{"id":3534,"date":"2025-02-28T18:49:31","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T18:49:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/?p=3534"},"modified":"2026-01-11T19:18:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T19:18:10","slug":"deodorize-boots-tea-bag-trick-baking-soda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/deodorize-boots-tea-bag-trick-baking-soda","title":{"rendered":"How to Deodorize Boots Fast: The Tea Bag Trick"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3534\" class=\"elementor elementor-3534\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64bba88f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"64bba88f\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-581b0010 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"581b0010\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 05-08-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p><strong>How to Deodorize <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-aldborough-hatch\">Boots<\/a> Fast?<\/strong><\/p><p>Boots are brilliant\u2014until you take them off and the room votes you out.<\/p><p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/service\/laundry-service\"><strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd (London)<\/strong><\/a>, we see this every winter: a great pair of boots that\u2019s perfectly fine on the outside, but the inside has become a warm, damp, sealed little ecosystem. That\u2019s the real reason \u201cboot funk\u201d happens\u2014and why the right fix is less about perfume-y sprays and more about <strong>moisture + microbes + time<\/strong>.<\/p><p>This guide gives you a fast, practical, <strong>low-mess<\/strong> way to deodorize boots using <strong>dry tea bags<\/strong> and a <strong>baking soda sachet<\/strong>, plus a simple \u201ctriage\u201d system so you don\u2019t waste time on hacks that can\u2019t solve your specific problem.<\/p><p><strong>Quick answer <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>To deodorize boots fast:<\/strong><\/p><ol><li>Put <strong>2\u20133 dry black tea bags<\/strong> in each boot (toe + heel).<\/li><li>Leave <strong>8\u201324 hours<\/strong> (overnight is usually enough for mild odor).<\/li><li>For stronger odor, add <strong>one baking soda sachet<\/strong> per boot (details below).<\/li><li>Remove everything and <strong>air out<\/strong> your boots (avoid direct heat).<\/li><\/ol><h2>Why boots smell ?<\/h2><p>Most boot odor isn\u2019t \u201cdirt.\u201d It\u2019s chemistry and microbiology.<\/p><p>Research has found that a major contributor to foot odor is <strong>isovaleric acid<\/strong>, produced when skin bacteria (notably <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Staphylococcus_epidermidis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Staphylococcus epidermidis<\/strong><\/a>) break down <strong>leucine<\/strong> found in sweat.<\/p><p>And boots make it worse because:<\/p><ul><li>the inside stays <strong>dark, warm, and humid<\/strong>\u2014conditions that help microbes thrive and keep odor compounds trapped.<\/li><\/ul><p>So the winning strategy is:<\/p><ol><li><strong>dry the environment<\/strong>, and<\/li><li><strong>reduce odor compounds<\/strong> (without damaging the material).<\/li><\/ol><h3>Boot odor triage: pick the right fix first<\/h3><p>Use this table before you start\u2014because \u201ctea bags overnight\u201d can be perfect\u2026 or completely pointless, depending on the situation.<\/p><table><thead><tr><td><strong>Odor level<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What it usually means<\/strong><\/td><td><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-best-dry-cleaning-service-in-london\">Best<\/a> approach<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Mild<\/strong> (noticeable only up close)<\/td><td>Moisture + early odor buildup<\/td><td><strong>Dry tea bags overnight<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Strong<\/strong> (you smell it when you unlace)<\/td><td>More moisture + more odor compounds<\/td><td><strong>Tea bags + baking soda sachet (12\u201324h)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Persistent<\/strong> (returns quickly \/ smells \u201cdeep\u201d)<\/td><td>Insoles\/liners holding odor; humidity keeps it cycling<\/td><td><strong>Reset <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-canary-wharf\">clean<\/a> + thorough dry-out<\/strong> (see \u201cWhen DIY isn\u2019t enough\u201d)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><h2>Method 1: Dry tea bags in boots overnight (fast + low effort)<\/h2><p><strong>Why it works<\/strong><\/p><p>Black tea contains<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tannin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <strong>tannins<\/strong><\/a> (polyphenols) that are widely discussed in scientific literature for antimicrobial\/anti-virulence activity across different microbes.<br \/>In real-life boot deodorizing, tea bags are mainly helpful because they:<\/p><ul><li>absorb a bit of <strong>moisture<\/strong><\/li><li>reduce musty odor in enclosed space<\/li><li>may add a mild antimicrobial \u201cassist\u201d (don\u2019t expect sterilization)<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Step-by-step (Hamlet <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-berrylands\">Laundry<\/a> method)<\/strong><\/p><ol><li>Choose <strong>dry, unused black tea bags<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Place <strong>2\u20133 tea bags<\/strong> per boot: one in the toe, one under the arch, one near the heel.