{"id":2171,"date":"2023-09-20T06:29:16","date_gmt":"2023-09-20T06:29:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.milkandhoneyshoes.com\/?p=2171"},"modified":"2023-09-21T10:48:20","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T10:48:20","slug":"my-boots-got-wet-and-now-they-smell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.milkandhoneyshoes.com\/my-boots-got-wet-and-now-they-smell\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Get Rid Of The Smell From Wet Boots"},"content":{"rendered":"
We’ve all been there – you get caught in the rain or have to trek through puddles, and your boots get soaked. When they eventually dry out, you’re left with a lingering funky odor emanating from your footwear.<\/p>\n
If you need a quick solution, stuffing your boots with newspaper or baking soda can help absorb moisture and smell. But in this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 10 tips and tricks for deep cleaning your boots to banish even the worst foot stench.<\/p>\n
Wet boots smell bad because moisture gets trapped inside the boot material, allowing odor-causing bacteria and fungi to thrive. To get rid of both the excess moisture and the microbes causing odor, you’ll need to fully dry out your boots and disinfect the interior.<\/p>\n
With the right supplies and techniques, you can de-stink your boots and keep them fresh for many wears to come.<\/p>\n
Before you start tackling the smell, it’s important to assess the extent of the damage. Take a close look at your boots and determine if they are just damp or thoroughly soaked. If they are only slightly wet, you may be able to remove the smell with some simple remedies.<\/p>\n
However, if they are completely soaked, you might need to take more drastic measures to eliminate the odor.<\/p>\n
Mold and mildew can quickly develop in wet boots, leading to an unpleasant smell. Take a flashlight and carefully inspect the inside of your boots for any signs of mold or mildew. If you spot any, it’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent further growth and eliminate the odor.<\/p>\n
Mold and mildew can be harmful to your health, so it’s crucial to take action.<\/p>\n
Understanding which parts of your boots got wet can help you determine the best approach to get rid of the smell. If only the footbed is wet, you may be able to focus your efforts on drying and deodorizing that specific area.<\/p>\n
However, if the water has seeped up the sides of the boots or into the lining, you’ll need to take additional steps to ensure the entire boot is thoroughly cleaned and deodorized.<\/p>\n
For more information on how to properly clean and deodorize wet boots, you can visit REI’s website<\/a> where they provide detailed instructions and tips on how to eliminate odor from wet footwear.<\/p>\n One of the most important steps in getting rid of the smell from wet boots is to ensure they are dried thoroughly. Here are some effective methods to achieve this:<\/p>\n Before starting the drying process, it is recommended to remove the laces and insoles from your boots. This will allow better airflow and ensure that all parts of the boots are exposed to the drying methods you’ll be using.<\/p>\n Take some newspaper or paper towels and crumple them up into small balls. Stuff these balls into your wet boots, filling them up as much as possible. The paper will help absorb the moisture from the boots and aid in the drying process.<\/p>\n Placing your wet boots in front of a fan can help to speed up the drying process. The airflow from the fan will help evaporate the moisture from the boots. Alternatively, if you have a dehumidifier, you can place the boots near it to remove excess moisture from the air.<\/p>\n If you have a boot dryer, this can be an excellent tool to dry your wet boots. Simply insert the boots into the dryer, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The dryer will blow warm air into the boots, effectively drying them from the inside out.<\/p>\n By following these steps and ensuring your boots are thoroughly dried, you can effectively get rid of the smell caused by wetness. Remember, it’s important to act quickly as leaving your boots wet for an extended period can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can cause further odors and damage to your boots.<\/p>\n One effective way to get rid of the smell from wet boots is by using baking soda. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help absorb and neutralize odors. To freshen up your boots, simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the damp boots, making sure to cover the entire interior.<\/p>\n Did you know?<\/b> Baking soda is not only great for removing odors, but it also has many other household uses, such as cleaning and unclogging drains!<\/p>\n After sprinkling the baking soda inside your damp boots, it’s important to let it sit overnight. This will give the baking soda enough time to absorb the unpleasant odors. Covering the boots with a clean towel or placing them in a well-ventilated area will help prevent the baking soda from being disturbed.<\/p>\n Pro tip:<\/b> For extra odor absorption, you can also place a small sachet filled with baking soda inside the boots before allowing them to sit overnight.<\/p>\n In the morning, simply turn your boots upside down and gently tap them to remove the excess baking soda. You can also use a soft brush or cloth to wipe away any residue. Once the baking soda has been removed, your boots should smell much fresher and cleaner.