How to make a deodorant for shoes against unpleasant odors with your own hands

There is probably not a single person who, at least once in his life, has not complained that his shoes, to put it mildly, do not smell like lilies of the valley. This especially applies to those shoes in which you have to spend a lot of time during the day. My grandchildren’s sneakers give off such an odor that staying in the hallway for a long time is dangerous to your health. So I was wondering what could be done. Of course, the easiest way is to buy shoe deodorant. But this is chemistry. Manufacturers claim that it is harmless to shoes. And for the legs?

I decided to go a different route. There are essential oils. They can be used to disinfect clothes and shoes. So why not take advantage of this?

I want to share with you, dear readers, my experience in making and using homemade, homemade shoe deodorant.

What to do first

An unpleasant odor is a surprise that sooner or later any shoes made of leather or synthetic materials present. But before you start disguising it, you need to prepare your shoes:

• laces and insoles are removed;
• the sole is washed from dirt;
• the tongue is turned towards the toe.

Without preliminary cleaning, stains will certainly remain on the surface. This is especially true for sneakers, creepers, ballet shoes or moccasins made of thick fabric.

It is recommended to wash laces and insoles separately using laundry soap or powder.

Kinds

There are the following types of antiperspirants for feet:

To choose the right deodorant for odor in shoes, you need to contact a specialist. The doctor will ask you in detail about the problem of hyperhidrosis, find out the cause of the phenomenon, prescribe the necessary tests and additional examination. Based on the diagnostic results, he will select the appropriate type of deodorizing property, taking into account the intensity of sweating.

How to get rid of odor in shoes: 12 ways

The main cause of odor is improper shoe care. In closed shoes, feet sweat a lot, which causes the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. Therefore, if you don’t want to blush in front of your friends when visiting them, be sure to get deodorant.

Hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate

If you treat your shoes with hydrogen peroxide, they will immediately stop smelling. The product has antibacterial properties, so it destroys flora, which causes the unpleasant odor. To put your sneakers or slippers in order, you need:

• moisten a cloth generously in peroxide;
• wipe the inside and outside of the sneakers;
• leave until completely dry for 5-7 hours.

Peroxide has brightening properties, so it should not be used on dark suede, leather or nubuck shoes.

Potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) does an excellent job of eliminating the smell of sweat:

• on the tip of a knife, the powder is dissolved in warm water until a pale pink solution is obtained;
• pour the liquid into a spray bottle;
• spray the inside and outside of the shoes;
• dry at room temperature for 7-10 hours.

For excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), it is recommended to take daily baths with potassium permanganate and use powders with talcum powder.

Lemon

The smell of dampness and mold is a clear sign of fungal infection of the skin of the feet. To clean shoes from mycotic flora, use products with lemon. It contains antiseptic and deodorizing components that easily eliminate odors from shoes.

Folk recipe for shoe deodorant:

• peel the lemon;
• squeeze the juice onto a cloth napkin or gauze;
• wipe shoes from the inside;
• leave until completely dry.

To ensure that your shoes always exude only a pleasant citrus aroma, it is recommended to steal lemon zest into them at night.

Green tea and coffee

Products that have adsorbing properties get rid of shoe odor. Green tea and ground black coffee are used as adsorbents. Both products remove unpleasant odors and excess moisture from boots or sneakers. Therefore, conditions are created inside the shoes that are unfavorable for the proliferation of fungal flora.

How to eliminate foreign odor from tea or coffee:

• large-leaf green tea or ground coffee is poured into a fabric bag or sock;
• place it in shoes overnight;
• the tongues are turned towards the ankle boots.

For hyperhidrosis, it is recommended to pour a small amount of coffee under the insoles. Bagged green tea is no less effective.

Tea without flavorings should be used as an adsorbent. This eliminates the possibility of mixing the smell of sweat with kiwi, jasmine, barberry and other flavors.

Ethanol

Ethanol is an effective odor remover that has disinfectant properties. To clean your shoes, use vodka or diluted medical alcohol. To prepare vodka 40°, you need to mix 500 ml of 96% ethanol with 700 ml of water.

How to treat sneakers or boots:

• vodka is poured into a spray bottle;
• the inner surface of the boots and soles are irrigated with alcohol;
• after 10-15 minutes, remove the remaining liquid with a paper or cloth napkin;
• Dry the shoes at room temperature.

This method is suitable for combating the unpleasant aroma of new shoes, the smell of dampness and fungus. But experts do not recommend using alcohol to treat natural leather, as it will become hard and deformed.

Ammonia solution

Ammonia is a product that quickly eliminates the unpleasant odor from shoes. It neutralizes acids, which are a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic flora. Suitable for processing, for example, sneakers or moccasins.

