How to Get Rid of New Shoe Smell Fast: Proven Methods

Do your new shoes smell? Yes, that “new shoe smell” can be overpowering and even unpleasant. Here’s how to get rid of it quickly using proven methods.

The excitement of buying new shoes can quickly fade when you’re hit with that strong, often chemical, odor. This new shoe odor removal is a common problem, and thankfully, there are many ways to eliminate shoe smell and freshen new shoes without damaging your footwear. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various shoe smell remedies to get rid of new shoe smell fast.

Image Source: www.health.com

Why Do New Shoes Smell?

New shoes often have a distinct smell that comes from the materials and manufacturing processes involved in their production. Several factors contribute to this new shoe odor removal challenge:

• Adhesives: Glues used to bond different parts of the shoe often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that release a chemical smell.
• Leather Treatment: Leather shoes may be treated with tanning agents and dyes that contribute to the odor.
• Synthetic Materials: Synthetic materials like rubber, plastic, and foam used in shoe construction can also release chemicals.
• Packaging and Storage: Shoes stored in airtight containers can trap these odors, intensifying the smell when you first open the box.

Quick Fixes: Immediate Solutions for New Shoe Smell

When you need to get rid of new shoe smell fast, these quick fixes offer immediate relief:

Airing Out Your Shoes

• Simply place your shoes in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, for several hours or even a few days. Direct sunlight can help, but avoid prolonged exposure to prevent fading or damage.

Newspaper or Paper Towels

• Crumple newspaper or paper towels and stuff them inside the shoes. Paper absorbs odors, and replacing the paper regularly will help eliminate shoe smell.

Baking Soda: The Odor Absorber

• New shoe smell baking soda is a classic shoe smell remedy. Sprinkle baking soda inside each shoe, let it sit overnight, and then shake it out thoroughly. Baking soda neutralizes odors effectively.

Natural Remedies: Nontoxic Shoe Odor Removal

For those seeking nontoxic shoe odor removal, these natural remedies are gentle yet effective:

Tea Bags

• Place a few dry tea bags (black or green tea) inside each shoe. Tea absorbs odors and leaves a pleasant scent. Replace the tea bags every few hours.

Coffee Grounds

• Similar to tea, dry coffee grounds can absorb odors. Place coffee grounds in a sock or cheesecloth and put them inside the shoes overnight.

Essential Oils

• Add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus to a cotton ball and place it inside the shoe. These oils have antibacterial and odor-fighting properties. Be careful not to directly apply essential oils to the shoe material, as they may stain.

Citrus Peels

• Place orange, lemon, or grapefruit peels inside your shoes overnight. The citrus oils naturally deodorize and leave a fresh scent.

Deeper Cleaning: Eliminating Stubborn Shoe Odors

For more persistent new shoe odor removal cases, a deeper cleaning approach is necessary:

Washing Machine (For Washable Shoes)

• Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure your shoes are machine washable. Remove the insoles and laces, place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag, and wash them on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Air dry thoroughly.

Hand Washing

• Mix warm water with a mild detergent or dish soap. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the inside and outside of the shoes. Rinse well and air dry completely.

Alcohol

• Wipe the inside of your shoes with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) using a cotton ball or cloth. Alcohol kills bacteria and helps evaporate odors. Be cautious when using alcohol on delicate materials, as it may cause discoloration.

Vinegar Solution

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray the solution inside the shoes and let it air dry. Vinegar neutralizes odors effectively, but the initial vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries.

Long-Term Solutions: Preventing Future Odors

Preventing future shoe smell is as important as eliminating existing odors:

Shoe Deodorizing Sprays

• Use a commercial shoe deodorizing spray regularly to keep your shoes fresh. Look for sprays with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Shoe Insoles

• Replace the original insoles with odor-absorbing insoles made of materials like charcoal or cedar. Change the insoles every few months to maintain freshness.

Proper Storage

• Store your shoes in a well-ventilated area away from moisture and heat. Avoid storing them in plastic bags or airtight containers, which can trap odors.

Socks

• Wear clean, dry socks made of breathable materials like cotton or wool. Change your socks daily, or more often if your feet sweat a lot.

Foot Hygiene

• Maintain good foot hygiene by washing your feet daily with soap and water. Use an antifungal foot powder if you’re prone to foot odor.

Rotate Your Shoes

• Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day. Rotating your shoes allows them to air out and dry completely, reducing the buildup of odor-causing bacteria.

Specific Materials: Tailoring Your Approach

The best shoe smell remedies may vary depending on the material of your shoes:

Leather Shoes

• Leather is porous and can absorb odors easily. Use leather conditioners to keep the material supple and prevent it from retaining odors. Avoid harsh cleaning agents that can damage the leather.

Canvas Shoes

• Canvas shoes are generally easy to clean. They can be washed in a washing machine or hand washed with soap and water. Make sure to air dry them thoroughly to prevent mildew.

Synthetic Shoes

• Synthetic shoes can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the material.

Suede Shoes

• Suede requires special care. Use a suede brush to remove dirt and debris. You can also use a suede cleaner to remove stains and odors.

Tools & Products: Enhancing Your Odor Removal Arsenal

Consider using these tools and products to enhance your new shoe odor removal efforts:

• Shoe Dryer: A shoe dryer helps dry shoes quickly and efficiently, preventing the growth of bacteria and mold.

