Eliminate Odor From Boat Shoes: Easy, Effective Methods

Boat shoes are a summer staple, but they can start to smell if you don't take proper care of them. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to deodorize your boat shoes, from household items to special shoe products. Here are some tips to keep your boat shoes smelling fresh.

First, it's important to prevent odours from building up. Wash your feet regularly, especially if you plan to wear your boat shoes without socks. When you do wear your boat shoes, make sure to give them time to air out afterwards. If you can, avoid wearing the same pair of boat shoes two days in a row.

If your boat shoes are already smelling less than fresh, there are several household items you can use to deodorize them. One popular option is to sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes. Leave it for a few hours or overnight, then shake out the powder. You can also try using white vinegar, either by dampening a cloth or paper towel and wiping down the insides of the shoes, or by sprinkling it on top of the baking soda to create a fizzing foam. If you don't want to use vinegar, you can also try using rubbing alcohol in the same way.

Another household item that can help deodorize your boat shoes is newspaper. Crumple up some newspaper and stuff it inside your shoes, then leave them to sit for a few days. The newspaper will absorb the odours and moisture. You can also try using dryer sheets in the same way, or even putting a bar of soap in each shoe for a few hours.

If you're looking for a more heavy-duty solution, there are also commercial products available specifically for deodorizing shoes. These include odour-eating powders or balls, cedar shoe trees or bags, and disinfectant sprays. You can also try washing your boat shoes, either by hand or in the washing machine, but be careful, as this can damage some types of shoes, especially those made of leather.

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a great natural deodorizer that can help eliminate odours from your boat shoes. Here's how you can use it to keep your shoes fresh and odour-free:

Prepare a Baking Soda Mixture:

Start by preparing a mixture of baking soda and other household ingredients. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1/2 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 tablespoon of warm water. Stir the ingredients until a paste forms. You can also add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender, to enhance the fragrance.

Sprinkle Baking Soda in Your Shoes:

If you prefer a simpler approach, sprinkle ordinary household baking soda directly into your shoes. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda for each shoe, depending on its size. Make sure to tilt and shake the shoe to distribute the powder evenly.

Let it Sit:

Allow the baking soda to sit in your shoes for a full 24 hours. This gives it enough time to absorb odours and moisture effectively. However, if you're in a hurry, you can leave it for at least 12 hours or overnight.

Shake Out the Excess:

After the waiting period, shake out the excess baking soda from your shoes. If your shoes still retain some odour, you can repeat the process until the odour is completely eliminated.

Create Baking Soda Sachets (for Leather or Suede Shoes):

If you're dealing with leather or suede boat shoes, it's best to use baking soda sachets to prevent direct contact with the material. Take an old sock or a small piece of cloth, and fill it with baking soda. Tie the sock or cloth closed with a ribbon or string. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to enhance the fragrance. Place these sachets in your shoes each time you take them off, and leave them there for at least 24 hours.

Benefits of Using Baking Soda:

Using baking soda to deodorize your boat shoes offers several advantages. It is a natural, affordable, and gentle solution that reduces the chance of skin irritation. Baking soda effectively removes odours without leaving behind strong fragrances. Additionally, it acts as a fungicide and has mild antibacterial properties, helping to inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria.

Wash insoles

If your boat shoes are washable, it is recommended to wash them with mild detergent and then let them air-dry for a couple of days. If you don't want to wash your insoles, you can try sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda on the insoles and leaving it for 4 hours to absorb the moisture and odour. Then, tap and vacuum the residue.

If your insoles are made of leather, you should be careful not to use too much water or soak them, as this can dry out the natural oils that give leather its shine. Instead, use a leather brush or toothbrush to scrub away any scuffs, and then apply a leather lotion to protect your insoles and prevent drying, cracking, and scuffing.

If your insoles are not made of leather, you can sprinkle them with baking soda to deodorize and freshen them. You can also try using a disinfectant, like white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, to swab or mist the insoles. Another option is to use dryer sheets, which can be stuffed into the shoes overnight to absorb odours.

Use dryer sheets

Dryer sheets, also known as fabric softener sheets, are a great way to deodorize your boat shoes. They are a smart alternative to using baking soda, especially if you're short on time. Unlike baking soda, dryer sheets don't require hours to work their magic.

Dryer sheets are safe to use on leather, suede, canvas, and synthetic shoes. They are also convenient and cheap, making them an excellent option for fighting foot odor. Simply stuff one sheet into each shoe at the end of the day to remove odors overnight.

For best results, use scented dryer sheets. While unscented sheets may absorb some of the bad odors, they won't leave your shoes smelling as fresh. If you're worried about the environmental impact of dryer sheets, look for brands that use plant-based ingredients and reduce the use of harsh chemicals.

If you don't have dryer sheets on hand, you can also try using essential oils. Dispense a few drops of your favorite scent (such as lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus) onto two cotton pads or tissues, and place one inside each shoe.

While dryer sheets are an effective solution for mild to moderate odors, they may not be as successful for severe odors. In such cases, you may need to try a different method, such as washing the shoes or using a disinfectant treatment.

Use disinfectant

If your boat shoes are made of leather, suede, or nubuck, use a disinfectant like rubbing alcohol to deodorize them. Here's how:

Prepare the Shoes

Before you begin, take your boat shoes outside or into your entryway and remove any surface debris with a dry brush. If the shoes are dirty, use a toothbrush or a stiff brush with rubber bristles to remove dirt, dust, and other residue. Be sure to rub gently in the same direction. For tougher stains, mix water and mild dish soap, then clean with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion.

Apply the Disinfectant

Create a solution with three parts rubbing alcohol and one part water. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture, then rub it over the entire outside of the shoe. Leave your shoes to dry for about 15 minutes.

Deodorize the Insoles

If your boat shoes have removable insoles, take them out and spray or wipe them with disinfectant until they're saturated. Leave them to dry before putting them back into your shoes.

Deodorize the Inside of the Shoes

Spray an antibacterial disinfectant spray inside your shoes. You can also use disinfectant wipes, but be sure to use a new wipe for each shoe. Allow the disinfectant to sit for about three to five minutes or follow the instructions on the label.

Additional Tips

• If your boat shoes have laces, remove them before cleaning. Soak the laces in a bowl of cold water and dish soap, then swish thoroughly and rinse with clean water. Allow the laces to air-dry for about 24 hours.
• Stuff your shoes with newspaper or shoe trees to help maintain their shape while they dry.
• If your shoes are made of leather, be cautious about using baking soda, as it can dry out the material.
• Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your shoes before applying it to the entire surface to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration or damage.
• Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area when using disinfectants.

Air out shoes

Airing out shoes is a great way to get rid of shoe odour. Here are some tips to help you do it effectively:

Firstly, place your shoes in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside in the sun or near a heater or fan. This will help to dry out your shoes and prevent the growth of bacteria, which is often the cause of odour. If possible, leave them out for at least 24 hours. If your shoes are washable, you can also put them in the washing machine and then let them air-dry. However, avoid putting leather, suede or rubber shoes in the washing machine as they may get damaged.

Secondly, remove the insoles and laces from your shoes and let them dry separately. This will help speed up the drying process and ensure that all parts of your shoes are aired out.

Thirdly, if your shoes are made of canvas or mesh, you can try sprinkling a thin layer of table salt inside each shoe and leaving it there for about 24 hours. Salt absorbs moisture and reduces odour naturally. However, this method is not suitable for leather or suede shoes.

Finally, if you want to speed up the drying process even more, you can place a fan next to your shoes.

Frequently asked questions