Mildew smell in shoes is one of the hardest to deal with. Not only does it cause a smell like wet socks that never really fade away, but it can also be hard on your feet and lead to fungus issues. Whether it’s your shoes that encountered water or your shoes that have been over time left in a closed closet, the stench must be removed. Luckily, it is possible to use effective ways to eliminate the stink but not by disposing of your shoes. Below are several techniques you can use to bid farewell to mildew smell in shoes this post from this blog:

In the case of troubling mildew smell it is advantage to have some waterproof shoes since moisture is not welcome and may contribute to bacterial smell. The Vessi waterproof shoes are made out of material that won’t allow water to penetrate through and create a damp environment where mildew thrives. These shoes are quite helpful in preventing accumulation of moisture since they do a good job at repelling water hence reducing the chances of developing a mildew smell.

However, due to the proper airflow and lack of any fabric that generally retains moisture and bacteria our Vessi shoes prevent prospective smells as well. However, it should be noted that, despite wearing waterproof shoes, proper care and washing should still be done to ensure that the product provides optimal freshness and smell.

Now let's get started on how to get mildew smell out of shoes!

What Causes Mildew Smell in Shoes?

It is normal to have a mildew smell if you frequently wear shoes, if you reside in a moist area, or if you use shoes for long. The stink arises from molds which established themselves inside the shoes. Mould spores are most likely to grow in a wet and humid environment and you could not find a better place for this than inside a shoe, particularly a leather one.

This is only one example of the most widespread causes of mildew smell in shoes – it is excess moisture. Shoes that are wet from sweat or by the rain for instance will emit a bad odour for at least three days. If you do not let your shoes to dry properly then they may become a host of odor producing bacteria.

There are other things that can make shoes get the smell of mildew, for example; not putting on socks while wearing your shoes, shoe ventilation, and how the shoes are stored. On the same note, cases like failure to follow instructions while washing shoes can help to create this problem.

If you have sweaty feet then proper care of shoes is a must more than others. If one does not take care of their shoes, they may have a stench that makes it uncomfortable to wear in public places that require one to feel comfortable.

Effective Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mildew Smell in Shoes

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1. Baking soda

Baking soda is a versatile and effective remedy for eliminating the unpleasant musty odor from shoes. It works by absorbing moisture and neutralizing odors.

Steps:

1. Sprinkle a sufficient amount of baking soda inside the shoes, ensuring all areas are covered.

2. Leave the baking soda in the shoes overnight, allowing it to absorb the odor.

3. Shake out the excess baking soda and use a soft brush to remove any residue.

4. Repeat the process as needed until the smell is gone.

2. White vinegar

Due to its acidity, white distilled vinegar is an organic disinfectant and deodorizer which can assist in the eradication of mildew shoe odor.

Steps:

1. Add water and white distilled vinegar in equal amounts to a spray bottle.

2. Spray the insides of the stinky shoes completely and set them aside for 15 minutes.

3. To remove the vinegar solution, wipe the inside of the shoes with a clean towel.

4. Dry the shoes entirely in a well-ventilated environment.

5. Repeat the process if necessary.

3. Tea tree oil

It is an antifungal and antibacterial oil with the potential to eliminate mildew, so your shoes won’t smell bad. It has a very good smell, this makes it very useful when trying to mask the smell of mildew since it can also kill the germs that cause mildew smell.

Steps:

1. Combine a few drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle with water.

2. Shake well to combine the ingredients.

3. Spray the liquid inside the shoes and allow it to air dry.

4. Repeat the process regularly to prevent the recurrence of musty smells.

4. Sunlight and fresh air

Mildew thrives in damp environments, so exposing your shoes to sunlight and fresh air can help kill the odor-causing bacteria.

Steps:

1. Place the shoes in direct sun for a few hours.

2. Allow fresh air to circulate around the smelly shoes by keeping them in a well-ventilated area.

3. The combination of sunlight and fresh air helps to dry out the shoes and kill bacteria, reducing the mildew smell.

5. Charcoal

Activated charcoal is highly effective at absorbing and neutralizing odors.

Steps:

1. Place a few pieces of activated charcoal inside each shoe.

2. Leave the charcoal in the shoes for at least 24 hours.

3. Remove the charcoal and discard it.

6. Freezing

Freezing can kill the mildew and eliminate the odor.

Steps:

1. Put your shoes in a sealable plastic bag in the freezer overnight.

2. Remove the shoes from the freezer the next day and allow them to thaw at room temperature.

3. Once thawed, air them out to remove any remaining odor.

Using Commercial Products to Remove Mildew Smell in Shoes

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1. Odour-eliminating sprays

Some of the sprays on the market might help to eliminate odour from shoes. They operate on the fact that they remove the bacteria that cause sweat smell and thus give your shoes a fresh smell. All you need to do is use a spray on the inside of your shoes and let it dry for at least two hours.

