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As winter boot season draws near so too does smelly shoe season. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that when your feet spend all day wrapped up in boots, the funk is an unavoidable side effect. But when the odor rises, there’s a simple solution to deodorize shoes and make them smell fresh and clean again! This DIY boot and shoe deodorizer is easy to make with all-natural ingredients that you may even have on hand.
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Why Do Feet Smell?
It might seem evident that foot odor is caused by sweaty feet. But it’s a little more complicated than that. Foot odor is different from other types of body odor. While all sweet is basically odorless, feet have a high concentration of sweat glands, and if sweat isn't allowed to evaporate, it can cause odor. Additionally, the bacteria that live on your feet consume sweat and dead skin cells, producing organic acids that can cause odor. Foot bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments such as boots in the winter, sweaty workout shoes, and any shoe you don’t wear with socks.
A Natural Remedy for Stinky Shoes
Baking soda, a long-trusted odor-fighter, is the perfect starting point for our DIY deodorizer. When combined with cornstarch, another potent odor-fighting ingredient, the result is a powerful odor-banishing blend. To this base, we’ve added herbs and essential oils known for their bacteria-fighting and odor-neutralizing properties, creating a strong, pleasant-smelling, all-natural remedy for stinky feet.
DIY Boot and Shoe Deodorizer Recipe
The recipe makes enough for six boot and shoe deodorizer bags or one shaker jar of powder.
The Ingredients:
1 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1 cup baking soda
1 cup organic sage leaves or lavender buds
15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
15 drops tea tree oil essential oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil
The Supplies:
Measuring cups
Small mixing bowl
or
1 mason jar with shaker lid
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The Method:
Thoroughly whisk together baking soda, sage leaf, and essential oils in a bowl. Once mixed, you can divide the mixture between the six muslin bags or place the powder in a jar with a shaker lid.
To Use:
If using the muslin bags, place one bag inside each shoe or boot and leave overnight. Remove the bag before wearing it and replace it in shoes again when you’re done for the day. If using as a powder, sprinkle the powder liberally into shoes in the evening. Shake any excess powder out before wearing them in the morning.
Your boot and shoe deodorizer will remain effective for up to 3 months. However, if you find the scent fading before then, a few more drops of essential oil(s) will rejuvenate its odor-fighting power.
Say Goodbye to Smelly Feet!
We love this DY boot and shoe deodorizer for keeping the smell down on winter boots and helping to keep odor-causing bacteria at bay. If you try this recipe for natural sho deodorizing, tell us all about it in the comments below! And, as always, until next time,
Disclaimer:
Content from thisunboundlife.com is meant to be informational in nature. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Just because something is “natural” does not mean it’s safe for every person. Many plants should be avoided when pregnant or nursing; some can cause extreme interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
While we strive to be 100% accurate, utilizing information from scientific studies, trusted sources, and verified publications, we are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is solely up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed on this website and to ensure proper plant identification.
The information provided by this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before using herbal preparations, always research, speak to a professional regarding significant concerns, and never fail to seek medical advice when needed.