How To Remove Smell From Shoes In Rainy Season

Introduction: We all love rainy season as it gives so much relief from excessive heat. No only it rejoices the earth but also let us enjoy rainy days with surrounding greenery and everything looks so fresh in rainy season. Well! There is also an another side of rainy season which is full of damp clothes and musty smell in our home. Not only clothes but our shoes also starts giving unpleasant odor. So, we are going to help you with this blog which covers, “how to remove smell from shoes in rainy season”.

Why Do Shoes Smell Bad During the Rainy Season?

Before jumping into the solutions, it’s important to understand what causes the bad odour in shoes during monsoon:
● Moisture: Rainwater makes your shoes damp, and the moisture gets trapped inside.

● Lack of Sunlight: Less sunlight means shoes don’t dry properly.

● Bacterial & Fungal Growth: Damp and dark environments allow microbes to thrive.

● Sweat Accumulation: Mixing of sweat and moisture worsens the odour.

Top 8 ways on how to get rid of shoe smell in rainy season

Here are some simple, affordable, and effective ways to get rid of shoe odour:

1. Dry Shoes Properly After Every Use

Never store wet shoes in closed spaces. The first and most crucial step to prevent shoe smell is drying them completely.
● Remove soles/insoles if possible and keep them separate.

● Place shoes near a fan or under a ceiling fan.

● Use newspaper or tissue inside the shoes to absorb moisture.

● When the sun is out, sun-dry your shoes for at least a few hours.

Pro Tip: Avoid using a hair dryer directly, as heat can damage certain materials. For best results, you can try Tumbledry which provides premium laundry services.

2. Use Baking Soda for Odour Removal

Baking soda is one of the best natural deodorizers.
● Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda inside each shoe.

● Leave it overnight.

● Shake off the powder the next morning.

It absorbs moisture and neutralizes the bad smell. Do this 2-3 times a week during the rainy season.
Pro Tip: Avoid using baking soda in leather shoes, as it may cause drying.

3. Try Tea Bags as a Natural Deodorizer

Used or dry tea bags can work wonders to remove the smell from shoes in the rainy season.
● Place 2-3 dry tea bags in each shoe overnight.

● They absorb moisture and leave behind a subtle scent.

Tea has tannins, which also have antibacterial properties.

4. Use a Shoe Spray or DIY Disinfectant

Store-bought shoe deodorizer sprays are effective, but you can also make your own:
DIY Spray Recipe:
● 1 cup water

● 1 tbsp white vinegar

● 10 drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil

Mix and pour into a spray bottle. Spray lightly inside the shoes and let them dry in a ventilated area.
✅ Essential oils kill bacteria and leave a refreshing smell.

5. Freeze Your Shoes To Get Rid Of Smelly Shoes

If your shoes can handle it, try the freezing method to kill bacteria:
● Seal the shoes in a zip-lock bag.

● Keep them in the freezer overnight.

● Let them return to room temperature and dry before use.

This helps stop bacterial growth that causes odour.

6. Insert Charcoal or Silica Gel Packs

Activated charcoal bags or silica gel packets absorb both moisture and bad smell.
● Place one small packet in each shoe.

● Leave them overnight or store them like this regularly.

These are great for leather shoes or sneakers that shouldn’t be washed often.

7. Wash Insoles or Replace Them

Insoles are the biggest carriers of sweat and odour.
● Remove the insoles and wash them with warm soapy water.

● Let them dry completely before putting them back.

If the insoles are worn out or smelly beyond recovery, consider replacing them with antibacterial insoles.

8. Choose Quick-Dry Socks & Rotate Shoes

Sometimes it’s not the shoe but the socks that hold the smell.
● Use moisture-wicking socks made of cotton-blend or dry-fit materials.

● Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day—rotate your footwear to give each pair time to breathe.

Extra Tips for Rainy Season Shoe Care
● Always carry a plastic bag when stepping out in rain, in case you need to remove shoes.

● Use waterproof sprays on shoes to reduce moisture absorption.

● Keep a spare pair of flip-flops or sandals for very wet days.

● For leather shoes, apply leather conditioner after drying to prevent cracks.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

If the smell still persists despite trying all the tips, your shoes might need deep cleaning. Professional shoe cleaning services like Tumbledry offer deep cleansing, deodorizing, and drying solutions that restore your footwear to like-new freshness which is perfect for monsoon months.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the rainy season dampen your style or stink up your shoes. With these effective techniques, you now know exactly how to remove smell from shoes in rainy season using simple home remedies and a few clever hacks. Keep your feet fresh, your shoes odour-free, and step out confidently even on the rainiest days!