The Only Solution You Need To Eliminate Funky Shoe Odors

No one likes to admit it, but we've all kicked off a pair of sneakers after a long day only to be met with a room-clearing stench. No matter how clean and tidy we try to be, stinky shoes can happen to any of us. Most folks tend to reach for scented aerosol sprays in this situation, or even hand wash their shoes every now and then, but those are mere Band-Aids. They don't solve the problem. If you want to kick that stink (and the bacteria that causes it) to the curb for good, skip the cleaning aisle and look in your laundry room. You probably already have the solution that'll eliminate funky shoe odors for good: borax.

Scientifically labeled as sodium tetraborate, borax is a naturally occurring alkaline mineral famous for boosting detergent performance in your laundry. However, that isn't its only superpower: it also affects pH levels, which is exactly what makes it such a good solution here. Sweat creates a damp, acidic environment inside your shoes, which is the perfect breeding ground for odor-producing bacteria to multiply. But with a high pH level of 9.5, borax turns that acidic ecosystem on its head by neutralizing it. Alongside its ability to absorb any residual moisture, borax leaves your shoes dry and entirely odor free. This is just one of the many genius ways to use borax at home.

Yes, there are other ways to clean and deodorize stinky shoes, but borax is a powerful favorite. There are two easy ways to harness the laundry room staple to freshen up your kicks: the dry method and the liquid spray method. Choosing one merely depends on how much time you have and how bad the odor is.

For heavily soiled boots or sneakers that need a deep, all-out intervention, the dry method is best. Just measure out 2 tablespoons of loose borax powder and sprinkle it directly inside each shoe. Then, shake the shoe gently back and forth so the powder coats things evenly from the heel down to the toe area, and leave things to sit overnight. The next morning, shake the loose powder out (preferably over a trash can) or even use a vacuum with a narrow nozzle attachment to get everything out before putting them on again.

If you need a faster turnaround on your shoe refresh, grab your borax and mix 2 tablespoons of it into 4 cups of water. Put this mixture into a spray bottle, generously mist the inside of your shoes, and let the borax mixture sit for roughly 20 minutes so it can soak in. Then, give the inside of your shoe a gentle clean with a damp cloth to remove any potential residue, and let it air dry. Eliminating smelly shoe odors with ingredients you already have feels (and smells) great!