long socks · Pure Combed Cotton · Reason · Sock ·Jan 27, 2025

How do I get rid of smelly socks?

Socks are one of the most common accessories. Some people wear socks to protect their feet from cold in winter, and some wear socks with shoes. Whether one goes to the office, school, or at home, socks are a daily essential. You will find different types of socks in every person’s closet.

Sometimes when you wear socks, the sweat makes the socks smell bad. Let’s see what the reason is for this odour and how to remove the odour from your socks.

Why do socks smell?

Socks can smell bad due to various reasons. Here are a few of them:

Sweat a lot; it could be one of the reasons your socks smell. Sweat creates moisture, which is ideal for bacteria and fungi to grow in.
Fungal infections can also cause smelly socks.
Sock material is one of the factors. Socks made with breathable fabrics like cotton don’t smell.
Hygiene is also important when it comes to socks. Wearing the same socks for more than a day or not washing them properly can cause them to smell bad.
Health issues like bromodosis can cause your socks and feet to smell bad.

Now that we know why socks smell, let’s dive into the solutions for smelly socks.

Solutions for smelly socks

1. Pre-treating with a vinegar wash

Vinegar acts as a natural deodorizer. It is used to wash away strong odours and stains. Before washing the socks, soak them in a solution of water and vinegar for some time.

How to do:

Add 1 part of vinegar to 1 part of water.
Soak your socks in this solution for 20-30 minutes.
Wash them off in cold water after 30 minutes.
Wash as you do usually.

While pre-treatment is another step before washing which may look like a hassle. Going a step more is fine if it helps eliminate the odour from socks and save some noses.

2. Washing with baking soda

If you’re lazy enough to do two steps of pre-treating your socks in vinegar solution and then washing them, we’ve got an easier solution for you. Wash your socks as usual, and just add baking soda when washing your socks. Baking soda is another odour-eliminating agent.

How to do:

Put your socks into the washing machine.
Add a few spoons of baking soda along with your detergent in the washing machine.

Ta-da, your socks will come out fresh out of the washing machine.

3. Use odour-fighting products

Odour-fighting products are products that are good at removing the odour and odour-causing bacteria in socks. A few of them are listed below:

Anti-bacterial laundry detergent: Some detergents are specifically made to remove odour, so use them.
Anti-odour socks spray: There are some sprays in the market that you can apply after washing the socks to make them smell fresh.
Essential oils: Use a water and essential oil solution after washing the socks to make them smell good.

Now that we’ve covered the solutions that can be done after the socks start smelling, we’ll now cover some preventive measures that will help you avoid the odour in your socks in the first place.

Preventive measures to avoid smelly socks

1. Maintain socks hygiene

Maintaining socks hygiene is very important. Here are a few tips:

Wear clean socks always. If you feel the socks are smelling, put them into the laundry.
Change the socks if you’ve worn them for gym or sports where you sweat a lot.
Dry the socks properly after washing and then store them, as moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Keep a gap of a few days between each wear for a pair of socks.

2. Maintain feet hygiene

Keeping your feet clean is as important as keeping your socks clean. Here are a few tips:

Wash your feet thoroughly with an antibacterial soap, especially the area between your toes.
Before wearing socks, always dry out your feet to avoid moisture, as moisture is the breeding ground for odour-causing bacteria.
Use antiperspirant sprays on your feet before wearing socks if you sweat a lot.

3. Check your shoes

Your socks or your feet may not always be the culprit; your shoes can be too. Check if your shoes are dirty or smelling bad. Here are a few tips to avoid foul-smelling shoes:

Wash your shoes regularly and dry them properly.
Keep your gym and regular shoes separate, as gym shoes are more prone to sweat.
Use shoe inserts that absorb moisture to keep your socks and shoes dry.

4. Choose the right socks

We covered everything, but the first and foremost thing is to choose the right kind of socks. One should opt for breathable, lightweight, and sweat-resistant socks to avoid the bad smell of socks. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing socks:

Opting for breathable socks material like cotton.
Choose socks with sweat-resistant technology.
Choose socks that are anti-microbial and anti-odour.

How does Sockscarving help in avoiding smelly socks?

Sockscarving takes pride in using 100% organic cotton grown in India, ensuring their socks are both sustainable and eco-friendly. The cotton is carefully combed to create a high-quality fabric, resulting in socks that are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear.

Our socks are also equipped with advanced anti-odour technology, keeping your feet fresh even after a long day of wear. Additionally, they are designed with sweat-resistant technology, making them ideal for those who engage in sports, hit the gym, or wear socks for extended periods.

We have a range of different types of socks for each and every purpose. From gym and everyday wear to formal and sports, Sockscarving caters to all your socks’ needs.

Check out our range of socks here.

FAQs

Q. What causes socks to smell bad?

Socks smell because sweat and bacteria mix. When your feet sweat, the moisture stays trapped, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow. Over time, this causes bad odour.

Main reasons:

Excessive sweating (bromodosis)
Fungal infections
Poor hygiene (wearing the same socks for long)
Non-breathable materials like polyester
Damp shoes or socks stored without drying

Quick Answer: Socks smell when sweat stays trapped in non-breathable material and bacteria multiply.

Q. How do I remove odour from socks naturally?

Pre-treat with Vinegar

Soak your socks in a 1:1 mix of vinegar and water for 20–30 minutes.
Then wash as usual. Vinegar neutralizes bacteria and removes strong odours.

Wash with Baking Soda

Add 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda to your laundry detergent.
Baking soda neutralizes smell and keeps socks fresh.

Use Anti-Odour Products

Try:

Antibacterial detergents
Anti-odour sock sprays
Essential oils (tea tree, lavender, peppermint) for freshness

Quick Answer: Soak in vinegar, wash with baking soda, or use antibacterial detergents for long-lasting freshness.

Q. How can I prevent socks from smelling?

Maintain Sock Hygiene

Wash after every use.
Dry completely before storage.
Avoid re-wearing used socks.

Maintain Foot Hygiene

Wash feet daily with antibacterial soap.
Dry feet before wearing socks.
Use antiperspirant foot sprays if you sweat a lot.

Check Your Shoes

Keep shoes clean and dry.
Use moisture-absorbing inserts.
Separate gym shoes from daily shoes.

Quick Answer: Keep both socks and feet clean, dry shoes regularly, and use breathable materials.

Q. What type of socks prevent bad odour?

Choose socks made from breathable, natural materials like 100% cotton.
Avoid synthetic blends that trap sweat.

Best Features to Look For:

Breathable cotton fabric
Sweat-resistant weave
Anti-microbial & anti-odour technology

Quick Answer: Breathable pure cotton socks with anti-odour tech keep your feet fresh all day.

Q. How does Sockscarving® help you avoid smelly socks?

Sockscarving® uses 100% organic combed cotton, which is soft, breathable, and sweat-resistant.

Key Features:

Pure Combed Cotton: Allows airflow and absorbs moisture naturally.
Anti-Odour Technology: Fights bacteria and keeps socks fresh.
Sweat-Resistant Design: Ideal for the gym, travel, or long workdays.
Eco-Friendly Fabric: Made from sustainably sourced Indian cotton.

Quick Answer: Sockscarving® socks prevent odour with natural cotton and anti-odour technology.