11 Secrets to Get Rid of Smelly Feet

Hyperhidrosis, yeast infections, and stress provoke increased sweating, which is very beneficial for bacteria that cause bad smells.

FunnyModo gathered several pieces of advice on how to get rid of smelly feet once and for all.

Remove the breeding grounds for bacteria

Most bacteria that cause bad smells breed under the nails and in toughened skin areas. Don’t forget to cleanse your soles with pumice when washing your feet. Look after your nails, and cut them short.

Wipe between your toes after washing

Podologists recommend not just wiping your feet after showering but patting with a towel between your toes so as not to let the remaining moisture become the cause of a fungal infection.

Brew some tea for your feet

The tannins contained in tea leaves eradicate bacteria and reduce sweating. You can make such baths every day.

Brew 3 tsp tea in 1 L hot water.
Add 2 L cold water.
Put your feet in for 15-30 minutes.

Apple cider vinegar

An apple cider vinegar poultice will also help dispose of foot odor:

Mix 0.5 L vinegar with 200 ml warm water.
Soak a piece of gauze in this solution, and apply to your feet for 20 minutes.
Let the skin dry naturally.

Use aromatherapy oils

Lavender oil will be perfect. Apart from concealing the odor, it also has a bactericidal effect:

Massage your feet with 4 drops of oil.

Or make a foot bath:

2 drops of oil + 3-4 L of water. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes in the solution.

Wash your socks inside out

This way they will be more thoroughly cleaned of skin cells and bacteria. The socks should not be synthetic.

At home, walk barefoot or take off the socks you wear outside

When you walk, your socks gather bacteria from the floor, which, getting into a moist environment, start breeding.

Use your antiperspirant on your feet too

Antiperspirants contain chemicals that help reduce sweating. Apply them in the evening, after a shower, to dry skin.

Consult a doctor

If your feet not only smell bad but also start itching and peeling, go to the doctor. These may be symptoms of ringworm, an infection, or mycosis (a disease caused by parasitic fungi).

Disinfect your footwear

Thoroughly wash the outside.
Soak the insoles and shoelaces in a chlorhexidine (antiseptic) solution.
Wipe the inside of the shoes with a cotton swab soaked in chlorhexidine.

Keep your shoes dry

It’s better to have two pairs of shoes for each season to wear them in turns. If you don’t have a second pair and your shoes are wet, a good old method will help: put some crumpled newspapers inside, and they will absorb the moisture overnight. Or you can use an electric dryer.

Preview photo credit depositphotos