Summer heat plus bare feet is the perfect recipe for smelly sandals. Here’s a few odor-eliminating remedies to freshen up your favorite pair: The great thing about isopropyl alcohol is that not only does it help to reduce the bad smell associated with smelly feet, but it can also act as a disinfectant and kill the bacteria that causes stinky feet, and remove dirt. If you have rubber or foam sandals that can withstand underwater conditions, then this is the cleaning method you should try.

Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil to the mix for a pleasant-smelling layer over the rubbing alcohol. Fresh Air and Sunlight You may be able to wash your shoes to get rid of the smell. If you are cleaning canvas shoes or other washable footwear, you can eliminate odors by throwing them in the washing machine. Start by removing the shoe strings, then place the shoes in a pillow case or mesh bag. The longer you leave your sandals in the freezer, the more effective it will be at removing the smell. Leave them in the freezer overnight or for up to two days to see a difference. To varying extents, all sandal materials are prone to damage from too much direct sunlight. Rubber and memory foam flip-flops will shrink after a few hours in the sun, while suede, cork, or leather may fade or break down. Leave your sandals in the sun for at least 30 minutes, when possible, for effective disinfection. If the manufacturer advises against putting your sandals in direct sunlight, dry them in a shady area instead. DIY Overnight DeodorizersFight odors after each wear: You can place newspaper, odor-fighting insoles, or dryer sheets into your shoes after each wear to fight odors on a daily basis. This prevents odors from building up. Every time you shower, use a washcloth or a natural body scrub and scrub away dead skin from the soles and tops of your feet. You won’t need to worry about cleaning and deodorizing your sandals constantly if you take steps to prevent smells from settling into them. Clean feet and smarter choices around how you use and store your sandals can ensure you never get caught off-guard by a nasty sandal odor. Clean Your Feet

Product buildup: Products like sunscreen, lotions, powders, and body wash can build up on your sandals. When you don’t clean them often enough, the shoes become super dirty, and odors begin to form. Baking soda will clean and whiten your flip-flops and help beat that odor. However, if your flip-flops are still smelling a little ripe after the baking soda scrub, try this.Once you’ve successfully learned how to get rid of smelly shoes, you will want to do everything you can to prevent it from returning. If you want to be super professional about deodorizing your leather sandals, you can opt for a leather cleaning solution and brush. These tools will be gentle but super effective on leather shoes. Tip: Vinegar makes an excellent follow-up to baking soda for an added layer of cleaning. Spray the solution after deodorizing with baking soda to remove lingering powder and make your sandals look new. Freezing Sandals are the surest sign of a good time, but nothing can kill the excitement of putting them on like the hot blast of sweaty stink when you unearth them from the closet. Air dry: Leave the shoes to air dry out of direct heat and sunlight. This might take 24 hours or longer, depending on the material of the shoe.

Place a couple of tea bags in a pot of boiling water and let steep for several minutes. Remove the bags and let them cool for about five minutes. Place the cooled tea bags on your shoes and let them sit for nearly an hour. Remove the tea bags and wipe off the excess liquid. Kitty LitterAfter soaking, remove the sandals and grab your cleaning toothbrush. Use the brush to scrub away loosened dirt and grime. If your smelly sandals are made of leather or another material that is sensitive to extended water exposure, then this is the cleaning method for you. You probably already know that it's awesome at drying your shoes, but sunlight also offers UV power, killing the mold spores and bacteria that generate those bad sandal odors.

The material: Some materials, such as rubber, aren’t as porous, so the odors just sit on top of the shoe. The good thing about this is that it’s easier to deodorize! A fabric softener sheet (one per shoe) in the sole and tied in a plastic bag overnight ensures your shoes will smell fresh and ready for whatever the day throws at you. If your feet experience excessive sweating, baby powder can help keep your feet and shoes dry, reducing the chance for bacteria to grow on your feet and shoes. Like baking soda, baby powder can help to neutralize odors and deodorize your shoes.The good news is that there are several home remedies to eliminate your stinky shoes. Here’s how to make shoes not smell. Making secondhand sandals safe to wear is easy with a washing machine and hot water, but many sandals can’t handle that kind of intensive cleaning. For delicate footwear, use a tried and true disinfectant spray like Lysol, focusing on the soles and straps where sweat accumulates. Say Goodbye to Stinky Sandals You might also like this article: 7 Best Shoe Deodorizers to Stomp the Stink Tips for Cleaning Different Types of Sandals