• UV Shoe Sanitizer: A UV shoe sanitizer uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and fungi inside the shoes, effectively eliminating odors.

• Activated Charcoal Filters: Activated charcoal filters can be placed inside shoes to absorb odors and moisture.

• Ozone Generators: Ozone generators produce ozone gas, which can neutralize odors. Use ozone generators with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guides

Here are detailed step-by-step guides for some of the most effective shoe smell remedies:

Baking Soda Method

1. Prepare the shoes: Remove the laces and insoles.
2. Apply baking soda: Generously sprinkle baking soda inside each shoe, covering the entire surface.
3. Wait: Let the baking soda sit overnight or for up to 24 hours.
4. Remove: Shake out the baking soda thoroughly. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining residue.
5. Repeat: If the odor persists, repeat the process.

Tea Bag Method

1. Prepare the tea bags: Use dry tea bags (black or green tea).
2. Place in shoes: Place 2-3 tea bags inside each shoe.
3. Wait: Let the tea bags sit for several hours or overnight.
4. Remove: Remove the tea bags and discard them.
5. Repeat: Repeat the process as needed.

Vinegar Spray Method

1. Mix the solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the shoes: Lightly spray the inside of the shoes with the vinegar solution.
3. Air dry: Let the shoes air dry completely.
4. Check for odor: If the vinegar smell is too strong, air out the shoes in a well-ventilated area.

Washing Machine Method (for Washable Shoes)

1. Prepare the shoes: Remove laces and insoles. Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag.
2. Wash: Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
3. Air dry: Allow shoes to air dry completely away from direct sunlight or heat. Do not place in the dryer.

When to Seek Professional Help

In some cases, the new shoe smell may be too stubborn to eliminate with home remedies. If you’ve tried multiple methods without success, consider seeking professional help. A shoe repair shop or cleaning service may have specialized equipment and products to deodorize new shoes effectively. Additionally, if the smell is accompanied by signs of mold or mildew, professional cleaning is essential to prevent health problems.

Table: Comparing Common Shoe Odor Removal Methods

Method	Effectiveness	Ease of Use	Cost	Materials Required	Best For
Airing Out	Low	Easy	Free	None	Mild odors
Newspaper	Medium	Easy	Low	Newspaper or paper towels	Mild to moderate odors
Baking Soda	High	Easy	Low	Baking soda	Moderate to strong odors
Tea Bags	Medium	Easy	Low	Tea bags	Light odors, pleasant scent
Coffee Grounds	Medium	Easy	Low	Coffee grounds	Moderate odors
Essential Oils	Medium	Easy	Medium	Essential oils, cotton balls	Light odors, pleasant scent
Citrus Peels	Medium	Easy	Low	Citrus peels	Light odors, fresh scent
Washing Machine (Washable)	High	Medium	Low	Mild detergent, laundry bag	Canvas, synthetic shoes
Hand Washing	High	Medium	Low	Mild detergent, brush	Most shoe types
Alcohol	High	Medium	Low	Rubbing alcohol, cotton balls	Bacteria-related odors
Vinegar Solution	High	Medium	Low	White vinegar, spray bottle	Strong odors

Grasping the Chemical Compounds

The characteristic “new shoe smell” comes from a cocktail of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from the materials used in shoe construction. These compounds evaporate at room temperature and enter the air, creating the odor we perceive.

Common VOCs in New Shoes:

• Formaldehyde: Used in tanning leather and treating fabrics.
• Toluene: A solvent found in adhesives and dyes.
• Benzene: A solvent and component of some synthetic materials.
• Dimethylformamide (DMF): Used in the production of synthetic leather and rubber.

The concentration and specific types of VOCs will vary depending on the shoe’s materials, manufacturing processes, and origin. While the levels are generally considered low, prolonged exposure to high concentrations of VOCs can cause adverse health effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best way to get rid of shoe smell? The best way to get rid of shoe smell depends on the severity of the odor and the type of shoe. Baking soda, airing out, and washing (if applicable) are good starting points.

• Can I use Febreze on new shoes? While Febreze can mask odors, it doesn’t eliminate them. It’s best to use odor-absorbing methods first, then use Febreze for a temporary freshening.

• How to deodorize new shoes naturally? How to deodorize new shoes using natural methods involves using items like baking soda, tea bags, coffee grounds, essential oils, or citrus peels.

• How long does it take for the new shoe smell to go away? The duration varies depending on the shoe material, ventilation, and chosen method. It can take a few days to several weeks for the smell to dissipate completely.

• Is the new shoe smell harmful? The remove chemical smell from shoes question is crucial. The new shoe smell comes from VOCs. In small amounts, they are generally considered harmless. But avoid prolonged exposure, especially in poorly ventilated areas.

• Will freezing my shoes get rid of the smell? Freezing can kill some bacteria, but it’s not a reliable method for odor removal. It may also damage certain shoe materials.

• What causes the new shoe smell? The smell results from the chemicals used in manufacturing, including adhesives, dyes, and synthetic materials.

• Can I prevent the new shoe smell? You can’t entirely prevent it, but airing out new shoes immediately after purchase can help reduce the odor.

By using these proven methods, you can successfully get rid of new shoe smell fast and enjoy your new footwear without the unpleasant odor. Remember to choose the approach that best suits your shoes’ material and the severity of the smell.