How to Get Ammonia Smell Out of Shoes: Ways and Steps to Get Rid of the Smelly Odor in Shoes

Shoe odors can be a real nuisance, not only for you but for those around you. If your shoes are smelling like ammonia, it can be quite embarrassing and unpleasant. All of us want to feel fresh and confident when we wear our shoes, but if they’re smelly, that can be difficult.

Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of the unpleasant aroma of ammonia that can be lingering in your kicks. From freezing to washing, there are many solutions to nix the odor and help you keep your shoes smelling fresh.

In this article, we’ll discuss why shoes smell like ammonia and how to get rid of the smell quickly and effectively.

Why do my shoes smell like ammonia?

Shoes may smell like ammonia for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are bacterial growth, sweat and dirt accumulation, fungus, and the materials used for making the shoes. Bacteria thrive in moist environments and can cause an unpleasant smell.

Sweat and dirt accumulation can also cause an ammonia smell, as can fungus and materials that are not breathable. It is also possible that cat urine within the materials or construction of the shoe is the cause. It is important to take proper care of shoe hygiene and clean them regularly to prevent an ammonia smell.

Additionally, ammonia can be used to help remove gasoline smells and cat urine from clothes and shoes. Ammonia is an effective deodorizing agent that should be used to remove any odor caused by bacteria, sweat, dirt, fungus, or cat urine.

Ways to get rid of the ammonia smell in shoes

1. Clean the shoes with baking soda

Cleaning shoes with baking soda is a great way to get rid of unpleasant odors such as ammonia. Here is a step-by-step guide to using baking soda to clean your shoes:

1. Rinse your shoes in cold water, then soak them in a tub of water with baking soda in it. Put in however much baking soda you think is appropriate, then add more (it should still be a liquid, though — if your mixture turns into a paste, add more water).
2. Let the shoes soak for about half an hour or so, then rinse off all the baking soda with more cold water.
3. Lather them up with a mild soap, scrub them well enough to remove any traces of baking soda, and then rinse them again.
4. When you’re done, dry them as well as you can, then stuff them with towels or rags and put them somewhere to finish drying.

2. Remove the source of the ammonia smell

The source of the ammonia smell in shoes is sweat, which is caused by bacteria that break down sweat and other proteins. To remove the ammonia smell from shoes, one can use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste and apply it to the shoes overnight.

Then, the next morning, brush off the excess powder and spray the shoes with ammonia. Allow the shoes to air dry overnight and repeat this process until the odors are gone. Additionally, using deodorants or antiperspirants, drinking more water, and changing shower or bath products can help reduce the ammonia smell from sweat.

3. Sprinkle tea leaves on shoes

Sprinkling tea leaves can help reduce the ammonia smell in shoes due to the tannic acid found in tea. Tannic acid acts as an inhibitor to the growth of odor-causing bacteria, and by sprinkling tea leaves into the shoes, the tannic acid can effectively eliminate the odor.

It is best to place two tea bags inside the shoes overnight, then remove them and let them dry completely before wearing them again. Replacing the tea bags as needed can help maintain a pleasant scent in the shoes.

4. Spray shoes with a mixture of vinegar and water

To spray shoes with a mixture of vinegar and water to get rid of the ammonia smell, you will need to mix it with baking soda and water. Once the mixture is ready, all you’ll have to do is spray it on your shoes and leave them overnight:

1. Start by mixing one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle.
2. Add a tablespoon or two of baking soda and then top off your spray bottle with water. Shake it up well before each use to ensure the ingredients mix together evenly.
3. Once you are done making the mixture, it’s time to use it! To do this, simply spray your shoes down completely. This includes any dry areas that could potentially hold odors, like the tongue of your shoe or lining.
4. Finally, all you have to do is allow your shoes to sit overnight with the vinegar mixture. You can then come back to brush off any excess baking soda that may be left over. Wipe it away gently with a wet cloth or paper towel until you feel satisfied with how clean they are!

