Smelly Shoes Will Be A Thing Of The Past With This Unexpected Deodorizing Hack

Few things are more disgusting than taking your shoes off only to have your nose assaulted with a stomach-churning odor. While you might be quick to point an accusatory finger toward the sweat glands on your feet, their only fault is they facilitate a moist and unventilated environment for the bacteria on your feet to multiply. These bacteria give off stench-causing organic acids as a waste byproduct that makes your shoe smell foul. Although you can wash the shoes to get rid of the bacteria and the odor, this isn't always a viable option, especially if you sweat a lot or experience hot weather for the better part of the year. Luckily, you can combat this sulfuric stench with used coffee grounds.

The caffeine in coffee is rich in nitrogen and gives it the superpower to neutralize foul scents, helping you banish funky shoe odors. The best part, though? You get to use leftover coffee grounds around your home instead of dumping them out and deodorize your smelly shoes without spending a penny. That being said, ensure your pets don't accidentally ingest the grounds since they are toxic for them.

The first step is to gather the used coffee grounds. If you don't drink coffee, you can get the grounds for free from your neighbors, friends, or a nearby cafe. Once you have the grounds, the next step is to dry them if you aren't keen on wetting the sole and facilitating bacterial growth, worsening the bad smell. Wet dregs might also stain your shoes, especially light-colored ones, so ensure you dry them before use. To dry the wet grounds, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them into your oven for an hour or two at 175 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, place a paper towel on the baking sheet and spread the grounds to let them air dry. However, this method might take up to a week (or two).

After the grounds are dry, put them in an old pair of pantyhose (or an orphaned sock) before tying the top with a rubber band or knotting it tightly. Double up the hose if it has holes. Now, simply place it in the shoe and leave it overnight to conquer stinky shoes. You can even place a small glass bowl containing the coffee grounds inside the shoe. The goal is to use a medium that allows the coffee to work its magic without spilling the grounds and causing a mess. Once the smell is gone, store the hose in an airtight container for next time.