30 minutes.
-Remove the shoes from the sink and scrub them with a toothbrush or other soft bristled brush. Pay special attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or smelly.
-Rinse the shoes with clean water and let them air dry.
– Place the insoles back in the shoes once they’re dry.

Conclusion

There are many possible causes of smelly shoes, but the most common is sweat. When your feet sweat, the moisture is absorbed by your socks and shoes. This moist environment is ideal for bacteria to grow, which can cause a bad odor. If you don’t allow your shoes to dry completely between wearings, the problem can worsen.

The best way to prevent smelly shoes is to keep them clean and dry. Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly. Wear socks that absorb moisture, and change them often if your feet sweat a lot. If your shoes get wet, remove the insole and Stuff them with newspaper to help them dry faster. Be sure to alternate between two pairs of shoes so they have time to dry completely before you wear them again.