<\/li><li>Leave <strong>8\u201324 hours<\/strong> (overnight is great).<\/li><li>Remove tea bags and let boots <strong>air out<\/strong> for 1\u20132 hours before wearing.<\/li><\/ol><p><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> If your boots have removable insoles, lift them slightly or remove them while deodorizing so air can circulate.<\/p><h2>Dry vs wet tea bags: what\u2019s \u201cright\u201d?<\/h2><p>You\u2019ll see two schools online:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Moist\/steeped tea bags<\/strong> (some recommend steeping then placing in shoes)<\/li><li><strong>Dry tea bags<\/strong> (recommended for boots by The Spruce)<\/li><\/ul><h3>Our practical recommendation<\/h3><p>Start with <strong>dry tea bags<\/strong>.<\/p><p>Why? Because moisture is the fuel for odor cycles\u2014research notes that <strong>high humidity supports microbial growth and malodor production<\/strong>.<br \/>Adding moisture (even \u201cjust a little\u201d) can backfire if the boots don\u2019t dry fully\u2014especially in damp weather or in thicker, lined winter boots.<\/p><p>If you <em>do<\/em> try the moist method from Southern Living, the non-negotiable step is: <strong>dry the shoes thoroughly afterward<\/strong>.<\/p><h2>Method 2: The mess-free baking soda sachet hack (for strong odor)<\/h2><p>Baking soda is popular for a reason: it\u2019s a classic deodorizer that can help neutralize odors and absorb smells\u2014used for generations in household odor control.<\/p><h3>Why the sachet matters<\/h3><p>Sprinkling baking soda directly into boots works, but it can leave residue in seams, linings, and textured footbeds. A sachet gives you the benefits without the cleanup.<\/p><p><strong>Step-by-step<\/strong><\/p><ol><li>Put <strong>2\u20133 tablespoons<\/strong> of baking soda into:<ul><li>a clean tea bag,<\/li><li>a coffee filter tied with string, or<\/li><li>a small muslin pouch.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Place <strong>one sachet per boot<\/strong> (toe area works well).<\/li><li>Leave <strong>12\u201324 hours<\/strong> (baking soda tends to work better with time).<\/li><li>Remove sachets, tap out the boot lightly (just in case), then air out.<\/li><\/ol><p><strong>Optional:<\/strong> If scent is your thing, Martha Stewart notes baking soda can be customized with a small amount of essential oil\u2014just don\u2019t overdo it inside delicate materials.<\/p><h3>If the smell comes back quickly, do this diagnostic (it saves time)<\/h3><p>If odor returns within a day or two, you\u2019re usually dealing with a <strong>source<\/strong>\u2014not just a smell.<\/p><h4>Quick diagnostic<\/h4><ul><li>Smell the <strong>insole<\/strong> (top and underside).<\/li><li>Smell the <strong>boot interior<\/strong> (toe box and heel cup).<\/li><li>If insoles smell far worse: they\u2019re likely the main reservoir.<\/li><\/ul><p>Why this matters: humidity + trapped sweat contamination can keep re-feeding odor production over time.<\/p><h2>What not to do (boot-saving rules)<\/h2><p>Some deodorizing \u201cadvice\u201d ruins boots faster than odor does.<\/p><p><strong>Avoid:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong>Direct heat<\/strong> (radiators, strong hair-dryer blasts): can damage materials.<\/li><li><strong>Wet tea bags on suede\/leather<\/strong> unless you\u2019re absolutely sure you can dry completely.<\/li><li><strong>Sealing damp boots in airtight containers<\/strong> (odor and mold love that).<\/li><\/ul><h2>Prevent boot odor (the low-effort routine that actually works)<\/h2><p>You don\u2019t need a complicated system\u2014just consistent moisture control.<\/p><ol><li><strong>Rotate your boots<\/strong> (give them a full dry day when you can).<\/li><li><strong>Air out after wear<\/strong> (unlace, open wide).<\/li><li><strong>Remove insoles<\/strong> occasionally to dry separately.<\/li><li><strong>Store ventilated<\/strong>, not sealed when damp.<\/li><li>Keep a couple of <strong>\u201cboot sachets\u201d<\/strong> (tea or baking soda) ready for weekly maintenance.<\/li><\/ol><p>This aligns with the core scientific issue: <strong>humidity supports microbial growth and malodor production<\/strong>.<\/p><h3>When DIY isn\u2019t enough (and what actually fixes it)<\/h3><p>DIY deodorizing works best when:<\/p><ul><li>odor is mild to moderate, and<\/li><li>the boot can dry properly.<\/li><\/ul><p>But if your boots are:<\/p><ul><li>lined,<\/li><li>heavily sweat-saturated,<\/li><li>or the odor is \u201cdeep\u201d and persistent,<\/li><\/ul><p>\u2026you may need a <strong>proper cleaning\/reset<\/strong> rather than more deodorizing.