Shoe experts say placing smelly footwear in the freezer for 24 hours could help tackle the bacteria and fungus responsible for unwanted odours. The trick, which involves sealing the shoes in a bag before freezing, offers a simple household alternative to specialist sprays and products.
Why shoes smell
Shoes spend hours enclosed around warm, sweaty feet, creating conditions where bacteria and fungus can build up. This buildup is the primary cause of unpleasant smells.
Julian Nelson from A Fine Pair Of Shoes says there is a much simpler trick worth trying before reaching for specialist products.
The freezer method
“Most people probably wouldn't think twice about putting their shoes in the freezer, but it's actually a really simple trick to try if they're starting to smell,” he said. “Shoes can pick up plenty of bacteria and fungus when they're being worn, particularly if your feet get warm and sweaty throughout the day.”
Nelson recommends placing the footwear in a clean, sealed bag before freezing it. “Putting them in a sealed bag and freezing them for around 24 hours gives you a really easy way of tackling what's built up inside the shoe and getting them smelling fresher again,” he said.
How to try it
To try the trick, first make sure the shoes are suitable for freezing and place them inside a clean, sealable bag. Make sure the bag is properly closed before putting it into the freezer, then leave the shoes inside for around 24 hours.
Once the time is up, remove them and allow them to thaw completely and return to room temperature before wearing them.
Not a replacement for good care
However, the freezer trick should not be viewed as a replacement for keeping footwear clean and dry. Nelson also suggested giving shoes plenty of time to air between wears, changing socks regularly and making sure footwear has properly dried out before putting it back on.
“If you're wearing the same pair of shoes every single day, they don't really get much of a chance to breathe,” he said. “Giving them a proper airing between wears can make a big difference, but if they've already started to smell, the freezer trick is a really easy one to try.”
He also stressed the importance of making sure shoes are sealed properly before they go into the freezer. “Just make sure they're sealed up properly first, leave them in there for 24 hours and let them come back to room temperature before you put them back on,” Nelson said.
The advice comes as a simple option for anyone struggling with persistent shoe odours and looking for a household solution before buying another specialist product. However, anyone with persistent foot odour or symptoms affecting their feet should seek appropriate medical advice rather than relying solely on household remedies.
