Feet must be cared for and kept clean for the sake of body health. Feet can be exposed to a lot of dirt every day so extra attention is very important. The shoes you choose and the cleaning rituals you perform can help keep your feet clean. You should also take steps to prevent yeast and other infections. With a little time and care, your feet will always be clean.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Taking Care of Feet
Step 1. Wash your feet every day
Clean your feet daily with soap and water. Watering alone is not enough. Soap until foamy and rub with a washcloth. Make sure the entire foot is clean, not just the toes.
Avoid soaking your feet as this can strip your feet of the natural oils they need to stay hydrated and healthy
Step 2. Dry completely
Make sure your feet are completely dry after bathing. Don't overlook areas that are generally forgotten, such as between your fingers. Don't put on shoes or socks right away if your feet aren't completely dry. The remaining moisture is fertile ground for bacteria that can cause odors and potentially grow mold.
Step 3. Apply moisturizer
The moisturizing process can restore healthy oils to the feet. Buy foot cream, which is widely available both in supermarkets and online. Make sure you apply the cream all over your feet, including between your toes.
Step 4. Remove rough surfaces and residue
If you notice a rough or irritated skin that doesn't improve after moisturizing, use a pumice stone to scrub it off. Rub the rough area to remove dead skin. You can buy pumice at a convenience store or online.
Step 5. Avoid going barefoot
Don't walk barefoot unless you're indoors. Walking barefoot in unfamiliar areas, especially outdoors, can expose your feet to a lot of bacteria. Wear footwear when you are not at home.
Method 2 of 3: Avoiding Mold and Smell
Step 1. Change socks every day
Don't wear the same socks two days in a row. Socks absorb a lot of sweat and moisture, and they are ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria that grow fungus. Damp socks also tend to cause bad odors.
Step 2. Disinfect when washing socks
When washing socks, add disinfectant when rinsing. You can buy disinfectant in a regular store or from the internet. Instructions for use are usually on the packaging.
To wash stockings, soak them in a disinfectant solution before putting them in the washing machine
Step 3. Wear socks that absorb sweat
The less moisture on the feet, the better. Low humidity will reduce the risk of fungal infections. When buying socks, look for materials that absorb sweat to minimize moisture.
This is especially important for socks that are worn while exercising
Step 4. Use an antifungal spray or powder
To kill bacteria in your shoes, use a disinfectant spray or powder. These products are usually applied to the feet and inside shoes. This step helps kill bacteria and fungi, ensuring that your feet are clean and odor-free.
Step 5. Wear flip-flops in public baths
If you must use a public bathroom, such as at the gym, make sure you wear flip-flops. This will protect your feet from the bacteria that live on the bathroom floor.
Method 3 of 3: Developing Good Shoe Habits
Step 1. Choose shoes that lift your feet off the ground
Wear shoes that are rather high, especially sandals. Footwear that is slightly higher than the surface can protect your feet from dirt and germs on the road.
However, remember that uncomfortable footwear is also not good for overall foot health. If heels that are too high make you uncomfortable, choose other footwear
Step 2. Choose a breathable material
Shoes made of breathable material will absorb sweat. This option makes your feet cleaner and odorless. Since moisture can cause mold, this type of material can also prevent fungal infections.
Among the breathable materials are cork, leather and rubber
Step 3. Dry the shoes overnight
Shoes become wet when worn all day due to exposure to outside moisture and sweat from the feet. At night, place your shoes in a well-ventilated area to dry. This helps the shoes to be cleaner and smell fresher.
This is especially important if you intend to wear the same shoes two days in a row
Step 4. Change shoes regularly
Shoes that are worn every day will certainly smell. The smell also makes the feet smell bad. Allow the shoes to dry for a few days before wearing them again.
This is especially important for shoes that you wear to exercise, such as running or working out at the gym
Step 5. Throw away the old shoes
Shoes don't last forever and old shoes that are stored for a long time are definitely not hygienic. Shoes can grow bacteria that cause mold. If your shoes are old and damaged, throw them away. Shoes can be washed or sprayed with cleaning fluid and antifungal spray, but old shoes that have been damaged for years should be thrown away.
This is especially important if you have ever had a nail infection. Shoes that are worn during a fungal infection can re-infect the feet
Tips
- Before putting on your shoes, sprinkle some baking soda on them. Baking soda can absorb sweat and reduce odor.
- If all these methods fail, contact a doctor. Smelly feet may be caused by a more serious problem.
