Wash between your toes and around the nail beds. These are places where bacteria can grow. If your feet smell, try washing your feet multiple times a day. Once in the morning, once at night, and once after you work out or get extra sweaty.
Also keep your toenails clean and trimmed to reduce bacteria. Moisturize your feet with lotion to keep them soft and healthy. Try lotions with fragrances like lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil to help combat odors. [1] X Research source
Dry your feet off really well after you shower. Make sure to get all of your feet, including the area between the toes. Wipe between your toes with rubbing alcohol after drying them. The rubbing alcohol helps dry out the skin between the toes. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Don’t use alcohol if you have open sores, cracked skin, or dry feet.
Socks don’t work well with pumps or ballet flats. Buy the small no-show socks designed to be hidden when worn with dress shoes. These socks can be purchased at major retailers.
Be wary of cotton socks. They absorb moisture, which could make your feet soggy, and therefore, smelly. [4] X Research source Try moisture-wick socks that pull moisture away from the skin, or feet-fresh athletic socks that contain ventilation. You can also purchase antibacterial socks that have ingredients that help prevent bacteria from growing. No matter if you wear synthetic or cotton socks, make sure they are breathable fabric. Turn your socks inside out when you wash them to clean the dead skin and moisture from the inside. [5] X Research source
You can also place antiperspirant on your feet before putting on your shoes the next morning. Just make sure not to only put it on in the morning, because if your feet start to sweat right away, it could remove the antiperspirant.
If you exercise daily, buy two pairs of shoes. One of the main causes of foot sweat is exercise. Athletic shoes are a common odor site. Alternate between pairs throughout the week, making sure to give each pair plenty of time to completely dry before exercising in them again.
Baking soda is believed to be effective in neutralizing odors. It neutralizes the pH of sweat and reduces bacteria. [8] X Research source It also helps absorb moisture. [9] X Research source You can put baking soda into your shoes between wears, and even brush it on your feet before putting on your socks. You can also brush your feet with cornstarch before wearing shoes to absorb and soak up moisture. You might also try rubbing antibacterial cream on your feet to reduce the amount of bacteria.
Get shoes made of leather, canvas, or mesh, which provide airflow for your feet. Wear open-toed shoes when possible. Open-toed heels, sandals, and flip-flops allow plenty of airflow to your feet, which keeps the sweating to a minimum.
Wash your socks regularly. Add baking soda or bleach to the cycle to help cut odor. Don’t dry sneakers in the dryer. Instead, place them on top of the dryer and let the heat from the dryer help dry them. You can also let them air dry. If you can’t wash your shoes, wash them out with hot water and baking soda.
Dry the shoes on top of the clothes dryer, with a hair dryer, or in the sunlight. Make sure to dry them as soon as possible so they don’t sour. If you know you have to be out and can’t wear waterproof shoes, think about purchasing plastic shoe covers. These shoe protectors can be purchased at major retailers.
Wash your feet with soap and rinse well afterwards to remove the vinegar smell. If vinegar is left on your skin, it could cause a chemical burn. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Steep 5 black tea bags in boiling water. When the tea has steeped, mix with 4 cups of cool to warm water - you want to make sure not to burn your feet. Soak your feet for 20 minutes daily. [15] X Research source An alternative is to use green tea, which is also thought to destroy the bacteria. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You can also use a lemon instead of a lime. You might consider mixing the lemon or lime with baking soda and soaking your feet instead. Both limes and lemons can cause skin irritation. If your skin is sensitive, you may want to try applying diluted lime or lemon water to your feet instead of the juice.
