Wearing smelly work boots can lead to discomfort and distraction due to the unpleasant odor, potentially fostering the growth of bacteria, mold and fungi that can result in foot infections. It may project unprofessionalism or a lack of personal hygiene in professional or social settings.
Removing smell from your work boots is as equally important as cleaning them. Let’s check different ways to remove smell from your work boots. Please note that all of the following methods are effective when you have already cleaned your work boots.
9 Effective Ways to Remove Smell from Work Boots
Baking soda sprinkle
- Pour a generous amount of baking soda inside each boot. Ensure the entire insole is covered, focusing on areas that sweat accumulates, like the heel and toe regions.
- Gently shake and tilt the boots, allowing the baking soda to spread thoroughly within, reaching all the tucked-away spaces and ensuring maximum odor absorption.
- Allow the boots to sit undisturbed with the baking soda for an entire night. This extended period ensures that the baking soda has adequate time to neutralize and absorb unpleasant smells.
- The following day, invert the boots and give them a good shake to discard any loose baking soda. For finer residues, consider using a vacuum cleaner’s nozzle to ensure a thorough cleanup.
- For a refreshing touch, consider mixing the baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, like lavender or eucalyptus, before applying. This not only tackles the odor but also imparts a pleasant scent to the boots.
Activated charcoal sachets
- Insert one sachet (or as recommended by the manufacturer) into each boot. Make sure the sachet reaches deep, especially towards the toe area, which tends to retain more moisture and odor.
- Allow the boots to sit with the charcoal sachets for at least 24 hours. The longer the sachets remain in the boots, the more effective they’ll be in drawing out and neutralizing odors.
- Activated charcoal sachets can lose their effectiveness over time. To maintain odor-free boots, consider replacing the sachets every few months or when you notice the return of any unpleasant smells.
- When the boots are not in use, it’s beneficial to keep the charcoal sachets inside them. This proactive approach ensures the boots remain fresh and ready to wear anytime.
White vinegar spray
- Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to create a dilute solution. This mixture is potent enough to neutralize odors while being gentle on most boot materials.
- Mist the inside of each boot thoroughly with the vinegar solution. Ensure the entire interior, especially the insole and toe areas, is dampened but not overly saturated.
- After spraying, place the boots in a well-ventilated area, allowing them to air dry. The vinegar smell may be strong initially but will dissipate as the boots dry, taking the unwanted odors with it.
- Depending on the severity of the odor, you might need to repeat the process a couple of times. However, with regular maintenance, a once-a-week application should suffice for most situations.
- Before applying on the entire interior of the boot, it’s wise to do a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area. This ensures the boot’s material doesn’t react adversely to the vinegar solution.
Freezing overnight
- Place each work boot inside a separate plastic bag, ensuring they are sealed tightly to prevent moisture from entering.
- Place the sealed bags containing the boots in the freezer, ensuring they lie flat and are not squashed. Leave them overnight or for at least 8-12 hours.
- After the freezing duration, remove the boots from the bags and let them thaw and air dry at room temperature. As they warm up, the cold will have killed odor-causing bacteria, leaving your boots smelling fresher.
Sun exposure
- Lay the work boots outside in a sunny and well-ventilated area, ensuring the boots are open and the insides are exposed to direct sunlight.
- Let the boots bask in the sun for an entire day, preferably from morning to late afternoon. The sun’s ultraviolet rays will help kill odor-causing bacteria and microbes.
- Once done, check the boots for any remaining moisture or dampness. If completely dry, store them in a cool, dry place. The combined effects of drying and UV exposure will significantly reduce unpleasant odors.
Essential oil drops
- Pick a preferred essential oil with strong antibacterial properties and a pleasant scent, such as tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus.
- Add 2-3 drops of the chosen essential oil inside each boot, focusing on the insole and moisture-prone areas. Using a cloth or your hand, spread the oil slightly to ensure even distribution.
- Let the boots sit undisturbed for a few hours in a well-ventilated area, allowing the essential oil to penetrate the material and neutralize odors, while leaving a refreshing scent behind.
Cedar shoe inserts
- Purchase cedar shoe inserts or cedar shoe trees that fit your boot size. These are designed to absorb moisture and impart the natural cedar aroma.
- Slide the cedar inserts or trees into each boot, ensuring they fit snugly and reach deep into the toe area.
- Leave the cedar inserts in the boots overnight or whenever the boots are not in use. The cedar will absorb excess moisture, combat odor-causing bacteria, and leave a pleasant woodsy scent. Periodically refresh the cedar’s potency by lightly sanding the surface or using cedar oil.
