I’ll admit that taking off my boots can feel good on my feet after a long day at work. Wiggling my toes to release tension and breathe in the sweet-smelling air is therapeutic.
However, a foul smell from my boots is enough to ruin my moment of ecstasy.
The worst part was taking off my shoes in front of people; my weak heart couldn’t take the scowls directed at me.
This made me search for guidance on how to keep my boots smelling fresh. These suggestions had a long-lasting and game-changing impact. I no longer squirm when I have to take off my shoes in front of other people.
Would you like to know what I found out? Continue reading to find out.
9 Hacks on How to Make Smelly Boots Smell Good
1. Select the Right Boots
Avoid wearing waterproof boots or boots with poor breathability if your feet have a powerful odor.
While features like enclosed linings and safety caps have given modern work boots a new degree of protection and comfort, they have also reduced their ability to breathe. As you do your day’s work, your feet may sweat more frequently and heavily.
Always choose shoes with features like Space Air Mesh or ventilating holes that promote air circulation. Your feet are less likely to sweat as a result.
2. Always have Clean Feet
If you want to preserve the scent of your new boots, start by cleaning your feet. Fungi and bacteria flourish due to the sweat on your feet inside your boots.
Therefore, it’s crucial to wash your feet with antibacterial soap daily to help remove any remaining bacteria or dead skin that could be causing foot odor.
3. Don’t Wear the Same Socks Twice
Make sure to put on a new pair of cotton socks. Wearing the same pair will always ensure boot odor because they serve as a breeding site for odors, especially in cold weather. Your socks should be hand- or machine-washed in warm water, then allowed airing dry overnight.
Stocking up on socks is equivalent to avoiding the issue before it occurs. Never reuse the same socks. Wearing socks without first cleaning and drying your feet is not advised.
4. Put Dryer Sheets into your Boots
Another tool to fight off foul odors is dryer sheets. After placing them inside the boots, cover the dryer sheets with talcum.
Due to dryer sheets’ excellent sweat absorption and odor-prevention capabilities, you can now confidently wear your boots. After working all day, remove the sheets and put on fresh ones before putting your boots back on.
5. Use Baking Powder
For those who frequently wear their boots, this tactic works best. Baking soda acts as an antibacterial agent that also absorbs sweat from your work boots, which aids in eliminating the bacteria that is responsible for the odor.
Each day after work, either sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of your work boots before you wear them or soak your feet in a solution of water and baking soda. It will assist in minimizing odor and bacteria and keep your work boots scented fresh.
6. Use Corn Starch
Baking soda can be substituted with cornstarch, also known as arrowroot powder, to eliminate the unpleasant smell of work boots. It absorbs moisture and aids in odor neutralization.
Always place the shoe in a well-ventilated area after applying cornstarch in sachets or sprinkles to ensure the smell dissipates quickly. Removing the shoe from the closet prevents bacteria from growing and producing an odor because there is less air circulation.
7. Wash the Inner Soles
If you use work boots with inner soles, removing them to let them air out and washing them frequently in a solution of water and baking soda can help eliminate any fungi and bacteria that may have developed inside your boot.
Add some vinegar to your detergent if you discover it isn’t removing the odor.
8. Let your Shoes Sunbath
Other than a strict boot-washing ritual, expose your shoes to the sun whenever you can. I know carrying your boots in and out might seem like a hassle, but I promise that if you put in the effort, your friends will give you the “no-stink award.”
9. Store Your Boots in a Well-Ventilated Room
You risk your work boots smelling bad if they are wet. Work boots that get wet can start to smell like mildew, so it’s crucial to store them correctly. Make sure to keep your boots in a well-lit and ventilated space.
Please do not keep them in a dim or muggy environment. Ensure that you keep your work boots upside down. The boots can be placed upside-down on metal or wooden stakes to help them dry completely.
Final Word
The most frequent issue with work boots is the odor that develops after a few days. Fortunately, you can eliminate that odor using products you likely already have in your home or workplace.
Please feel free to give these 9 suggestions for keeping your boots smelling fresh a try; I’m confident you’ll be happy with the results.
