Smelly feet (clinical term: bromhidrosis) are an embarrassing and annoying problem for both you and the people around you. Bad smell is caused by sweat and shoes. Since the hands and feet have many more sweat glands than other areas of the body, controlling sweat is not that simple but not impossible!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preventing Bad Smell
Step 1. Wash your feet every day
Use warm, soapy water to remove dirt, sweat, and odor-causing bacteria. Make sure you wash them thoroughly every time you take a bath or shower (many forget to wash them, or wash them quickly).
- Thoroughly clean the cracks between the toes and the base of the nails (bacteria tend to accumulate more in these areas).
- If the odor persists, try washing them several times a day: in the morning, in the evening, after exercising or if you sweat a lot.
Step 2. Exfoliate your feet
Eliminating dead skin helps reduce bad odors. Use an exfoliating scrub, a pumice stone, or go for a pedicure to the beautician.
- Always clean your toenails and keep them short to reduce bacteria.
- Moisturizes your feet to keep them soft and healthy. Try lavender or mint moisturizing lotions to combat bad odors.
Step 3. Keep your feet dry
Bad odor is caused by bacteria, which thrive and reproduce in damp areas, such as socks and shoes.
- Dry your feet thoroughly after a shower, including the cracks between the toes.
- Rub the cracks between the toes with alcohol after drying them - alcohol helps dry the skin.
Step 4. Put on the socks
Whenever possible, wear socks (e.g. with boots and sneakers). Socks absorb moisture and therefore sweat that would otherwise end up in shoes or between the toes.
Unfortunately, the socks do not go well with ballet flats or low-cut shoes; wear invisible socks - foot protector
Step 5. Put on the right socks
Always wear clean socks and don't wear the same pair two days in a row. Also prefer synthetic materials.
- Pay attention to cotton socks that absorb moisture but leave the foot wet and therefore smelly.
- Try sweat-absorbing socks, or breathable socks for athletes; you can also try some anti-bacterial socks which prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Make sure you always wear socks made of breathable fabrics, whether they are cotton or synthetic materials.
- Turn the socks over before putting them in the washing machine to remove dead skin and moisture from the inside.
Step 6. Use antiperspirant on your feet
Antiperspirants contain chemicals that help reduce sweat; classic deodorants, on the other hand, only cover bad smells. Put the antiperspirant on your feet before going to sleep to facilitate the absorption of the product by the skin and for a better effect the following day. Don't forget to put the product between your toes too.
If you want, put the antiperspirant on even before putting on your shoes in the morning
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Bad Smell in Shoes
Step 1. Don't wear the same shoes two days in a row
By alternating shoes, they will dry better and therefore humidity is reduced - where the bacteria that cause bad odors reside.
If you exercise every day, buy two pairs of sneakers. Exercise is the main cause of foot sweat; alternate shoes making sure they are completely dry before wearing them again
Step 2. Put anti-odor substances in your shoes
Put baking soda or talcum powder in your shoes when you're not wearing them.
- Sodium bicarbonate is effective in neutralizing odors as it neutralizes the pH of sweat and reduces bacteria; in addition, it absorbs sweat. Put the baking soda in your shoes and, if you want, apply a little even directly on your feet before putting on your socks.
- Brush your feet with cornstarch before putting on your shoes to absorb moisture.
- Also try applying anti-bacterial cream to your feet to reduce the number of bacteria.
Step 3. Try an anti-bacterial or disinfectant deodorant spray
Spray it directly on your shoes and also try washing the insoles with alcohol.
Step 4. Stand barefoot
When at home, let your feet breathe. Do not put on socks or shoes unless necessary. If you are cold, wear thick and soft clean socks that absorb moisture.
Step 5. Put on the right footwear
One of the main causes of foot sweat is the fact that shoes don't let it breathe. Choose breathable shoes and steer clear of plastic or rubber footwear.
- Buy leather, canvas, or mesh shoes.
- Wear open shoes whenever possible; for example, sandals and flip flops keep the foot cool and thus reduce sweat.
Step 6. Wash your shoes regularly
If washable, put your shoes in the washing machine every week or two. Add baking soda to the cleanser to help eliminate odors more.
- Wash your socks regularly with the addition of baking soda.
- Do not dry sneakers in the dryer; if you want to place them on top while it is on so that the heat from the machine makes them dry faster, or wait for them to dry on their own.
- If you can't put your shoes in the washing machine, wash them by hand in hot water and baking soda.
Step 7. Try not to get your shoes wet
When it rains or snows, wear suitable waterproof shoes. If water gets inside, dry them carefully before putting them on.
- Dry your shoes as soon as possible by placing them on the dryer, with a hairdryer or in sunlight.
- If you have to be outdoors and you can't wear waterproof shoes, buy plastic shoe covers.
Part 3 of 3: Treating Smelly Feet with Home Remedies
Step 1. Put hand sanitizer on your feet after washing them
After cleaning your feet with soap and water, put on some disinfectant to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Step 2. Dip your feet in Epsom salt
Epsom salt helps neutralize odors and bacteria. Dissolve about 120 g of salt in 2 liters of hot water. Soak your feet for about 30 minutes a day; do not rinse off the salt after bathing, but carefully dry the skin. This wash is recommended before going to sleep without putting on socks.
Step 3. Wash your feet with vinegar
Vinegar is an acid that creates a hostile environment for bacteria. Mix 120 ml of white wine vinegar in one and a half liters of hot water. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse your feet with soap at the end to eliminate the vinegar smell
Step 4. Make a black tea bath
Many argue that black tea helps eliminate odors as the tannic acid contained in it creates a hostile environment for bacteria.
- Put five black tea bags in boiling water; wait a few minutes, then add a liter of fresh water. Soak your feet for 20 minutes a day.
- Instead of black tea, you can use green tea.
Step 5. Rub your feet with the lime
Cut a lime in half and rub it on your feet before going to sleep. Wait until the skin is completely dry. The acid contained in the lime helps prevent the formation of bacteria.
If you want, use a lemon instead of lime; and if you want, try mixing the lime or lemon with water and some baking soda, then dip your feet
Step 6. Try hydrogen peroxide
Rub your feet with a towel dipped in the mixture (to do this, mix a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with 240ml of water). This method helps eliminate some bacteria.
