An average person wears their shoes for 8-12 hours a day, at a time. As a result of sweat and dust build up, its natural for shoes to smell small smelling.
Sometimes, the smell is bearable. But, at times, the smell becomes hard to ignore. The underconfidence of removing your shoes at public places is even harder.
In that case, should you wash your shoes in the washing machine, should you hand wash them or should you hand them over to a professional laundry service?
In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into why shoes smell. We’ll also share the best ways to wash shoes at home and when to hand them to a professional laundry service.
Why Do Shoes Start Smelling?
It’s not always about hygiene — even clean feet can lead to smelly shoes.
Here’s what really happens:
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Your feet naturally sweat.
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That sweat gets soaked into your shoes.
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The warm, damp space becomes perfect for bacteria.
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And bacteria = bad odor.
Over time, the smell builds up. And if you’ve walked in the rain, skipped socks, or left your shoes stuffed in a corner — the stink just gets worse.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Smelly Shoes at Home
Step 1: Check the Tag
Before you throw your shoes in water, check the inside label. Some are okay to wash in a machine, some aren’t. No label? Play it safe — go with hand washing.
Step 2: Take Them Apart
Remove the laces and insoles. They soak up a lot of sweat, so wash them separately.
Step 3: Deodorize First
Sprinkle some baking soda inside the shoes and leave it overnight. It absorbs odour like magic.
Step 4: Wash Gently
For shoes that can be washed:
If they’re machine-safe, pop them in a laundry bag or pillowcase and wash on a gentle cycle. Skip the dryer — air-drying is always better.
Step 5: Dry the Right Way
Let your shoes dry in the open air — not under harsh sunlight. To help them keep their shape and soak up moisture, stuff them with newspaper while they dry.
How to Clean Different Types of Shoes
Different shoes need different care, and knowing what works for each type can save you from damaging them. Sneakers are usually the easiest — most of them can be hand-washed or even thrown in the machine (on a gentle cycle, of course). Canvas shoes fall into the same category — lightweight, washable, and low maintenance.
Leather shoes, on the other hand, need a bit more attention. Never soak them in water — just wipe them down gently with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, a leather cleaner or a simple mix of vinegar and water works well. Let them air-dry naturally. Now, suede shoes? They’re the delicate ones. Water can ruin their texture, so skip the wash and use a suede brush to clean them. And if they’re really dirty, it’s best to leave them to the professional cleaner.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, trying to fix smelly shoes at home just isn’t worth the effort — or the risk. If the odor refuses to go away, no matter what you try, or if you’ve got premium shoes like suede, leather boots, or branded sneakers, it’s safer to let a professional take over. The same goes for shoes with deep stains, visible mold, or weird smells coming from the padding inside. That’s when searching for a professional shoe laundry near me makes sense. These cleaners use fabric-safe, odor-killing methods and return your shoes looking (and smelling) fresh again — without any damage.
Benefits of Professional Shoe Cleaning
Let’s be honest — cleaning shoes isn’t exactly fun. It takes time, gets messy, and sometimes your efforts don’t even work.
That’s where professionals step in:
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They deep clean using tools and products you probably don’t have at home.
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They don’t just wipe the surface — they remove odor from inside out.
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For expensive or delicate shoes, this kind of care can actually help them last longer.
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Some even offer pickup and drop-off, so you don’t have to step out — perfect for a lazy Sunday.
A quick search for “shoe laundry near me” might be all it takes to save time, effort, and your favorite pair.
Tips to Keep Shoes Fresh Daily
Don’t wait until your shoes smell like a sock graveyard — staying one step ahead is much easier.
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Rotate your shoes: Wearing the same pair every day doesn’t give them time to fully dry out.
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Use odor-absorbing pouches or dry tea bags: Leave them inside overnight to soak up unwanted smells.
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Avoid damp, closed spaces: Storing shoes in tight, humid spots invites bacteria.
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Wash your insoles regularly: Every few weeks is a good habit — they absorb the most sweat.
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Air them out: After each wear, leave your shoes in a well-ventilated space. A little sunlight helps kill odor-causing bacteria too.
Conclusion
Smelly shoes aren’t forever — they just need a little attention. Whether it’s a few home tricks or a trusted shoe laundry near me service, your shoes can feel (and smell) fresh again.
Some odors are surface-level and easy to fix. Others go deeper and need professional care. The key is knowing the difference — and not hesitating to get help when it’s needed.
Because let’s be real: clean shoes = fresh feet = a happier you.
And honestly, isn’t that worth it?