Banish Shoe Odor for Good: A Simple Chicago-Approved Hack

Living in the Windy City means juggling a busy schedule, and finding time for a thorough apartment cleaning can feel impossible. Between work, commutes, and enjoying everything Chicago has to offer, your home’s deep clean often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. But what if you could conquer stubborn, everyday messes with items you already have at home? We’re sharing a simple, effective trick to tackle one of the most common household nuisances: smelly shoes.

We all have that favorite pair of shoes—the incredibly comfortable sneakers or boots we wear everywhere. But over time, they can develop a less-than-favorite aroma. Before you consider tossing them, try this easy method using a common household staple: rubbing alcohol.

Why This Cleaning Hack Works

Rubbing alcohol is a powerful disinfectant, excellent at killing the odor-causing bacteria that thrive in dark, damp places like the inside of your shoes. By targeting the bacteria directly, you eliminate the source of the smell, not just mask it. It’s a perfect example of a quick, fast cleaning solution for a specific problem.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Fresher Shoes

Ready to revive your footwear? Here’s exactly what to do.

What You’ll Need:

• A pair of smelly shoes
• Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol, 70% or higher)
• A clean spray bottle
• A sunny spot (a Chicago balcony or windowsill works perfectly!)

The Simple Process:

1. Prep Your Solution: Pour the rubbing alcohol into your spray bottle. No need to dilute it.
2. Apply Liberally: Remove any insoles if possible. Spritz the inside of each shoe generously, making sure to coat the entire interior where bacteria live.
3. Let Nature Help: This step is key! On your next sunny day—which we Chicagoans cherish—place the shoes outside. The sun will help dry the alcohol and further disinfect the fabric.
4. Let Them Dry: Allow the shoes to dry completely in the fresh air and sunlight before wearing them again.

And that’s it! This method is a fantastic way to extend the life of your go-to shoes and keep your entryway or closet smelling fresh. For bigger cleaning challenges around your home, sometimes you need deep cleaning help from the pros.

When to Call in the Professional Cleaners

While DIY hacks are great for spot treatments, maintaining an entire home requires a more comprehensive approach. Life gets hectic, and that’s okay. If you find yourself searching for a reliable cleaning service near me, you’re not alone. A trusted Chicago cleaning company can handle the heavy lifting.

Imagine coming home to a spotless space every week without ever picking up a sponge. That’s the peace of mind you get with a consistent home cleaning service. It’s the easiest way to clean your apartment thoroughly and regularly. Instead of wondering how to find someone to clean my apartment, you can have a dedicated team ready to get your space cleaned.

Whether you need a one-time refresh or recurring cleaning services in Chicago, the goal is to give you back your precious time. Ready to stop stressing and start enjoying a cleaner home? It only takes a moment to schedule a cleaning.

Because of course, rubbing alcohol is great at killing bacteria, we thought we would apply it to something that has odorcausing bacteria, and that would be a pair of sweaty, smelly shoes. So, here’s the way this is going to work. You have a pair of shoes that you love but you’re embarrassed to wear cuz there’s a bit of a stench. Take some rubbing alcohol, spritz the inside of the shoe pretty liberally, and then on a sunny day, you want to do this on a sunny day, put the shoes outside and let the sun do the rest of the New York.