# How to get the funky mildewy smell out of my sneakers? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 17, 2006, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-the-funky-mildewy-smell-out-of-my-sneakers/340382 "2006-01-17T18:08:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lama\_Pacos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Lama\_Pacos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lama_Pacos)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2006, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-the-funky-mildewy-smell-out-of-my-sneakers/340382/1 "2006-01-17T18:08:46Z")
Last night, it was very rainy. I had to go into it wearing my sneakers, and they got quite wet. Now dry, they have a surprisingly strong mildewy smell. I wear my sneakers all the time, and I don’t want to bring that smell with me everywhere! What can I do? ---
**Author:** ![Mindfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindfield/32/19759_2.png) [@Mindfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mindfield)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2006, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-the-funky-mildewy-smell-out-of-my-sneakers/340382/2 "2006-01-17T18:11:18Z")
Febreeze the crap out of them, then stick in a pair of charcoal-activated insoles. If you don’t have any Febreeze or insoles handy, stick a scented dryer sheet in each shoe for a few hours when you’re not wearing them. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2006, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-the-funky-mildewy-smell-out-of-my-sneakers/340382/3 "2006-01-17T18:14:15Z")
Well, depending on the material, sometimes they can be tossed in the washer & dryer. Otherwise, i suggest the following- strong spray of Lysol (or similar)- making sure you remove any insoles (which can be washed in the sink). Let dry (likiely overnite, close, but not too close to the heater). Then several tablespoons of baking soda in each- shake it around to distribute it. Let stand overnite. Shake out baking soda, add some footpowder, then wear. However, do note- your shoes will last many times longer if you wear them only every other day and thus let them air out between wearings. Dusting them with footpowder between uses is good, too. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2006, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-the-funky-mildewy-smell-out-of-my-sneakers/340382/4 "2006-01-17T18:14:41Z")
I’d just pitch 'em and get a new pair. That mildew smell fucking gags me. ---
**Author:** ![tygerbryght](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a9a28c/32.png) [@tygerbryght](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tygerbryght)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2006, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-the-funky-mildewy-smell-out-of-my-sneakers/340382/5 "2006-01-18T08:35:57Z")
The simplest (and cheapest) treatment is to put a generous quantity baking soda into them when you take them off at night. If you possibly can, try to let the baking soda work for at least 24 hours, then dump it out, and be sure you’ve got all of it out that will come out (it may crust to the innersole, and you do _not_ want your foot on a cushion of baking soda). Alternatively, sprinkle some in every night until the odor is gone. After that, see whether using a cornstarch-based foot powder in your shoes and in your socks (or on your feet before you put the socks on) won’t keep it from coming back. It works for most people. Baking soda is marvelous (and famous) for eliminating a wide variety of stinks. ---
**Author:** ![CynicalGabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@CynicalGabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CynicalGabe)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2006, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-the-funky-mildewy-smell-out-of-my-sneakers/340382/6 "2006-01-18T08:46:07Z")
I vote for the washer and dryer, if possible. Followed by charcol or febreeze if that fails. The washer usually does the trick IME. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2006, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-the-funky-mildewy-smell-out-of-my-sneakers/340382/7 "2006-01-18T18:23:11Z")
> [@tygerbryght](#): > > The simplest (and cheapest) treatment is to put a generous quantity baking soda into them when you take them off at night. The problem with just baking soda (marvelous stuff to be sure) is that it doesn’t really kill the mold- which would seem to be the problem. ---
**Author:** ![Beadalin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Beadalin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beadalin)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2006, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-the-funky-mildewy-smell-out-of-my-sneakers/340382/8 "2006-01-18T19:32:47Z")
The surest way to rid anything of mildew is to let it air out in sunshine. That’s a little tricky in winter, and even trickier with sneakers, but it could be done. ---
**Author:** ![stuyguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@stuyguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuyguy)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2006, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-the-funky-mildewy-smell-out-of-my-sneakers/340382/9 "2006-01-18T22:54:11Z")
One solution I’ve read is to put them in the freezer overnight. Never tried it myself, so I can’t vouch for it. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2006, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-the-funky-mildewy-smell-out-of-my-sneakers/340382/10 "2006-01-18T23:05:36Z")
> [@stuyguy](#): > > One solution I’ve read is to put them in the freezer overnight. Never tried it myself, so I can’t vouch for it. I tried it with stinky sandals and it worked amazingly well. Haven’t tried it with sneakers but I think it’s worth a try. Make sure you wrap them in several layers of plastic bags to contain the stink. ---
**Author:** ![spingears](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@spingears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spingears)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2006, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-the-funky-mildewy-smell-out-of-my-sneakers/340382/11 "2006-01-19T03:29:14Z")
> [@scr4](#): > > I tried it with stinky sandals and it worked amazingly well. Haven’t tried it with sneakers but I think it’s worth a try. Make sure you wrap them in several layers of plastic bags to contain the stink. Today’s comic strip “ZITS” is apropo. The principal says his sneaker liners just puked. WAG: Soak 'em in 100% chlorox bleach for an hour. Rinse thoroughly so they won’t gag the maggots. Throw them in the trash and go buy a new pair.