2. Moisture-absorbing products

Other useful techniques on how to get rid of the smell of mildew form shoes include; The use of mildew repellent products such as sachets of silica gel or activated charcoal. They operate in this manner in that they help in absorbing moisture that can cause bacteria and mildew growth for your shoes. This product is used by placing the sachet or charcoal bag in the shoes then let it remain there at night.

3. Odor-neutralizing insoles

There are shoes insoles types whose odors can be neutralized and do not form odor producing bacteria in the first place. Many of these insoles are made with activated carbon or another odor neutralizing entity. They are very ideal for those who wear shoes a lot of time and those that wear shoes that contain mildew or other bad odors.

4. Shoe deodorizers

Some of the shoe deodorizer manufacturers have products that are custom made shoes that are meant to be placed inside shoes. Such deodorizers use essential oils or other components that are harmless when used in fighting off bad smells , which in turn makes them a very useful means of getting rid of mildew smell. Put the deodorizer into the shoes affected with mildew at night, the next morning your shoes will be fresh.

5. Commercial odor removers

Last of all, there are all kinds of commercial odor removing products that can be bought over the counter for the removal of mildew smell from your shoes. These products function by killing odor causing bacteria, thus leaving your shoes smelling as new again. However, you have to be very careful when using some types of products on your furniture because some of them are not suitable for some materials such as leather or suede.

Mildew Prevention Tips

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To prevent the recurrence of a mildew smell in your shoes, consider implementing the following tips:

• Maintain proper shoe hygiene: Bacteria such as mildews like to breed on dirt and dust which can accumulate in shoes and make them damp. Annual cleaning with warm water and soap or using a soft cloth to prevent the common growth of mildew spores on sneakers should help as well.

• Ensure proper drying: It is always advisable that after wearing the shoes you allow them to dry before you put them away. However you will find that wet shoes are one of the worst places for the mold to grow particularly mildew and therefore your shoes must remain dry. Do not walk around barefoot or have wet shoes on, or put them in plastic bags. This should not be done but is left to dry under a well-drained environment away from direct sunshine.

• Use a natural moisture absorber: Kitty litter or the small silica gel packs which are often packed along with small electronic goods may be used to do away with excess moisture from shoes. Put them in the shoes for a day or during the evening to try to use the moisture to eliminate mold presence.

• Rotate your shoes: It may sound crazy but nothing should stop you from changing shoes every now and then. Switching between pairs also give the current pair ample time to be aired thus minimizing formation of mildew.

• Choose breathable materials: Opt for leather, canvas, or mesh shoes. These materials allow air circulation, preventing moisture buildup and potential mildew growth.

• Store shoes in a dry environment: Select a well-ventilated dry storage area. Avoid storing shoes in damp basements or humid closets, as these conditions can promote mildew growth. Consider using shoe racks or shelves to keep them organized and properly aired.

• Treat shoes with antifungal sprays: Use antifungal sprays designed for shoes to help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. These sprays typically contain ingredients which can inhibit fungal growth and minimize odors.

• Essential oils: Oils, such as tea tree oil, can help kill odor-causing bacteria in shoes. Simply spritz the inside of the shoes with a spray can with water and a few drops of your preferred essential oil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) on Getting Mildew Smell Out of Shoes

1. What kills the smell of mildew?

To effectively eliminate the smell of mildew, you can use various solutions. Vinegar is a natural and effective option; mix equal vinegar and water, apply it to the affected area, and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing. Baking soda also works well; sprinkle it over the mildewy surface, let it sit overnight, and then vacuum it up.

2. Does mildew smell ever go away?

Yes indeed, the smell of mildew does recedes with the help of apt treatment and curing measures. You don’t have to live with musty smells or the growth of mildew because you can get rid of the mildew and its smell by getting to the source, cleaning up, and airing out the space. Usually, if the mold or mildew smell is addressed early enough and more growth prevented, they leave on their own eventually.

3. Is mildew smell in shoes a sign of a health concern?

The mildew smell is as a result of bacterial and fungi developments and this is not a direct health hazard most of the time. However, when one is exposed to the mildew and or its allergens for long, he/she may develop a respiratory ailment or even a allergy. Since poor shoe hygiene poses a significant inconvenience, it is crucial to solve the issue in time.

4. How do you get rid of bad smells in shoes fast?

Here are some measures you can employ in order to remove bad smells from shoes; Put baking soda in the shoes and leave the shoes for several hours to pull the odors. But you can also use the sachets containing activated charcoal or dryer sheets to help eliminate the smell. Further, applying more air circulation into the shoes and exposing the shoes to sunlight can minimize on odor as well.