Shoe Odour Myths Busted - What Really Works?

The Problem: Why Do Shoes, Trainers, and Bags Smell?

We’ve all been there. You open a sports bag or pull out a pair of well-used trainers, and the smell hits you before you’ve even seen them. Whether it’s sweaty feet, muddy football boots, or damp gym kit, the result is the same – an odour that seems impossible to shift.

The cause? Bacteria and moisture. When sweat soaks into shoes or fabric and doesn’t dry quickly, bacteria multiply, producing that unmistakable smell. If your trainers or bags aren’t allowed to air out properly, the odour can become permanent.

But not all “quick fixes” are as effective as they claim. Let’s bust some myths

Shoe Odour Myths - Busted!

1.    The Freezer Trick

The myth: Stick your shoes in a freezer overnight and the smell will disappear.
The truth: While freezing may temporarily slow bacteria growth, as soon as the shoes warm up, the bacteria wake up and the smell returns. Plus, your ice cream will never forgive you.

2.    Sprays & Perfumes

The myth: Mask the smell with a strong-smelling spray or deodorant.
The truth: This just covers up the smell temporarily. Worse, moisture-based sprays can actually feed bacteria, making odour worse in the long run.

3.     Dryer Sheets in Shoes

The myth: Pop a scented dryer sheet into each trainer.
The truth: You might get a short-term improvement in scent, but the bacteria are still there - and will keep producing odour once the scent fades.

4.    Baking Soda

The myth: Sprinkle baking soda into your shoes to neutralise smells.
The truth: Baking soda can absorb some odour, but it’s messy, can damage shoe materials over time, and doesn’t actively prevent bacteria growth.

5.    Buy New Trainers or Bags

The myth: When in doubt, just replace them.
The truth: Expensive, wasteful, and not always possible. Plus, without addressing the root cause, your brand-new gear will soon smell the same.

The Solution That Actually Works: Bamboo Charcoal Deodorisers

Instead of masking odours, the key is to remove the moisture and bacteria that cause them. That’s where DeadLaces Bamboo Charcoal Deodoriser Bags come in.

Why they work:

• Natural Odour Absorption - Activated bamboo charcoal pulls moisture from the air and traps odour-causing particles.
• Long-Lasting - Works for up to 12 months.
• Rechargeable - Simply place in sunlight for a few hours each month to reactivate.
• Safe & Sustainable - Plastic-free, chemical-free, and safe for kids and pets.
• Versatile - Perfect for trainers, football boots, school bags, gym lockers, cars, and more.

How to Use Them

1. Place one bag inside each shoe, bag, or space.
2. Leave overnight - they start working straight away.
3. Refresh the bags in sunlight once a month for best results.

No mess, no waste, no chemicals - just fresh-smelling shoes and bags all year round.

Final Word

If you’ve been battling stubborn odours, it’s time to stop wasting money on quick fixes that don’t last. DeadLaces Bamboo Charcoal Deodoriser Bags tackle the root cause, naturally and effectively, so you can say goodbye to smelly shoes and bags for good.

💡 Pro Tip: They also make a brilliant gift for sporty friends, parents, or anyone who’s ever apologised for “the smell” in their hallway.