Each of our feet is home to over 250,000 sweat glands, producing about a cup of moisture daily. Kids' feet? They make double that—no wonder their shoes sometimes develop stubborn odours.

But can smelly shoes be saved? Absolutely! Whether you're dealing with kids’ sneakers or your favourite pair, odour removal is easier than you think. This guide explores six proven home remedies for refreshing your kid's shoes.

» Browse our collection of breathable kid's shoes

7 Ways to Remove Shoe Odor & Keep Shoes Smelling Fresh

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the best odour eliminators for shoes. It absorbs moisture and neutralises smells overnight.

How to Use:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount inside the shoes.
2. Leave it for at least 6–8 hours (overnight is best).
3. Shake or vacuum out the powder before wearing it.

» Learn to clean your kid's white shoes

2. White Vinegar and Water

Wondering if vinegar can remove odour from shoes? Yes! White vinegar kills odour-causing bacteria and eliminates bad smells.

How to Use:

1. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Lightly mist the inside of the shoes.
3. Let them air dry completely before wearing them.

» Read our complete guide to washing and deodorising kids' shoes

3. Sunlight and Fresh Air

Fresh air and direct sunlight kill bacteria and dry out trapped moisture. If your shoes smell particularly bad, leave them outside for a few hours on a sunny day.

» Check out how to wash different types of kids' shoes

4. Tea Bags

Tea bags, especially those containing black tea, are very absorbent. They can soak up the excess moisture inside the shoes, making it less hospitable for bacteria to grow.  

How to Use:

1. Place a few unused tea bags inside your shoes, focusing on the areas where your feet sweat the most, like the toe and heel sections.  
2. Leave the tea bags in the shoes overnight or for at least 24 hours to allow them to absorb moisture and neutralise odours.  
3. For severe odours, you may need to leave the tea bags in for up to 48 hours.
4. Replace the tea bags with fresh ones as needed. Used tea bags are not effective for removing shoe odour.

» Learn to waterproof your kid's shoes

5. Newspaper Stuffing

Crumpled newspaper draws out moisture and odours overnight. It’s an easy, chemical-free way to keep shoes fresh.

How to Use:

1. Stuff old newspapers inside your shoes before bed.
2. Remove them in the morning—your shoes will feel drier and fresher!

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5. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a powerful natural deodoriser for persistent odours. Over time, it absorbs moisture, bacteria, and bad smells.

How to Use:

1. Fill a small cloth pouch with activated charcoal.
2. Place inside shoes overnight or for 24 hours.
3. Repeat as needed for deep odour removal.

» Find out how often you need to replace your kid's shoes

6. Essential Oils

Tea tree, lavender, and peppermint oils have natural antibacterial properties and add a fresh scent to shoes.

How to Use:

1. Add a few drops of essential oil to a cotton ball.
2. Place inside the shoes for several hours or overnight.

» Discover how to look for shoes for different stages of foot development

7. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a powerful natural deodoriser for persistent odours. Over time, it absorbs moisture, bacteria, and bad smells.

How to Use:

1. Fill a small cloth pouch with activated charcoal.
2. Place inside shoes overnight or for 24 hours.
3. Repeat as needed for deep odour removal.

» Find out how to deal with shoe allergies in children

How to Make Shoes Look New Again

Odour isn’t the only issue—sometimes, you want your shoes to look fresh, too! Here’s how:

• For sneakers: Scrub the soles with baking soda and water.
• For leather shoes: Wipe with a damp cloth and apply shoe polish.
• For canvas shoes: Hand wash with mild soap or machine wash if safe.
• For school shoes: Remove scuff marks using a magic eraser or white vinegar.

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Keeping Shoes Fresh and Odor-Free

With these simple home remedies, you can banish stubborn odours, refresh old shoes, and keep kids' footwear clean and comfortable.

As your little ones embark on their first steps, pamper their tiny feet with First Walkers – soft, breathable shoes designed to prevent odours and offer orthopaedic support for proper foot development.

» Browse breathable and odour-resistant shoes for kids