This easy tea bag trick will remove winter shoe odour without any mess

Damp shoes are responsible for bacteria and fungi that cause unpleasant odour (Image: Pexels)

• Tea bags can absorb shoe odour and moisture overnight
• Steeped black tea bags work better than dry ones for removing smells
• Tea bags' tannins have antibacterial properties that prevent mould and mildew.

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If you love winter, chances are you have all kinds of fancy boots and trainers in your closet. While they make you look fashionable, they can be unpleasant to smell, with sweaty socks and feet, and dirty soles making it worse.

The opening and closing of your storage in such cases is bound to make you pinch your nose, but worry not! Here’s a quick fix for which you don’t need to look anywhere, but your kitchen. Move aside baking soda, what you really need are tea bags. They aren’t messy and work overnight.

Tea bag trick to get rid of shoe odour

Most people know the baking soda method, which is effective, but can be quite a hassle and time-consuming. That’s where tea bags step in. The ones lying in your kitchen work as perfectly and come with an odour-absorbing packet. They are inexpensive and packed with moisture that’s sure to work on your boots and shoes.

Also read | 2 Indian researchers win global award for research on smelly shoes: 'We recruited brave human noses'

Method

Many people prefer placing dry, unused tea bags into their shoes overnight, but experts recommend using steeped black tea bags for better efficiency.

Begin with boiling two tea bags in water for a minute or two. Use a spoon to remove them from the water and place them on a plate to cool. Place the damp tea bags into your shoes for about two hours and wipe out any moisture that’s left. This will help get rid of any odour.

If the odour is too strong, use more tea bags. Place them along the length of the shoe and leave them overnight.

Benefits of tea bags

Damp shoes are responsible for bacteria and fungi that cause unpleasant odour. Experts believe that dry leaves effectively absorb moisture, helping get rid of the smell and keeping the shoes drier. They also help prevent mould and mildew. Tea bags contain tannins that have antibacterial properties, making them more suitable for the job.

Also read | Deep clean your kitchen: Use vinegar, baking soda and coconut oil for chemical-free and safe home

Try these other hacks for help

Experts highly recommend keeping damp boots in well-ventilated spots rather than throwing them in closed storage. This births odour-causing bacteria.

Even a well-designed shoe cabinet allows proper ventilation and prevents smell.