How to get rid of smelly shoes during rainy season? Easy hacks that actually work

The rainy season has a habit of following you indoors. Wet umbrellas pile up near the door, clothes take longer to dry, and no matter how carefully you avoid puddles, your shoes somehow end up smelling musty after just one rainy outing.

The smell isn't really caused by the rain itself. It's what happens afterwards. When shoes stay damp in humid weather, bacteria and fungi get the perfect conditions to grow.

The good news is that keeping them fresh doesn't require fancy gadgets, a few everyday tricks can help keep them fresh.

Don't let wet shoes sit all night

After a tiring day, leaving your shoes in a corner feels tempting. Unfortunately, that's exactly what allows moisture to linger inside.

Instead, spend two minutes giving them a little attention. Wipe off any surface water, loosen the laces and remove the insoles if they come out. The more air that reaches the inside of the shoe, the faster it dries.

Newspaper still works

Sometimes the oldest tricks really are the best.

Stuffing shoes with newspaper helps draw out moisture that's hiding deep inside. If the paper feels damp after a few hours, swap it for fresh sheets. By morning, your shoes will usually feel much drier.

If you're worried about newspaper ink staining light-coloured shoes, plain kitchen paper works just as well.

Skip the hairdryer

We've all thought about pointing a hairdryer at soaking wet shoes just to speed things up.

It might seem like a shortcut, but high heat can weaken the glue holding your shoes together and even damage leather or synthetic materials. A fan or a breezy spot indoors is a much safer option. It takes a little longer, but your shoes will also live longer.

Baking soda deserves a place in your shoe cabinet

Once your shoes are mostly dry, sprinkle a little inside and leave it overnight. It absorbs leftover moisture and helps neutralise unpleasant smells instead of simply covering them up.

Just remember to shake it out before wearing your shoes again.

Those tiny silica gel packets are worth keeping

Most of us throw them away without a second thought. The little packets that come with new shoes, handbags and electronics are designed to absorb moisture. Pop a couple inside your shoes overnight after a rainy day and they'll help draw out dampness while your shoes dry.

Give your shoes a break

If you only own one everyday pair, this might be difficult. But if you have another option, alternate between them during the monsoon.

Shoes need time to dry properly. Wearing the same pair every single day means they rarely get that chance, and lingering moisture quickly turns into lingering smells.

Fresh socks make a bigger difference than you think

Sometimes we blame the shoes when the real issue starts with damp socks. If your feet tend to sweat or your commute leaves you soaked, change into a fresh pair whenever you can. Moisture-wicking socks are also worth considering if you're outdoors for long periods.

Don't hide damp shoes in the cupboard

Out of sight doesn't mean out of trouble. Putting wet shoes into a closed cabinet traps moisture, making it easier for bacteria and mould to multiply. Leave them somewhere with good airflow until they're completely dry before putting them away.

Activated charcoal

If bad smells keep coming back, activated charcoal sachets can help. They're designed to absorb both moisture and odours, making them a handy option during humid weather. Leave them inside your shoes overnight, especially after you've been caught in heavy rain.

Footwear deodorising spray

If a pair still smells after you've cleaned and dried it properly, a footwear deodorising spray can help. Unlike perfumes or body sprays, these products are made to tackle the bacteria that cause odours rather than simply masking them. If you've had athlete's foot or another fungal infection, an antifungal shoe spray may also be worth considering.

Still can't get rid of the smell? Try the freezer trick

It might sound unusual, but some people swear by this method for shoes that still smell even after they've been cleaned and dried. Place the pair inside a sealed plastic bag and leave it in the freezer overnight. The cold can help reduce some of the bacteria responsible for unpleasant odours.

The next day, let the shoes come back to room temperature and make sure they're completely dry before wearing them again. It's not something you'll need to do regularly, but it can be worth trying if you've exhausted the usual fixes.

A few mistakes that make things worse

When you're trying to dry shoes quickly, it's easy to do more harm than good.

• Avoid leaving them in harsh afternoon sun for hours, especially if they're made of leather or suede.
• Don't blast them with a hot hairdryer, and don't lock damp shoes inside plastic bags or closed cupboards.
• Most importantly, skip the body spray. It might smell nice for a while, but it won't solve the actual problem.
• If the weather clears up, leave your shoes in a shaded, airy place for a few hours. Good ventilation does far more to remove lingering odours than scented sprays.

You can't stop the rain, but with a little care and a few smart habits, they'll stay fresh enough to handle rainy walks, unexpected downpours and everything else the season throws your way.