How to Neutralize Shoe Odor in a Closet

When a funky odor smacks you in the face each time you open the closet, you may need to neutralize the odors coming from shoes. Shoe odors commonly fill closets and small spaces with a musty odor due sweat and bacteria. The odor can transfer to the clothes in your closet if you do not treat it. Instead of storing your shoes in a different location, neutralize the odor to keep your closet smelling fresh.

Fans
Old socks
Coffee grounds
Cat litter
Activated charcoal
Mesh bags
Potpourri
Cedar chips
Small bowls
Baking soda
Table salt
Vacuum

Instructions

- 1
  Open the closet doors and allow the air to circulate. Open windows in the room and turn on fans to help dissipate the shoe odor.
- 2
  Find a pair of old socks that you can part with. Fill the socks with fresh coffee grounds, cat litter or activated charcoal. Hang the socks in the closet to absorb the shoe odors.
- 3
  Fill mesh bags with potpourri or cedar chips to disguise the odors. The strong scent of potpourri or cedar will overwhelm the shoe odor.
- 4
  Fill two or three small bowls with baking soda. Set the bowls inside the closet on shelves where they will not be disturbed so the baking soda can absorb the odors.
- 5
  Sprinkle baking soda or salt in the shoes to absorb the odors and moisture. Vacuum the shoes the following morning.

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