How to Get Rid of the Stinky Smell in Shoes

We have our fair share of aromatic shoes around our house and I’m always looking for simple ways to get rid of the stinky smell.  Most storebought sprays simply mask the ugly smell instead of getting rid of it but this simple idea freshens the shoes and absorbs the nasty smells with just one simple step.  It’s easy, affordable, uses common household items, and the idea can be used for smelly lockers, smelly gym bags, or any space that ends up getting a little on the stinky side!

To get rid of the stinky smell in shoes, you’ll need tea bags {one to two per shoe} and essential oils of your choice.  I prefer to use purification and a citrus scent but anything will work.  Use your favorite scents or a combination of favorites.  If you’re using this idea on boy shoes or gym bags, you may want to choose something that’s a bit more masculine in scent.  No teenage boy wants to go to school smelling like lavender {wink}!

Wet each tea bag with 5-10 drops of essential oils then place the tea bags in the shoes.  If the shoes are super smelly, place one infused tea bag deep in the toe and another tea bag near the heel.

The pleasant smell of the essential oils will infuse into the shoe while the tea bag absorbs some of the nasty smell.  For best results, let the infused tea bag sit in the shoes overnight.

For more household ideas that use essential oils, be sure to check out my recipe for DIY shaving cream …

… aloe peppermint soothing cubes for days when the kids get a bit too much hot sun or too many itchy bug bites …

… and DIY scented wax cubes for a wax warmer.