<\/p><p><strong>A subtle <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/travel-guide-to-london\">London<\/a> note (from Hamlet Laundry Ltd)<\/strong><\/p><p>If you\u2019re in <strong>London<\/strong> and your boots still smell after a couple of cycles\u2014especially winter boots with liners\/insoles that trap moisture\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/service\/shoe-repair-and-cleaning-service\"><strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd<\/strong> can help you<\/a> choose a safe cleaning approach (material-appropriate, no guesswork) and get them properly dried so the odor doesn\u2019t just rebound.<\/p><p>(And if you\u2019re not in London, the same principle applies: persistent odor usually needs cleaning + drying, not stronger hacks.)<\/p><h2>FAQs<\/h2><p><strong>Do tea bags really remove boot odor?<\/strong><\/p><p>They can help <strong>reduce mild to moderate odor<\/strong>, mainly by absorbing moisture and trapped smells. Some sources also point to tannins\u2019 antimicrobial properties, but tea bags won\u2019t \u201cdisinfect\u201d boots like a true wash\/sanitize would.<\/p><p><strong>How long should I leave tea bags in my boots?<\/strong><\/p><p>Overnight (8\u201312 hours) is a solid baseline. For stronger odor, go up to <strong>24 hours<\/strong> and repeat if needed.<\/p><p><strong>Should tea bags be dry or wet?<\/strong><\/p><p>Boot-focused guidance commonly recommends <strong>dry tea bags<\/strong>. Some shoe-focused advice uses steeped bags but stresses drying afterward\u2014adding moisture can backfire if boots don\u2019t dry fully.<\/p><p><strong>Can I use baking soda in leather boots?<\/strong><\/p><p>Yes\u2014<strong>use a sachet<\/strong> to avoid residue. Give it time (often up to ~24 hours) and remove before wearing.<\/p><p><strong>Why does the smell keep coming back?<\/strong><\/p><p>Because the source may still be there: sweat-soaked insoles\/liners plus humidity can keep feeding microbial activity and malodor compounds. In those cases, you need cleaning + full drying, not more deodorizer.<\/p><h3>The honest takeaway<\/h3><p>Tea bags and baking soda are <strong>genuinely useful<\/strong>\u2014when you use them the right way, on the right kind of odor. But the real \u201csecret\u201d is boring and effective:<\/p><p><strong>Dryness beats funk. Every time.<\/strong><\/p><p>If you want, tell me what kind of boots you\u2019re writing this for most (leather Chelsea boots? suede? hiking\/work boots?), and I\u2019ll tailor the \u201cmaterial safety\u201d and \u201cwhen DIY isn\u2019t enough\u201d sections so the post feels even more specific\u2014and more rank-worthy.<\/p><h2>Still Smelling Something\u2026 Even After Trying Everything?<\/h2><p>If your boots still smell after tea bags, baking soda, and proper drying, it\u2019s usually a sign that <strong>odor has settled deep into the insoles or lining<\/strong>\u2014where DIY methods can\u2019t fully reach.<\/p><p>That\u2019s where <strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd. (London)<\/strong> comes in.<\/p><h3>\u2728 Why people trust Hamlet Laundry with their boots &amp; shoes<\/h3><p>We don\u2019t just \u201cfreshen\u201d footwear\u2014we <strong>reset it safely<\/strong>, using methods that respect the material and stop odor from coming back.<\/p><p><strong>With Hamlet Laundry, you get:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>\ud83e\uddfc <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/service\/shoe-repair-and-cleaning-service\"><strong>Professional shoe &amp; boot cleaning<\/strong><\/a> tailored to leather, suede, lined, and everyday boots<\/li><li>\ud83e\udde0 <strong>Material-aware care<\/strong> (no harsh heat, no guesswork, no damage)<\/li><li>\ud83d\ude9a <strong>Convenient London services<\/strong> \u2013 drop-off, collection, or pickup &amp; delivery (where available)<\/li><li>\ud83d\udd52 <strong>Time-saving solutions<\/strong> when DIY methods aren\u2019t enough<\/li><li>\ud83c\udf31 <strong>Gentler, responsible processes<\/strong> compared to aggressive at-home fixes<\/li><\/ul><h3>\ud83d\udc43 When it\u2019s worth letting the pros handle it<\/h3><ul><li>Odor comes back within 24\u201348 hours<\/li><li>Insoles or liners smell worse than the boot itself<\/li><li>Winter boots, work boots, or lined boots that never fully dry<\/li><li>You want a <strong>long-term fix<\/strong>, not another temporary hack<\/li><\/ul><p>\ud83d\udc49 <strong>If you\u2019re in London<\/strong>, Hamlet Laundry Ltd can help bring your boots back to a genuinely wearable, confidence-safe state\u2014without risking the material you invested in.<\/p><p><strong>Sometimes the smartest deodorizer isn\u2019t another trick\u2014it\u2019s proper care.<\/strong><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Deodorize Boots Fast? Boots are brilliant&mdash;until you take them off and the room<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3535,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[510,620,19],"tags":[222,21,421,437,439],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3534"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3534"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3534\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3543,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3534\/revisions\/3543"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3534"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3534"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3534"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}