What Can I Put in Work Boots to Stop Them Smelling?

Alcohol Solution

You can mix two-thirds parts of alcohol with one-third part of water to make a solution and spray it inside your boots. Leave it overnight to dry.  The alcohol in the solution will kill any bacteria in the shoes that are causing the odor.

You can also use a dryer sheet after spraying your work boots with the solution. The sheet will absorb moisture, while the alcohol will eliminate bacteria, taking care of your boots.

It’s an easy solution to make your boots smell fresh before you use them.

Baking Soda

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a popular home remedy used in cleaning and anti-odor solutions.

The most common way of using it is to sprinkle some baking soda in each shoe and leave it undisturbed overnight. Knock the baking soda out of your boots in the morning before wearing them.

If you don’t want a powdery mess in your boots, you could put the baking soda in a paper napkin and put it deep into your boots. It will have the same effect when you leave it overnight.

You could also mix baking soda with water (1 cup of water to 2 tablespoons of baking soda), spray it into your work boot after use, and let it air dry. If you do this, you might need to wait for a few days before you can wear your boots again.

Cornstarch

Excessive heat and activity can lead to heavy sweating and moisture accumulation in your boots. It is the sweat and the bacteria that devour sweat that causes smelly feet and boots, creating an intense and unbearable odor.

But cornstarch absorbs moisture in your boots, reducing the possibility of sweat accumulation and bacterial infestation. That in turn reduces the smell in your boots. Plus, cornstarch is good for your skin.

It is very affordable and easy to use. You only need to sprinkle it inside the boots and leave it to sit while you sleep. Once you need to wear your work boots, brush off the cornstarch and use a napkin sprayed with antibacterial spray or alcohol to remove the powder.

You could also use foot powder before you put on the boots.

Prevent Odor from Developing in Your Work Boots

There’s another way you can prevent odor in your work boots, and that is by practicing personal hygiene. Here’s what you can do:

Use Clean Socks Daily

Some might think reusing socks is all right. But if your work environment is hot, you need to wear fresh socks every day to control bacterial growth. Socks can absorb sweat, and repeated use increases the chance of developing bad odor.

Wash Your Feet Before and After Using Your Boots

You need to wash your feet before and after you use your work boots.  You can remove the bacteria buildup in your feet and toes after a long day even with simple soap and water.

Dry your feet completely before you wear your socks or boots. You can also prevent any moisture that could develop between your toes with a foot spray or powder.

Clean Your Work Boots

It’s not just your feet you need to clean. You also need to keep your work boots free from dirt and debris. Even if the dirt is outside the boots. So it’s best to use a boot brush to remove dirt and mud.

You can also use a boot liner inside the shoes to absorb moisture.

Keep them in a sunny spot when not in use instead of bundling them up inside a covered shoe rack.

Smelly Work Boots are Preventable

A lot of us wear work boots every day. So controlling smelly boots is a necessity we cannot overlook.

Try these easy home remedies and follow the proper hygiene and foot care to eliminate boot odor and keep your feet smelling fresh.