<\/p>\n Expert tip:<\/b> If you’re still experiencing some lingering odor, you can repeat the baking soda treatment or try other methods, such as using odor-absorbing inserts or using a shoe deodorizer spray.<\/p>\n Remember, keeping your boots clean and dry is key to preventing odors from forming in the first place. Additionally, allowing your boots to fully dry after each use and storing them in a well-ventilated area can help prevent future odor issues.<\/p>\n If you’re struggling with the unpleasant odor coming from your wet boots, vinegar can be a simple yet effective solution. Vinegar is known for its disinfecting properties and can help eliminate the smell by killing odor-causing bacteria and fungi.<\/p>\n To use vinegar as a remedy for smelly boots, start by mixing one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle. This dilution helps to prevent any potential damage to the material of your boots while still providing the necessary cleaning power of vinegar.<\/p>\n Once you have your vinegar solution ready, spritz the inside of your wet boots with the mixture. Make sure to evenly distribute the solution throughout the interior of the boots. After spraying, allow the vinegar solution to sit for about 15 minutes.<\/p>\n This will give the vinegar enough time to penetrate the fabric and effectively kill any odor-causing bacteria and fungi.<\/p>\n Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that has been used for centuries to kill germs and eliminate odors. Its acidic nature helps to break down the cell membranes of bacteria and fungi, effectively neutralizing their odor-causing properties.<\/p>\n By using vinegar to clean and disinfect your wet boots, you can eliminate the source of the smell and prevent it from returning.<\/p>\n After allowing the vinegar solution to sit for 15 minutes, it’s important to thoroughly rinse out your boots before wearing them again. Use clean water to rinse off any remaining vinegar residue and ensure that no lingering odor is left behind.<\/p>\n Once rinsed, allow your boots to air dry completely before storing or wearing them.<\/p>\n Pro Tip:<\/b> For an extra boost in odor elimination, you can sprinkle some baking soda inside your boots after rinsing out the vinegar. Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb odors, and leaving it in your boots overnight can help remove any lingering smells.<\/p>\n By following these simple steps and using vinegar as a disinfectant, you can effectively get rid of the smell from your wet boots. Remember to always check the care instructions for your specific boots to ensure that vinegar is safe to use on the material.<\/p>\n When it comes to getting rid of the smell from wet boots, activated charcoal is your secret weapon. This natural odor absorber has been used for years to eliminate unwanted smells, making it an ideal solution for stinky footwear.<\/p>\n Activated charcoal is a highly porous substance that contains millions of tiny pores. These pores are what make activated charcoal so effective at absorbing odors. When placed in your wet boots, the charcoal works like a sponge, attracting and trapping odor-causing molecules, leaving your boots smelling fresh and clean.<\/p>\n There are a couple of ways you can use activated charcoal to deodorize your wet boots. One option is to use charcoal bags, which are small, breathable pouches filled with activated charcoal. Simply place one or two bags inside each boot, making sure they are distributed evenly.<\/p>\n Alternatively, you can use loose charcoal by pouring it into a clean sock or a breathable fabric pouch and placing it inside the boots.<\/p>\n Once you have placed the activated charcoal in your wet boots, it’s important to give it enough time to work its magic. Leave the boots undisturbed overnight, allowing the charcoal to absorb the odors completely.<\/p>\n This will give the charcoal enough time to effectively neutralize the smell and leave your boots smelling fresh.<\/p>\n In the morning, remove the boots and gently tap them to remove any excess charcoal. You can do this outside or over a sink to prevent any mess. Be sure to tap both the inside and outside of the boots to ensure all the excess charcoal is removed.<\/p>\n Once you’ve done this, your boots should be odor-free and ready to wear.<\/p>\n Remember:<\/b> Activated charcoal is a safe and natural way to eliminate odors, so you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals or fragrances coming into contact with your skin.<\/p>\nDry Thoroughly<\/h2>\n
Remove laces and insoles if possible<\/h3>\n
Stuff boots with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture<\/h3>\n
Set boots in front of a fan or dehumidifier to accelerate drying<\/h3>\n
Use a boot dryer if you have one<\/h3>\n
Freshen with Baking Soda<\/h2>\n
Sprinkle baking soda liberally inside damp boots<\/h3>\n
Let baking soda sit overnight to absorb odors<\/h3>\n
Dump out baking soda in the morning<\/h3>\n
Disinfect with Vinegar<\/h2>\n
Mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water in a spray bottle<\/h3>\n
Spritz vinegar solution inside boots and let sit for 15 minutes<\/h3>\n
Vinegar kills odor-causing bacteria and fungi<\/h3>\n
Rinse out vinegar thoroughly before wearing again<\/h3>\n
Deodorize with Activated Charcoal<\/h2>\n
Activated charcoal absorbs smells extremely effectively<\/h3>\n
Place charcoal bags or loose charcoal inside boots<\/h3>\n
Let sit overnight to allow absorption<\/h3>\n
Tap out excess charcoal in the morning<\/h3>\n