How to Get Rid of Stinky Feet and Shoes – Natural Remedies

I have boys.  Boys smell.  A LOT!  But there are a few things we can do to help get rid of stinky feet and shoes.

 

How to Get Rid of Stinky Feet and Shoes

The one thing that has been surprising to me as a mom of boys, is how smelly they can get.  They can be freshly bathed one minute, go outside for 30 seconds and come in smelling like a wet dog.  And their feet can get so smelly, especially when they get involved in sports and are sweating a lot.  It gets worse as they get older.  Here are some natural remedies that will help your kids (or anyone in the family) get rid of stinky feet and shoes.

Get Rid of Stinky Feet and Shoes

1.Freeze Stinky Shoes

Put smelly shoes into a large freezer bag and place in the freezer overnight.  The cold will kill the bacteria that are causing their shoes to stink.

2.Soak Inserts

If the shoes have removable inserts, soak the inserts in vinegar and water. Use 2 parts vinegar to 1 part hot water. Soak for a few hours and then let them dry.  The vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will kill the bacteria in the shoes.

3.Baking Soda and Essential Oils

Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with your favorite essential oil such as Lavendar Essential Oils (essential oil is optional but makes shoes smell better).  Sprinkle into the shoe and spread evenly over the bottom of the shoe.  Leave overnight and then tap excess baking soda into the garbage can.    You could also fill up a nylon or thin sock with baking soda and essential oils and tie it off.  Leave inside a shoe overnight and then remove.  The baking soda absorbs the smell, making your shoes fresh.  You can use it a few times before making a new one.

4. Tea Bags

Place Spicy Tea Bags such as mint, orange spice or gingerbread into shoes anytime the shoe is off.

5. Lavendar

Rub Lavendar Essential Oils on your feet every morning before putting your shoes on.  This will keep your feet from getting sweaty and stinky and will also help to deodorize your shoes.

6.Vinegar Foot Soak

If you or your kids have really stinky feet, soak the feet in a bath of apple cider vinegar or plain vinegar.  Add 1/3 cup of vinegar to a bowl of warm water.  Soak feet  for 10-15 minutes a couple of times per week to keep smells down.
Here are some great products that might help get rid of stinky feet:

 Natural Shoe Deodorizer, Foot Deodorant Spray for Athletes FOOT SENSE All Natural Smelly Foot & Shoe Powder Foot Spray for Shoes and Smelly Feet – Shoe Odor Spray and Foot Odor Eliminator Natural Shoe Deodorizer & Odor Eliminator Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder Shoe Deodorizer with Tea Tree Oil – Natural, Maximum Strength Foot Spray Gran’s Remedy For Smelly Feet and Footwear #1 Most Effective Foot & Shoe Deodorant Spray – All Natural and 100% Safe

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What tips do you have to get rid of stinky feet and shoes?

This post is a part of our series 31 Days of Tips for Raising Boys. Each day throughout the series we are discussing a different topic regarding raising boys.  I’d love for you to follow along and share this series with other parents of boys who may need some support or just to hear that they aren’t alone in their journey of raising boys.

Find all of our posts in one place on our series home page:  31 Days of Tips for Raising Boys

If you are living with dirty, stinky boys, you will also want to read:

How to Get Rid of the “Boy-Smell” in Your Bathroom

How to Get Dirt and Grass Stains Out of Clothes

Teaching Boys Personal Hygiene So They Won’t STINK!