Algorithm of actions:

• a cloth or gauze is generously moistened in an ammonia solution;
• carefully treat the inside of the sneakers;
• place shoes in the hallway or on the balcony for 2-3 hours;
• dry at room temperature for 5-7 hours.

An ammonia solution is suitable for both combating and preventing unpleasant odors. During the warm season, it is recommended to treat closed shoes at least once a week.

Vinegar

To prevent shoes from smelling, use 9% vinegar. It is suitable for cleaning sneakers, moccasins and boots with lining made of artificial materials. In case of excessive sweating of the feet, the procedure is performed once every 1.5 weeks.

Features of using vinegar:

• vinegar essence is mixed with water in a ratio of 1: 15 (1 tsp per 5 tbsp);
• the solution is poured into a bottle with a spray nozzle;
• generously moisten the inner surface of the shoe;
• after 15 minutes, excess liquid is removed with a towel;
• dry at room temperature for 5-7 hours.

Using concentrated vinegar can lighten dark pigskin linings. It is not advisable to use the product to treat shoes or sneakers made from natural materials.

Essential oils

Essential oils are oil-like plant extracts that emit a strong aroma. Only they can help if the cat has marked the sneakers. Uric acid crystals do not dissolve in either alcohol or water. Even after washing, the sneakers continue to remind you of the four-legged’s dirty tricks.

If your cat has declared war on you, hide all your shoes in a closet or locked cabinet. To eliminate the consequences of his actions, you need to:

• wash sneakers or boots in a solution of warm water and washing powder;
• rinse thoroughly with running water;
• dry at room temperature.

For deodorant, it is recommended to use essential oils with a pronounced scent:

• lemon;
• ate;
• juniper;
• grapefruit;
• mint;
• ginger;
• jasmine;
• cedar;
• marjoram;
• bergamot;
• orange

Add 40-50 drops of essential oil to 100 ml of water. Spray on the lining of sneakers, moccasins, creepers or ballet shoes. To be sure to get rid of cat odor, soak a cardboard strip in essential oil and place it under the insole.

Activated carbon

Pharmaceutical charcoal has adsorbing properties. It perfectly absorbs moisture and foreign odors. It is enough to put it in your shoes so that they do not stink:

• 15-20 tablets are placed in a bag or sock;
• put it in sneakers or boots;
• leave overnight.

The product fights the smell of sweat, dampness and unwashed socks. But you shouldn’t have high hopes for it if the shoes haven’t been washed for a long time. If worn regularly, it is recommended to give your sneakers “water treatments” at least once a month.

Activated carbon may stain light-colored lining. Therefore, it is advisable to put the tablets in a bag.

Salt

To save a smelly pair of sneakers, use table salt. Like many other odor control agents, it adsorbs molecules of amines, sulfur compounds and aldehydes. Salt easily eliminates odors of mold, sweat, and dampness. If you get caught in the rain, you can use it to immediately dry your shoes.

Features of using salt:

• pour 5 tbsp into socks. l. salt;
• put in each half-pair for the whole night.

If the sneakers are wet, heat the salt in a frying pan before use. This will speed up the drying process by 2-3 times. To make your shoes smell nice after treatment, you can sprinkle the salt with essential oils or fragrances.

Soda

Folk remedies for combating unpleasant shoe odor are no less effective than store-bought deodorants. If you need to tidy up shoes, sneakers, or boots with a light lining, use sodium bicarbonate. Like salt and starch, it adsorbs aromas and moisture.

How to use soda:

• pour 5 tbsp into a bag made of breathable fabric. l. soda;
• placed in each semi-pair for 7-10 hours.

If you don't want to hassle with finding matching socks or pouches, just pour baking soda into your sneakers. After 10 hours, shake it out or remove it with a vacuum cleaner. If necessary, soda can be replaced with powders that contain salicylic acid. This product can be used both for prevention and to combat odors.

Low temperature

The smell of sweat is a consequence of the active reproduction of bacterial or fungal flora in shoes. To eliminate it, it is necessary to destroy pathogenic microorganisms. If you don't want to wash your sneakers or shoes, simply chill them in the freezer. At sub-zero temperatures, most bacteria and fungi die, so the smell disappears on its own.

How to freeze boots:

• pack the shoes in a plastic bag;
• put in the freezer;
• remove after 3-5 hours.

It is not recommended to perform the procedure with patent leather shoes or boots. From frost, the tops of such shoes will begin to crack.

If your new boots or sneakers smell like mothballs, use dry mustard. As with baking soda or salt, place it in a bag and leave it in your shoes overnight.

