Wait, Why Are People Putting Bay Leaves In Their Shoes (And Should You?)

You may recognize them as the fragrant herbs used to flavor your favorite sauces and soups, but the use of bay leaves extends far beyond just cooking. Research shows that the antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of bay leaves can be incorporated into various applications, ranging from medicinal home remedies to deodorizing products. Thanks to their eucalyptol content, they can even be used to ward off stink bugs and other insects. And smelly shoes? They don't stand a chance when pitted against the natural deodorizing and freshening components that bay leaves have to offer.

Bay leaves come from the bay laurel tree (Laurus nobilis). If you live in a warmer climate (U.S. hardiness zones 8 and up), you can grow this hardy perennial tree in your outdoor garden and reap its bounty year-round. If you don't have the space, desire, or correct weather conditions to grow your own bay leaves, no worries. These leaves are widely available in the spice or seasoning section of most grocery stores. They come in jars or containers at an affordable price point, especially compared to most commercial shoe deodorizing products.

If you've noticed an uptick of people placing bay leaves in their shoes, there's a good reason for it. These herbs can deodorize, thanks to their antibacterial and antifungal properties, which largely come from the essential oils found in the leaves, including cineole, α-terpinyl acetate, α-pinene, β-pinene, and sabinene. The oils also give off a pleasant aroma that many describe as a combination of pine, clove, lavender, and eucalyptus notes. Since bay leaves are a natural herb, they can freshen shoes without the use of harsh chemicals, similarly to the cinnamon shoe-deodorizing hack. They're also cost-effective, as you only need a couple of bay leaves per shoe for full deodorizing benefits.

Get rid of bad smells by placing two to three dried leaves in your shoes and leaving them there overnight. Slightly crush (not crumble) the bay leaf before putting it in the shoe to help release its aroma. In the morning, dump the leaves in the trash can, and your shoes should be free of bad odors, and have a slightly floral yet minty scent to them.