how to get horrible musty smell out of shoes?

[loveandgarbage]

i have a pair of leather shoes that smells like musty, mildewy basement. is there a way to get the smell out? just cleaning them with a rag has done nothing.

[mumkimum]

Depending on the leather - I'll use either undiluted (or just on a damp rag) murphy's oil soap or Dr.Bronner Peppermint soap on leather shoes. Either would likely help get rid of a musty smell.

You could try enclosing them in a bag with a bunch of baking soda for awhile too, or keeping some chalk in the shoes for awhile to draw out the odor before cleaning (or after, if it continues).

[loveandgarbage]

thanks. the smell is so bad it permeates an entire room!