Commercial foot sprays
- Purchase a reputable commercial foot spray, preferably one with antifungal and antibacterial properties to target the root causes of foot odor.
- Holding the spray a few inches away, thoroughly mist the inside of each boot, ensuring even coverage, especially on the insole and toe regions.
- Allow the boots to sit in a well-ventilated area for a few hours, enabling the spray to dry and its active ingredients to neutralize odors and combat bacteria. Use as directed by the product’s guidelines for optimal results.
Replacement of insoles
- Choose high-quality replacement insoles that fit your boot size and are designed for odor control, often made with materials that have antimicrobial properties.
- Gently pry out the existing insoles from each boot. If they’re glued down, use caution to avoid damaging the interior.
- Place the new insoles into the boots, ensuring they fit snugly and comfortably, lying flat without any bunching. This will refresh the internal environment of the boot, reducing odor and enhancing comfort.
General Guide for Cleaning Work Boots
Leather
- Begin by brushing off any loose dirt or debris from the leather boot’s surface using a soft-bristled brush, ensuring you cover all areas, especially the soles, crevices and seams.
- Create a cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of mild soap or leather cleaner in lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring out excess water, and gently wipe down the leather exterior, taking care not to oversaturate the material.
- For the inside, consider using a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Dampen another cloth with this solution and wipe the boot’s interior, helping to cleanse and sanitize the inner surfaces.
- After cleaning, let the boots air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight, as extreme conditions can cause the leather to crack or fade.
- Once the boots are dry, apply a leather conditioner or cream to maintain the leather’s softness, flexibility, and overall appearance. This step ensures longevity and prevents the leather from drying out.
Nubuck
- Begin by gently brushing the nubuck shoes using a nubuck-specific brush to remove loose dirt, dust, or debris. This helps in lifting the nap and prepping the material for cleaning.
- For spot cleaning, lightly dampen a cloth and dab at stains. If stubborn spots persist, use a nubuck cleaning solution or a mild soap diluted in water, gently working in circular motions.
- To clean the interior, a diluted solution of water and white vinegar can be used. Wipe the inner surfaces of the boot with a cloth dampened with this mixture to cleanse and freshen up the inside.
- Allow the boots to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated space. Avoid placing them near direct heat or sunlight, which can damage the nubuck’s delicate texture.
- Once dried, lightly brush the nubuck surface again to restore its characteristic soft and velvety texture. Consider applying a nubuck-specific protector spray for added protection against stains or water.
Suede
- Use a suede brush or a soft-bristled brush to gently sweep away any loose dirt or dust from the suede shoes. This action also helps to raise the nap and prepares the suede for cleaning.
- For stains or spots on suede boots, gently rub the area using a suede eraser or a dampened cloth, taking care to avoid soaking the material. For tougher stains, a special suede cleaner might be necessary.
- For the boot’s interior, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar. Using a cloth slightly dampened with this solution, wipe the insides to help cleanse and refresh.
- Allow the suede boots to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as they can alter the suede’s appearance and texture.
- Once dry, give the boots another gentle brushing to restore their soft texture. To provide added protection, consider applying a suede protector spray to guard against water and stains.
Rubber
- Start cleaning rubber boots by rinsing with lukewarm water to remove any surface dirt or mud. If needed, use a soft brush to scrub away stubborn grime.
- Create a soapy solution using mild detergent and water. Using a cloth or sponge, gently scrub the boots, ensuring all areas are cleaned.
- A diluted mixture of water and white vinegar can be used for the interior. Wipe down the insides with a cloth moistened with this solution to clean and deodorize.
- Rinse off any soap residue with clean water and allow the boots to air dry, preferably in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
- Once dried, if the rubber appears dull or has lost its shine, applying a rubber boot conditioner or protector can help restore their luster and extend their lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do work boots smell too much?
Work boots often smell due to the accumulation of sweat, bacteria, and fungi inside the boot. Prolonged wear, especially in demanding or humid environments, coupled with inadequate ventilation, produces a moist environment conducive to microbial growth, leading to bad odors.
How can I avoid boot smell through foot care?
To avoid boot smell, maintain good foot hygiene by washing your feet daily, drying them thoroughly, and regularly changing socks. Using antifungal foot powders or sprays can further reduce moisture and bacterial growth, and wearing moisture-wicking socks can help keep feet drier, minimizing odor development.