The Common Household Throwaway You Should Be Reusing To Prevent Funky Shoe Odors

Have you noticed your shoes leaving lingering odors after popping them off at the end of a long day? While unpleasant, stinky shoes are an incredibly common issue caused by things like bacteria and sweat building up in the material. It may be tempting to toss those shoes into the trash can or back of the closet, but you don't have to give up wearing your favorite kicks just because of some funky odors. Next time you purchase a new pair of shoes, be sure to grab those silica gel packets before throwing any packaging materials away. Among the many ways to reuse silica gel packets around the house, you can use them as odor fighters by placing them directly into your shoes.

It can be helpful to understand the science behind how these tiny beads work to fight odors. Inside those packets that seem to come with new clothing and electronic purchases are small gel beads with absorption properties. Silica is a desiccant product, which means the beads trap moisture and excess humidity inside. Silica beads are incredibly powerful, and each packet has the ability to absorb nearly 40% of its own weight in moisture, which is why they are an ideal solution for damp areas like smelly shoes.

Reusing silica gel packets as a DIY shoe deodorizer is a simple and cost-effective method compared to using commercial odor removal products. Start by saving the small packets found in your purchases, but storage is key to their longevity. To keep the silica from absorbing moisture before you're ready to use them, keep them stored in an airtight container, preferably in a cool, low-humidity location. Once you have enough packets collected, place one to two gel packets inside your shoes and let them sit overnight. Continue this method daily as needed to help fight against those stubborn, pesky odors. Be sure to replace the gel packets regularly, especially after noticing changes such as an increase in the weight, signaling it may be at its capacity for absorption.

If you don't have any silica packets on hand, you can still take advantage of this helpful hack. Silica gel packets are generally affordable, such as the Wisesorb Silica Gel Packets, which are priced at just under $7 for 15. There's also the option to amp up the power of your DIY deodorizer by emptying out the silica packets and reusing the beads alongside essential oils in a breathable pouch. However, it's important to keep silica gel packets out of reach from kids and pets, as they can pose a choking hazard. For those who want to reuse items they already have at home for odors, it's possible to use coffee grounds as a shoe deodorizer.