More often than not, having mold smell in shoes is quite frustrating. First, it has that unbearable stench that tends to stick on your feet, and second, it causes discomfort and creates an environment for fungi to grow organisms. Whether your shoes stepped in some water or they have been left inside the closet for quite sometime; the mildew smell must be removed. Fortunately, there are realistic ways on how to get rid of the stink without having to get rid of your shoes. As promised in the title of this blog post, in this piece, we shall take our time and consider different solutions that you can use to do away with the mildew smell in your shoes once and for all.

When treating an area affected by a bad smell of mildew, one would wish they had waterproof shoes especially when water puddles become a common occurrence and this leads to growth of the unpleasant smell causing bacteria. While we also offer skechers waterproof shoes we make sure they are designed to avoid any entrance of moisture into the shoe as this will cause the development of mildews. Due to its waterproof feature, these shoes ensure that any water that comes into contact with them is easily pushed away thereby decreasing chances of the shoe smelling of mildew.

Thirdly, the inherent breathability and moisture release capacity of our Vessi shoes effectively prevent odors too. However, the waterproof shoes need to be cleaned and maintained in the right way to be sure that they shall deliver excellent freshness and a good management of odor.

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 are one of those people who wears shoes frequently especially if you live in a humid climate or use your shoes for an extended duration. This odor results from mold, mildew spores, growing within the shoes. Mildew spores are airborne and find a good home in the moisture that accumulates where it stays dark, warm, and well-ventilated; notably, footwear, and in particular, leather shoes.

Moisture is one of the most common causes of mildew smell in shoes, and having your shoes wet for an extended period is one of the most common causes of it. Sweaty or rain soaked shoes are bad news for your feet and they will smell awful for days. If you leave your shoes to dry in a stack or fold them, they will end up developing mildew and the smell that comes with it.

There are other things that may lead to the smell of mildew in shoes, which include; failure to wear socks, shoes with poor ventilation and inadequate storage conditions. Moreover, if soap residue is employed or shoe-washing directions are not followed, this lets such a problem through.

If you are a candidate of excessive sweating, shoe care is even more crucial. Due to lack of care stinky shoes accompany become embarrassing and self-conscious when put on during social occasions.

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

This oil's antifungal and antibacterial qualities can help get rid of mildew and keep your shoes smell-free. It offers a strong aroma which can help disguise mildew odor while eliminating the germs that caused it.

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. Odor-eliminating sprays

Other shoe sprays available for sale may have the capacity of eliminating smell on shoes. They operate through decomposing the offending bacteria that cause the smell and make your shoes smell. It is enough to spray the product into the interior of the shoes and give it several hours to dry during which time the shoes become perfectly deodorized.

2. Moisture-absorbing products

Another efficient method of addressing the issue of mildew smell in shoes is by employing products that appear to absorb moisture such as silica gel packs or activated charcoal. These products work by absorbing any excess moisture and therefore they act like discouragers of bacteria and mildew on your shoes. All you need to do is put the sachet or charcoal bag in your shoes and leave it inside overnight.

3. Odor-neutralizing insoles

Though some shoe insoles can address the issue of odors, most insoles do not produce the bacteria responsible for odor in the first place. Sometimes these insoles are incorporated with activated carbon or some other substance to minimize the smell. They’re special for those who often wear shoes that have chances of getting mildew or smelling bad in general.

4. Shoe deodorizers

A number of firms have products that function shoe deodorizers or those that are inserted into shoes. These deodorizers usually contain one or another form of essential oils or other natural additives which allow to fight against the smell effectively and non-toxic, which make them the perfect solution to remove the smell of mold. Alternatively, you can put the deodorizer in your shoes that has mildew smell for a whole night removing the smell and returning your shoes to their normal fresh smelling state.

5. Commercial odor removers

Last but not the least, there are number of easily procurable commercial odor removers, which can effectively neutralize the smell of mildew from your shoes. These products achieve this by eliminating smell causing germs which makes your shoes smell as new. However, it is advisable to cough to the manufacturer’s instructions as some products are likely to harm some materials like leather, suede, etc.

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: It will be rather disappointing to put on shoes that are stinking because they have developed mildew from the dirt and dust that collects inside them. To ensure that no mildew spores are formed you will need to wash your sneakers with warm soapy water and soft cloth often.

• Ensure proper drying: When you have worn the shoes, avoid putting them on directly for other use without first having allowed them to dry. The pair of shoes that are not completely dry are a place where mildew thrives and should therefore be avoided. Do not put on wet shoes or keep them in plastic bags. However, to let them dry up, you should dry them in an open space or under direct sunlight.

• Use a natural moisture absorber: It is possible to take out moisture to shoes with the help of moisture absorbing material like kitty litter or silica gel sachets. Put them inside the shoes for per night or at most a few hours to soak up the moisture and avoid having mildew.

• Rotate your shoes: Don’t wear the same shoes each day of the week. The rotation of shoes helps them to be aired fully before they are worn again because when you wear them the next day, they are moist with the formation of mildews.

• Choose breathable materials: Choose leather shoes, canvas shoes or those with mesh fabric. Such materials let in some air flow so that it does not get in contact with the inner walls and may cause formation of moisture and mold.

• 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?

There are several ways you can use to ensure you got rid of the smell of mildew completely. One of the best choices is vinegar; dilute it with water in a 1: 1 ratio, apply to the shoes, leave for a few hours to dry. Baking soda also good; sprinkle it over the affected area, let it work for a day or so then vacuum it up.

2. Does mildew smell ever go away?

Yes, the smell of mildew can be eliminated if the conditions that cause the smell are addressed, and cured. As you get rid of the source of moisture, clean and sanitize affected surface, and provide good air circulation, mildew and its smell are easy to get rid of. Further development and spread of the mildew can be stopped and prevented thus helping in the eradication of the smell provided quick action is taken.

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

This in particular explains why mildew smell can be as a result of Bacteria and fungi growth and may not always point to a health issue. However, constant exposure to mildew and the related elements can lead to or aggravate respiratory problems or allergies in some persons. That is why it is essential to solve the problem since the healthy and comfortable shoe environment greatly depends on its timely solving.

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

Here are some steps that you can follow if you want to remove awful odors from your shoes: Pour baking soda on inside of shoes and leave them to stay throughout the night to effectively eliminate bad smells. If you don’t have baking soda, you can use activated charcoal sachets, dryer sheets to help eliminate the smell. Moreover, one should also ensure good circulation and let the shoes breathe, which includes taking them out to the sun occasionally.