Household chemicals

Washing is the most effective way to combat unpleasant odors. In this case, it is not masked, but removed with contaminants. To clean shoes, use special shampoos, gels, foams and other products:

• Combi Pflege Schaum is a universal foam for cleaning leather and artificial materials that removes all types of dirt. Fights unpleasant odors and salt stains.
• Pure One is a shoe shampoo that provides long-lasting freshness to sports shoes. Forms a film on its surface that prevents contamination, but allows the feet to breathe.
• Shoe Clean is a product based on lemon essential oil, intended for washing sneakers and moccasins. After drying, it exudes a pleasant aroma for a long time.
• Organics Sports – spray for dry cleaning of shoes, boots, sneakers and boots. It has antiseptic and deodorizing properties, therefore eliminating the smell of sweat.
• Tarrago Shampoo Spray is a cleaning foam designed for dry washing of shoes made from natural materials. Eliminates unpleasant odors, stains, and salt stains.

Regular washing powders and gels are suitable for cleaning slippers. To cope with the pungent smell of mold, add 100-150 ml of antiseptic - Chlorhexidine, Miramistin - to the soap solution.

Types of deodorants

Products offered in stores to protect against unpleasant odors can be divided into several types: sprays, creams, scented pads and tablets.

Sprays

One of the most convenient and easy to use personal hygiene products. They are not only accessible to every average person, but also have a wide range of capabilities. You can find such products in the assortment of any reputable manufacturer. Many of them have an antibacterial effect, preventing the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. Each consumer can choose a spray not only according to the required characteristics, but also the aroma. Sprays are also available for sale, which are made from chemical and natural raw materials - extracts, talc, minerals.

The main advantage of sprays is not only the ease of application, but also the speed of action: literally in a couple of minutes they get rid of the unpleasant aroma. Their undoubted advantage is the ability to treat the most inaccessible places inside the boots. Aerosols have only one drawback - a short service life.

Sticks

In appearance, they represent pencils that have an antibacterial effect. Their main advantage is their low price and the possibility of long-term use. One such stick can be used by the whole family for several months.

The main problem with sticks is that they are rarely found on sale. They are also not very convenient to use. To achieve the best effect, you will have to treat the shoes in the deepest places, and this risks the fact that the pencil may break. But still, in terms of their effect, sticks are one of the most preferable options for shoe care. They have a gentle effect and can protect against skin allergies.

How to prevent odor

If you don't take care of your shoes, sooner or later they will start to smell like unwashed socks. To prevent foreign odors, it is recommended:

• wash boots once every 2-3 weeks with regular wear;
• use deodorizing products every day;
• treat the interdigital area with talc or antifungal powder;
• put a bag of starch or baking powder in your boots at night;
• use socks only made from natural materials;
• limit pets' access to shoes.

There are many ways to protect shoes from dirt and stench. Homemade deodorants with essential oils, ammonia, potassium permanganate and lemon do the best job. If you use the product 1-2 times a day, you will never have to give up an unplanned visit.

Prevention of an unpleasant phenomenon

As you know, it is easier to prevent troubles than to eliminate them later in a long and difficult time. You just need to follow a few simple rules that will save your boots in the future:

1. Wash shoes regularly and dry them thoroughly.
2. Treat with water-repellent agents to prevent water from getting into the boots.
3. Disinfect shoes.
4. When putting it in a box, fill it with newspapers and take it out from time to time to air.
5. Maintain foot hygiene: wash regularly, change socks, use natural materials for socks and shoes, change insoles.
6. Use refreshing products.
7. Treat fungal diseases.

To normalize sweating, it is recommended to keep your feet clean, maintain hygiene, and regularly perform anti-excessive sweating procedures. In addition, it is necessary to take care of shoes - each pair periodically needs to be washed and aired. It is very important to thoroughly dry boots and shoes, since a damp environment promotes the growth of bacteria. It is best to buy shoes made from natural materials - they do not interfere with the full breathing of the skin.

If the shoes are “marked” by the cat

The cause of the pungent odor can be the tricks of your beloved pet. The biggest catch is that the smell of cat urine is very persistent and difficult to remove; water does not affect the uric acid crystals. What can I do to prevent my shoes from smelling in this case? Treatment must begin immediately and be carried out very carefully. If you leave even a drop of sticky urea, the slightest wetting and bad aroma will return again. The algorithm of actions includes five steps.

1. Inspection. Throw away your insoles; most of the urine accumulates on them.
2. Wash. If the shoes are made of fabric materials, then wash them with glycerin soap.
3. Wiping. Genuine leather does not tolerate washing, so treat it with a solution of potassium permanganate. Dilute several manganese crystals per liter of water, wipe the boots well, then dry and ventilate.
4. Drying. If your urine smells old, use acetic acid. Mix water and vinegar in equal proportions, wipe the shoes and cover the wet areas with baking soda. When dry, remove the residue and leave the boots to dry.
5. Treatment. At the end of the procedure, treat your shoes with a special animal repellent to prevent the situation from happening again.