5. Treat the shoes with a deodorizing spray

To treat your shoes with a deodorizing spray, first, make sure that your shoes are clean and dry. Spray the deodorizing solution directly onto the inside of the shoe and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes, then wipe away any excess spray with a paper towel. The key is to make sure that the inside of the shoe is fully covered with the deodorizing solution. You can repeat this process as often as needed.

For a great deodorizing spray for shoes, we recommend using the Odor-Eaters Shoe Deodorizing Spray. This spray is specifically designed to target odors and prevent them from returning, thanks to its special blend of odor-fighting ingredients. It’s also safe to use on all types of shoes, so it’s perfect for any occasion!

6. Leave shoes in the sun to dry

To get rid of the ammonia smell from your shoes, the best thing to do is to leave them in the sun. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Start by lacing up your shoes. This will help to ensure that any wetness or moisture is evenly distributed throughout the shoe.
2. Place the shoes in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill, patio, or balcony. Leave them there for several hours.
3. The sun’s rays will act as a natural disinfectant and help to kill any bacteria or microorganisms that may be causing the ammonia smell.
4. After several hours, remove the shoes from the sunny spot and air them out by opening the laces.
5. Let the shoes dry completely before wearing them again. If possible, try to wear different shoes each day to give the offensive ones time to dry completely.

7. Stuff shoes with paper towels or cloths

Stuff your shoes with paper towels or clothes and absorb the odors until you’re ready to wear them again. You can also put your shoes in the freezer overnight to kill germs and bacteria and further reduce the ammonia smell.

Make sure to remove the paper towels or clothes and shake out any excess powder before putting your shoes in the freezer. Following these steps will help to reduce the ammonia smell and keep your shoes smelling fresh.

Wrapping Up: How to get ammonia smell out of shoes

Getting rid of the ammonia smell coming from your shoes can be a tricky task. However, with the right steps, you can easily keep your shoes smelling fresh. Use baking soda paste to absorb the moisture and neutralize the odor-causing bacteria. You can also use dryer sheets to deodorize your shoes and prevent the build-up of odor-causing bacteria.

Additionally, if you have a particularly tough smell, like ammonia, you can use bleach to help remove it. Finally, make sure to keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as this will help wash away the ammonia and reduce its smell. With these tips in mind, you can quickly get rid of the ammonia smell from your shoes and keep them smelling fresh.

FAQ

Does baking soda really help with shoe odor?

The answer is yes! Baking soda is a chemical compound with a slightly alkaline pH that can effectively neutralize the acids that cause odor in shoes. It also has the added benefit of absorbing humidity and providing mild antibacterial properties to help combat the bacteria that cause the odor.

With a few simple steps such as filling a pair of socks with baking soda and knotting the ends, or sprinkling the powder directly into the shoes and leaving it overnight, one can effectively reduce the odor caused by bacteria in shoes.

How often should you clean your shoes to get rid of odor?

It is important to clean your shoes regularly to get rid of any pesky odors. For the best results, consider washing the insoles of your shoes in a washing machine with a load of towels or soaking them in a water-vinegar solution. Additionally, try adding a sachet of baking soda inside each shoe after each wearing, and let them sit for a few hours or overnight.

Consider rotating different pairs of shoes so that you’re not wearing the same pair every day and giving them time to air out. Also, wear socks whenever possible as they will absorb some of the sweat moisture and help reduce odors. With these tips, your shoes should stay fresh and odor-free!

Can vinegar help to get rid of shoe odor?

Yes, vinegar can help to get rid of shoe odor. Vinegar is a common household product that has numerous purposes, including cleaning and cooking. It can be combined with baking soda and water to create a spray that can be applied to shoes overnight to reduce and eliminate bad odors.

Does using a dryer help to get rid of shoe odor?

Yes, using a dryer sheet can help to get rid of shoe odor. The steps are simple: mix baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it to the shoes, let it sit overnight, brush off any excess powder in the morning, and then spray a dryer sheet onto the shoes and allow them to air dry.