Vinegar Is The Budget-Friendly Solution To Even The Stinkiest Of Shoes

No matter how well you take care of your shoes, at some point, they're going to start to smell. The good news is that you don't have to toss them out or buy expensive shoe fresheners when that day inevitably arrives. Instead, all you will need to freshen them up is some vinegar. Vinegar can be a versatile cleaning tool around the house. It's a valuable multi-purpose cleaner predominantly because of its acidic nature and bacteria-busting properties. However, vinegar is also a valuable deodorizer for several reasons too. 

First, vinegar can freshen everything from your shoes to your fridge thanks to acetic acid. Rather than simply covering up a foul odor, the acid molecules stick to the volatile airborne compound molecules that create the foul odor and dissolve them, removing the stink completely. Vinegar is also a mild disinfectant that kills certain bacteria. Since the stinky smell is created by bacteria waste buildup, it neutralizes the source. If there is no bacteria, there is no smell! Here's how to use vinegar to deodorize your shoes.

First things first, don't simply pour vinegar into your shoes. This will make them too wet and potentially damage them. Instead, deodorize them with the household cleaning substance in one of two ways. The first includes a spray bottle. Create a 1:1 ratio of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and shake it to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Then, mist the mixture directly into the shoes, making sure you reach all the way down to the toe boxes. Lastly, sprinkle baking soda into the shoe to lift any remaining smells and neutralize the vinegar odor. This is especially helpful if you accidentally sprayed too much vinegar solution into the shoe and are left with the astringent scent. That's because the fine powder is a base, and it absorbs any acidic odors. Allow them to air dry overnight before you put them on again.

The second method requires a microfiber cloth. Pour some vinegar onto your rag, and then use it to wipe the inside of the shoes. Make sure you cover every inch, including not just the soles but the sides and toe boxes, too. Again, allow them to air dry. Afterward, your shoes should no longer have a sweaty odor.