Bad odours in trainers are mainly caused by sweat and the growth of bacteria inside the shoes. Follow these steps to get rid of them easily.
Remove Bad Odour from Shoes
1. Use Baking Soda
- Sprinkle baking soda inside the trainers and leave it overnight.
- This natural product neutralises odours by absorbing moisture and eliminating bacteria.
- In the morning, shake out the excess baking soda before wearing them.
2. Used Tea Bags
- Place one or two used, dry tea bags inside each trainer for several hours.
- The tannins in tea help absorb odours and reduce moisture.
3. Citrus Peels
- Insert lemon, orange, or grapefruit peels into the trainers.
- These act as natural deodorisers, leaving a fresh aroma.
4. Daily Ventilation
- After each use, leave the trainers in a well-ventilated area to dry completely.
- Trapped moisture is one of the main causes of bad odours.
Eliminate Odours from Sneakers
Removing odours from trainers also involves maintaining a proper cleaning routine. Here’s how to do it:
1. Wash the Insoles
- If the insoles are removable, take them out and wash them by hand with warm water and mild soap.
- Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back.
2. Use a Natural Disinfectant
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the inside of the trainers and let them air dry.
- This method not only removes odours but also disinfects the shoes.
3. Freeze the Sneakers
- Place the trainers in a sealed plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight.
- The low temperatures kill the bacteria responsible for bad odours.
- Let them thaw naturally before wearing them.
4. Fill Them with Newspaper
- Stuff crumpled newspaper inside the trainers to absorb moisture and neutralise odours.
- Replace the newspaper regularly until the trainers are completely dry.
Remove Musty Odours from Shoes
Musty odours are common when shoes don’t dry properly. Follow these tips to solve the problem:
1. Quick Drying with Rice or Cat Litter
- Fill a sock with uncooked rice or cat litter and place it inside each trainer.
- These materials efficiently absorb moisture.
2. Use a Hairdryer
- Blow warm air into the trainers from a safe distance to avoid damaging the material.
- This helps eliminate residual moisture.
3. Antifungal Spray
- Apply an antifungal spray designed for footwear.
- This product removes fungi and bacteria that cause musty odours.
Remove Odours from Trainers
Sports trainers are more exposed to sweat due to intense physical activity. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
1. Wash Your Trainers Properly
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if the trainers are machine washable.
- Use a delicate cycle and mild detergent to avoid damaging the trainers.
- If machine washing isn’t suitable, hand wash them with soap and water.
2. Antiperspirant Powder
- Apply foot powder or talc inside the trainers before wearing them.
- This helps reduce sweating and prevents odour buildup.
3. Wear Technical Socks
- Socks made from breathable materials, such as cotton or synthetic fabrics, absorb sweat better and reduce moisture accumulation.
- Change your socks daily to maintain good hygiene.
4. Activated Charcoal Insoles
- Replace the original insoles with activated charcoal insoles, which neutralise odours and keep the trainers fresh for longer.
Removing odours from trainers doesn’t have to be complicated. With these practical tips, you can keep your children’s trainers fresh and odour-free, ready to support them in all their adventures.
At Conguitos, we care about offering comfortable, durable, and easy-to-care-for footwear. Visit our online store to discover more trainer options designed to keep up with your little ones’ pace.
Now that you know how to remove odour from trainers, try these tricks and enjoy fresh shoes every day!
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Remove Sneaker Odor
1. How often should I apply these tips to prevent bad odor?
Ideally, once a week if the sneakers are used daily. This prevents moisture and bacteria from building up and the smell from getting stronger. Light and consistent cleaning is the best prevention.
2. Can I put smelly sneakers in the washing machine?
Yes, but only if it is indicated in the product care instructions. Wash with cold water and a short cycle, without fabric softener or strong spin. Then let them air dry with paper inside to help them keep their shape.
3. What type of vinegar should I use and how do I apply it?
Use white vinegar or cleaning vinegar — never wine or apple cider vinegar. Mix it with equal parts water, spray the inside of the sneakers and let it sit for a few minutes before drying with absorbent paper. It helps neutralize odor and eliminate bacteria.
4. Can I combine baking soda with other products?
Yes, you can mix it with mild soap or white vinegar — but avoid mixing it with bleach or strong detergents. Baking soda is highly effective on its own: it neutralizes odor and absorbs moisture.
5. What if the odor doesn’t go away after several attempts?
If the smell persists, the best option is to remove the insoles and replace them with new ones. You can also apply an antifungal spray or place the sneakers in a sealed bag in the freezer overnight to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
6. Can I use air fresheners or commercial sprays inside the sneakers?
Yes, but with caution. Make sure they are products specifically designed for footwear, not home air fresheners. Apply only to clean and dry interiors and let them air out for a few minutes before wearing.
7. Does the material of the sneakers affect bad odor?
Yes. Fabric or canvas sneakers are more breathable, while synthetic materials tend to retain more moisture. In these cases, it's essential to ventilate well after each use and rotate footwear to avoid trapping moisture.
8. How can I prevent bad odor before it appears?
Let the sneakers fully dry between uses, wear cotton or technical socks, and replace the insoles frequently. Applying baking soda once a week also helps keep them fresh.
9. Can I use heat (hairdryer or radiator) to dry them after cleaning?
It’s not recommended. Direct heat can deform the sneakers and damage the material. It’s better to fill them with paper or dry towels and let them air dry in a ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.
10. How can I disinfect sneakers to eliminate fungi or bacteria?
Use a mix of white vinegar and water or a gentle disinfectant spray. Spray the inside, let it sit for a few minutes, and dry well. You can also add a few drops of tea tree essential oil, known for its natural antibacterial properties.
11. What role do insoles play in bad odor?
Insoles absorb most of the sweat, so it’s best to wash or replace them every few months. Activated charcoal or ventilated gel insoles are a great option to keep footwear fresh for longer.
12. How can I clean the laces and tongue if they also smell bad?
Remove the laces and soak them in warm water, mild soap, and a teaspoon of baking soda.
For the tongue, wipe it with a damp cloth soaked in diluted vinegar and let it air dry.
This will eliminate odor without damaging the fabric.
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