Dirty feet can be dangerous to health and cause dermatitis, fungal infections such as athlete's foot, bad odor, ingrown or yellowing toenails, or even infection of cuts and injuries. Even if they don't look particularly dirty, it is recommended to wash them every day; keeping them clean and dry is an effective way to prevent these health problems.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Wash Your Feet in a Tub
Step 1. Fill a small tub with warm water
Adjust the temperature to your perception of heat, making sure it is hot but not hot. Add some mild dish soap or body wash and swirl the water until a layer of bubbles forms on the surface.
- Use a container large enough to comfortably accommodate your feet and allow for some extra space.
- As an alternative to liquid soap, you can use a bar of soap.
Step 2. Dip your feet in the water
To be able to wash them properly, you need to soak them in soapy water. Sit on a chair and gently insert your feet into the tub until they reach the bottom and / or are completely submerged in the water.
- If dirt has built up, let them soak for at least 5 minutes.
- Wipe off any splashes of water that come out of the tub to avoid slipping and injuring yourself.
Step 3. Wash your feet
Cleaning them every day prevents the formation of bad odors and infections. Use a towel, loofah, or any other sponge to scrub them, remove dirt, and return your feet to their original state. If the dirt is particularly stubborn, you will need to scrub it a little harder and use more soap.
- Dip the towel or sponge into the water and wring it out to keep it moist, but don't get it soaked.
- Gently scrub each foot, paying attention to the sole, the area between the toes and under the nails.
- Rinse the cloth after washing the first foot, before moving on to the other.
- If you are using a bar of soap, make sure foam is forming and distribute it evenly on both feet.
- If the water gets very dirty, throw it away and take fresh water to rinse off any soap.
Step 4. Dry your feet
Excess moisture on the feet and between the toes can promote bacterial and fungal growth. To avoid infections it is important to dry them as well as possible; in this way you also prevent the accumulation of new dirt.
- Remove your feet from the tub and dry them with a clean towel.
- Pay particular attention to the area between the toes, as this is where bacterial or fungal colonies can grow most easily.
Step 5. Eliminate the water
Once both feet have been washed, discard the soapy, dirty water; it is not toxic or dangerous and can be disposed of safely by pouring it down the drain or throwing it outside.
- Run the contents of the tub down the drain or throw it in the yard.
- To avoid harming yourself, make sure the floor is dry when you finish cleaning.
Step 6. Trim your nails
During the treatment you may notice that they are too long; by shortening them appropriately, you can prevent them from growing excessively and retaining dirt.
- Make sure you are using the nail clipper and not the scissors.
- Cut them straight just beyond the fingers; if you overdo it, you can induce the formation of ingrown toenails.
- Adjust any sharp edges using a file.
Method 2 of 2: Wash Your Feet in the Shower
Step 1. Turn on the shower water and soap yourself
Integrate foot cleaning into your daily hygiene routine; washing them daily prevents the formation of unpleasant odors and infections. Adjust the water temperature to feel comfortable and step into the shower.
- Wet a washcloth / loofah and wring it out until it gets moist, but not soggy.
- Use a bar of soap or pour body cleanser onto the damp cloth or sponge.
- Rub the soap on the towel until bubbles start to form.
Step 2. Wash your feet
Use a cloth or sponge to scrub them and remove the dirt; if this has built up, you will need to scrub a little harder and use more detergent.
- Using the cloth / sponge, gently scrub each foot focusing your attention on the soles, between the toes and under the nails.
- Rinse the towel or sponge before using it for the other foot and add more soap as needed.
- Eliminate all traces of detergent or any residue by rinsing your feet thoroughly.
- Turn off the tap and get out of the shower.
Step 3. Dry the skin
If the feet and the area between the toes remain too wet, bacterial or fungal colonies can form. To avoid infections, it is essential that the feet stay dry as much as possible; this way, you can also prevent more dirt from accumulating.
- Remove your feet from the wet area of the shower and dry them with a clean towel.
- Make sure they are dry between your fingers, as this is the area where bacterial or fungal overgrowth is most common.
Step 4. Trim your nails
When you wash your feet, you may notice that they are too long; cutting them correctly prevents them from growing excessively and dirt can accumulate under them.
- Use the clippers and not the scissors.
- Cut them straight so that they just go past the edge of your fingers; if you overdo it and cut them excessively, you can cause ingrown toenails to grow.
- Use a file to smooth out any sharp edges.
Advice
- Change your socks every day to ensure foot health.
- Leave your shoes in the open air overnight, to avoid the excessive humidity responsible for the formation of fungi.
- You can use baby powder or other powdered foot products to keep them dry and odor-free throughout the day.
- See your doctor if you think you have an ingrown toenail or are concerned that you have developed any bacterial / fungal infections.
