Deodorize smelly sneakers - the best tips | HypedPair

Dealing with a stubborn sweat smell in your sneakers? The fastest route to fresh shoes is simple: remove moisture, curb bacteria and let your sneakers dry completely. With the right home remedies and smart care routines you can neutralize odours quickly without damaging your sneakers.

Why sneakers start to smell and how to stop it

Odour forms when sweat and heat get trapped in your sneaker. Sweat itself hardly smells, but bacteria and sometimes fungi convert it into volatile acids you perceive as stench. Non-breathable materials, heavy use, synthetic socks and insufficient drying time make it worse. The solution is twofold: remove the breeding ground and reduce the microbe count.

Do this effectively: don’t give moisture a chance, clean the contact surface where your foot touches the shoe and ensure good ventilation. Choose moisture-wicking socks, rotate pairs daily and allow 24 hours to dry. Also treat the inside periodically with a mild cleaner, such as our Sneaker cleaner for odour control, and use absorbent or antibacterial home remedies when needed.

Find step-by-step instructions in Cleaning sneakers: step by step.

Home remedies that really work

Baking soda (bicarbonate) for odour and moisture

Baking soda neutralizes acids and absorbs moisture, so the typical sweat smell fades quickly. It’s safe for most linings and works especially well after airing or cleaning, when only light residual odour remains.

How to do it

• Sprinkle 1–2 teaspoons of baking soda into each shoe and spread it across the insole.
• Let it sit for 8–12 hours, then tap or vacuum out the residue.
• Repeat for 2–3 nights in a row for stubborn odours.

Vinegar as a natural deodorizer

Vinegar lowers the pH and disrupts the environment of odour-causing bacteria. Always use diluted vinegar and test for colourfastness on delicate linings or glued seams first.

How to do it

• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water in a spray bottle.
• Mist the inside lightly; don’t soak.
• Air-dry and store the sneakers open afterwards.

In the freezer: only as a bonus step

Extreme cold slows bacterial activity and can give temporary relief. Treat it as an add-on after a mild clean and thorough drying, not as a miracle cure.

How to do it

• Place dry shoes in a well-sealed freezer bag.
• Leave for 8–12 hours, then take out and let them return to room temperature.
• Never place them against a heater to warm up to avoid deformation.

Want to start with the right tools? Check our Complete sneaker cleaning kits.

Clean or replace insoles

Most odours settle in the insole. Remove removable insoles, wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleaner, blot dry and air-dry for 24 hours. If they’re worn or still smell, replace them with odour-control insoles. Lightly clean the shoe’s lining as well and let everything dry fully before wearing again.

Washing sneakers in the washing machine

The washing machine can help with textile sneakers but isn’t suitable for every material. Always use a laundry bag, a cold or 20–30 °C cycle and a small amount of mild detergent. Remove laces and insoles, then air-dry with stuffed paper or shoe trees. If in doubt, choose hand cleaning.

Still unsure? Read our article on Sneakers in the washing machine: yes or no?.

Material	Washing machine	Tip
Canvas, mesh, textile	Often fine at 20–30 °C	Laundry bag, low spin, never tumble-dry
Synthetic leather	Preferably not	Hand-clean with a soft brush
Leather, suede, nubuck	No	Hand-clean only and dry immediately
Heavily glued soles	Risky	Hand-clean to prevent delamination

Prefer to play it safe by cleaning by hand? Use a mild cleaner, a soft brush and a microfibre cloth. Clean upper, midsole and lining purposefully without over-soaking.

Not getting results at home? Consider professional sneaker cleaning for a thorough, safe approach.

Prevent new odour: socks, hygiene and protection

• Choose the right socks – Go for merino wool or technical polyester that wicks moisture. Change daily and carry a spare pair after workouts.
• Foot hygiene – Wash and dry feet well, including between toes. An antiperspirant on feet can help with excessive sweating.
• Ventilate and rotate – Loosen laces, lift the tongue and let sneakers dry for 24 hours. Don’t wear the same pair two days in a row.
• Protect against wet conditions – Water and dirt trap odour. A water- and dirt-repellent layer helps keep the upper drier and cleaner.
• Store smart – Keep sneakers in a ventilated space and never leave them in a gym bag for long.

Want to tackle this structurally? Discover all products and tips for sneaker care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get bad odour out of sneakers?

Follow this order: let them dry completely, clean the lining and insoles, use an absorbent or neutralizing agent like baking soda or diluted vinegar and ventilate. Repeat for 2–3 days. If odour remains, replace the insoles and allow more drying time between wears.

What removes odours from sneakers?

Absorbers like baking soda target odour and moisture, while diluted vinegar lowers pH and slows bacterial growth. Combine this with thorough drying, regular hand cleaning and airing out your sneakers for lasting results.

What to do against smelly shoes: grandma’s tips?

Classics that work: let baking soda sit, lightly mist with diluted vinegar and stuff shoes with dry paper to pull out moisture. A night in the freezer can sometimes help as an extra step. Always spot-test first, especially on suede or dyed leather.

What to do about smelly feet and shoes?

Treat both: wear moisture-wicking socks, wash and dry feet well and consider an antiperspirant. Clean and dry your sneakers thoroughly, replace insoles if they keep smelling and give shoes at least 24 hours’ rest between wears.

Ready to keep your sneakers fresh without risking damage? Clean purposefully and safely, and protect the upper against water and dirt so odours get less chance.

This article was written by Marijn van der Heijden.