Home | Getting Rid of Smells | How to Get Rid of Smell in Shoe Rack or Shoes Storage Area: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Rid of Smell in Shoe Rack or Shoes Storage Area: Step-by-Step Guide

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 19, 2025

Eliminate shoe rack odors easily with E-Cloth. Follow our simple, effective step-by-step guide for a fresh storage area.

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How to Get Rid of Smell in Shoe Rack or Shoes Storage Area

Tools:

- E-Cloth
- Baking soda
- Activated charcoal
- Bowl (for holding baking soda or charcoal)
- Vacuum or handheld brush (for dusting off debris)

Step 1: Air It Out

Open any cabinet or closet doors and remove all shoes from the rack. Fresh air is your first line of defense.
Set the shoes outdoors or near a window to help dissipate the odor.

Step 2: Give the Rack a Good Wipe-Down

Empty the rack completely and, if possible, remove any detachable parts.
Dust off any debris that could be trapping odor.
If the materials allow, use a damp cloth to wipe the surfaces; let it dry completely before putting shoes back.

Step 3: Deodorize the Space

Place an open box of baking soda or a bowl of activated charcoal in the rack area. Both are excellent at absorbing unwanted smells.
Leave the deodorizer overnight or for a day before returning the shoes to the rack.

Step 4: Clean the Shoes Themselves

If shoes are the source of the odor, sprinkle baking soda inside them and let them sit for a few hours.
Shake out the powder thoroughly and, if possible, leave the shoes in a well-ventilated area to air out further.

Step 5: Reassemble and Monitor

Once everything is dry and odor-free, put your shoes back in the rack.
Keep the deodorizer in the storage area for a bit longer if the smell lingers.

Safety Precautions

Ventilation: Always clean and deodorize in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling dust or cleaning fumes.
Protective Gear: Wear gloves when handling cleaning agents or baking soda to prevent skin irritation.
Material Safety: Test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden area of the rack or shoes first to avoid damage or discoloration.
Dry Thoroughly: Ensure all surfaces and shoes are completely dry before reassembling to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Keep Away from Children & Pets: Store baking soda, activated charcoal, and cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.
Proper Disposal: Dispose of used deodorizing materials (like baking soda or charcoal) safely and promptly after use.

How to Maintain Cleanliness How to Get Rid of Smell in Shoe Rack or Shoes Storage Area: Extra Tips

Regular Cleaning Regimen

Wipe down the shoe rack and surrounding surfaces weekly with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dust and dirt.
Vacuum the area under and around the rack to eliminate particles that might cause odors.
Remove all shoes periodically and brush off any loose dirt before returning them to the rack.

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Use of Odor Neutralizers

Sprinkle baking soda in the shoe rack and inside shoes to absorb unwanted smells, letting it sit for several hours before shaking it out.
Create natural deodorizers by filling small cloth pouches with activated charcoal or dried lavender and placing them in the rack.
Consider using a fabric refresher spray on both the rack and shoes as an extra step against odor buildup.

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Maintain Proper Ventilation

Keep the shoe storage area well ventilated by opening windows or using a small fan to circulate air.
Avoid stacking shoes too close together, allowing enough space for air to pass between them.
Periodically remove shoes from the storage to let them air out, especially if they were exposed to moisture.

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Extra Tips and Considerations

Use moisture absorbers or silica gel packs in the shoe rack to reduce humidity levels that can lead to odors.
Consider cleaning shoes as needed with a disinfectant wipe if they've been exposed to sweat or dirt.
Rotate between pairs of shoes to avoid overuse and allow each pair to dry out completely before next use.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning How to Get Rid of Smell in Shoe Rack or Shoes Storage Area

Skipping Decluttering

Jumping straight into cleaning without removing clutter means you may just be moving dirt around or missing spots entirely.
Cleaning around unnecessary items wastes time and energy.
Declutter first to maximize your cleaning results.

Cleaning Out of Order

Starting with floors can lead to redoing your work when dust falls from higher places later.
Always clean from top to bottom to prevent double work.
Work methodically so nothing is missed or needs repeating.

Using the Wrong Tools

Improvised cleaning supplies (like T-shirts or paper towels) may leave lint or fail to clean effectively.
Using harsh cleaners on delicate surfaces can cause damage.
Save time and avoid frustration by choosing proper, quality tools for each task.

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How Often to Clean How to Get Rid of Smell in Shoe Rack or Shoes Storage Area

Recommended Cleaning Frequency

Weekly: For those who wear their shoes daily, a weekly cleaning of the shoe rack area is ideal. This minimizes the buildup of sweat, dust, and moisture that can foster bacteria and odors.
Monthly: If your shoe storage is used less frequently, a monthly cleaning should suffice. This ensures that any dormant odors or mold growth are kept in check over time.
Additional Cleaning: In climates with high humidity or after particularly wet seasons, consider an extra cleaning session to counter any accelerated odor formation.

Why Clean at These Intervals?

Regular maintenance disrupts the cycle of odor buildup by consistently removing moisture and residues that attract bacteria.
Frequent cleaning prevents spores and mold from taking hold, which can lead to persistent smells that are harder to eradicate over time.
Adapting the frequency to your usage and local climate ensures that the shoe rack remains a fresh, hygienic space without requiring overly intensive cleaning sessions later.

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