Article on the topic: Elmonte whose shoes

Home cooking recipes

There are unexpected situations when there is no antiperspirant nearby. Then traditional medicine comes to the rescue. There is a homemade deodorant recipe. You need to take baking soda and cornstarch in the amount of 4 teaspoons of each ingredient. Mix, add 8 drops each of lavender and tea tree oil. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and pour the resulting mixture inside the shoes overnight.

Oak bark infusion will effectively eliminate unpleasant odors. You should prepare an infusion: take 2 tbsp. l crushed oak bark powder, pour into a glass container, pour boiling water over it. Wrap in a warm ball or terry towel and leave for half an hour. Then cool the liquid and lubricate the limbs 2-3 times a day.

An excellent method of getting rid of foot odor is to treat insoles and shoes with potassium permanganate, vinegar essence, and boric alcohol.

Regular use of these recipes will help cope with the problem of “smelly” feet.

Special shoe care products

Many people rightly believe that in the modern world there is no need to turn to traditional methods to remove the smell of sweat from shoes. Moreover, there are many special sprays, foams and deodorants on the market. They quickly, easily and without the risk of damaging the product remove the unpleasant odor of sweat. The substances will definitely not leave behind stains, marks or cracks. Shoe deodorants can take the form of:

• aerosol;
• stick;
• pillows with filling.

The most popular and easiest to use are aerosols. You need to look carefully at the description of the spray: they all work with different materials and each fights against a different odor, but most are designed for cleaning traditional fabric and leather shoes.

In addition, modern manufacturers offer electric dryers with an ionization function, which not only remove moisture, but also destroy bacteria and fungi. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, all microorganisms die, and the unpleasant odor disappears.

Aerosols

Sticks

Pads with filling

Electric dryers with ionization and ultraviolet

Review of popular sprays

The pharmacy offers a list of popular and effective products for free sale. The main differences are in the form, price, and effect of the medicinal drug. Here is a ranking of the top funds.

The German cosmetic line "Gevol" produces all possible antiperspirants for the lower extremities. Provides a long-lasting antibacterial effect. Contains the components triclosan, zinc ricinoleate. The series is intended for people leading an active lifestyle.

The leading position on the market is occupied by the multifunctional Scholl product. The drug fights odor and the cause of its appearance. The antibacterial formula controls sweat, preventing the formation of fungus. The line of products from this manufacturer includes a ball roller.

A bottle with a convenient Kliven sprayer will quickly and effectively solve the unpleasant phenomenon of hyperhidrosis. The cosmetics do not contain gas compounds and are presented in the form of a liquid consistency. After application it dries for a long time, providing long-lasting protection. The main advantage is that Kliven takes care of shoes without deforming the insole.

The Dutch product "Kiwi" is presented in the form of a spray for daily use. The main advantage is protection from sweat and odor for 48 hours. Sprays using a compact spray can.

“Salamander” has a high protective function; it contains silver ions. These substances do an excellent job of removing foul odors and sweaty feet.

French offers a menthol antibacterial agent for internal use in shoes. A high effect of neutralizing sweat and odor is guaranteed.

Internal shoe deodorant "Salton" will quickly help your extremities stop stinking thanks to its pleasant fresh aroma.

The German product “Voli Sport” is an excellent solution for athletes. Released in convenient packaging. Contains silver ions, which serve as a natural antiseptic. Can be used in shoes and helmets.

A special preparation “Fresh Kea” has been developed for bowling. Available in liquid form and as a spray. An American product that deodorizes the surface of special rental boots.

Among domestic manufacturers, the following lines are in demand: “Dividik”, “Rainbow”, “Shtrikh”. These products have a rich aroma. Suitable for everyday use. They contain natural ingredients, the action of which is aimed at neutralizing strong sweat and unpleasant odor.

Terms of use

Any deodorant product has clear instructions from the developer on how to use it. It indicates the step-by-step actions necessary for the drug to take effect:

1. Shoe tablets are placed on the surface of the shoes at night and taken out in the morning.
2. Foot cream should be applied to washed limbs, rubbing in using massage movements. Blood circulation is normalized, this serves as a prevention of varicose veins.
3. Dry deodorants and stick pencils are applied only to the inside of the shoe surface. The insole must be cleaned daily.
4. The most convenient way is to use a spray: just spray the mixture inside the shoes and wait for it to dry.

The main condition for getting rid of odor and hyperhidrosis is to eliminate the cause. You need to thoroughly wash your feet with soap, wear high-quality shoes, dry the shoe surface - this will help get rid of the problem of sweaty extremities.

An unpleasant smell from shoes is not only unsightly, but also unhygienic. The fact is that due to impaired circulation, harmful microorganisms begin to multiply, which lead to fungal diseases of the feet. The use of commercial disinfectants is very effective in dealing with such problems. However, it is no less effective to make deodorant at home.

Their main task is not only to aromatize, but also to neutralize unpleasant odors and destroy existing bacteria.