Unclean feet can threaten health and cause dermatitis, fungal infections such as athlete's foot, foot odor, yellowish and ingrown toenails, or infections from cuts and scrapes. Even if your feet don't look completely dirty, it's highly recommended to wash them every day. Keeping feet clean and dry is an effective way to avoid the above health problems.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Washing Feet in a Container
Step 1. Fill a small container with warm water
Set the water temperature according to your comfort, be sure to check it first using your hands or wrists, not with your feet, because your feet don't really feel the sensation. Make sure to keep the water temperature warm but not hot. Add mild dish soap or body wash to the water. Stir the water until a layer of bubbles appears on top.
- Use a tube or container large enough to accommodate the legs with a little extra room.
- You can also use bar soap as an alternative to liquid soap.
- If you have diabetes or another similar condition, be sure to check the temperature of the water using your wrist and not the rest of your feet and forearms.
Step 2. Soak the feet in the water
You have to soak your feet in soapy water to clean them properly. Sit on a chair and slowly dip your feet into the container until they reach the bottom, and/or are completely submerged.
- If dirt builds up on your feet, soak them for at least 5 minutes.
- Wipe up any water splashed out of the container to prevent slipping injuries.
Step 3. Wash your feet
Washing it every day prevents odor and infection of the feet. Using a towel, bath towel, or sponge to remove dirt can leave your feet shiny and clean. If dirt has accumulated on your feet, you'll need to scrub a little harder and use more soap.
- Soak a towel, bathrobe, or sponge in the water and lift and knead until it feels damp, but not soaking wet.
- Rub each foot gently, paying extra attention to the arch, between the toes, and under the toenails.
- Rinse the towel between washings of each leg.
- If using a bar of soap, rub it into a lather first and apply it thoroughly to both feet.
- If you see the soaking water turns very dirty, throw it away and then take clean water to rinse off the soap.
Step 4. Dry the feet
Excess moisture on the feet and between the toes can support the growth of bacteria and fungi. To prevent infection, it is very important to keep your feet as dry as possible. Drying your feet after washing them can also prevent new dirt from building up on your feet.
- Pat your feet dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing them, especially if you have a medical condition like diabetes.
- Be sure to dry between your toes as these are common places for bacteria and fungus to grow.
Step 5. Discard the foot bath water
Dispose of dirty soapy water when your feet are clean. Soap is a non-toxic material so it can be disposed of through drains or outside the home.
- Throw the contents of the container down a drain or in an outdoor yard.
- To avoid injury, make sure the floor is dry when you finish soaking your feet.
Step 6. Trim the toenails
As you wash them, you may notice that your toenails have grown too long. Grooming them properly can prevent overgrowth of toenails and buildup of dirt underneath.
- Make sure to use nail clippers, not regular scissors.
- Trim the nails straight across until they are just above the toes. Cutting them too short can cause ingrown toenails to develop.
- File the pointed tip of the nail with a nail file.
Method 2 of 2: Washing Feet Under the Shower
Step 1. Turn on the shower and wash your feet
Add foot washing to your daily routine. Washing them every day prevents odor and infection of the feet. Adjust the water temperature to your liking and step into the shower.
- Wet a napkin/bath pad with water and knead until it feels damp, but not soaking wet.
- Use a bar of soap or pour liquid bath soap on a damp napkin/bath.
- Rub until foamy.
Step 2. Wash your feet
Use a towel, bath towel, or sponge to remove dirt from your feet. If dirt has accumulated, scrub it a little harder and use more soap.
- Gently rub your feet with a napkin/bathroom, focusing on the arches, between your toes, and the bottom of your toenails.
- Rinse a towel, bathrobe, or sponge between cleanings of each foot. Add soap if necessary.
- Remove any suds or soap residue by rinsing your feet thoroughly.
- Turn off the water and step outside the shower.
Step 3. Dry the feet
Excess moisture on the feet and between the toes can support the growth of bacteria and fungi. To prevent infection, it is important to keep your feet as dry as possible. Drying your feet after washing them can also prevent new dirt from building up on your feet.
- Remove the feet from the container and pat (don't rub) dry with a clean towel. This step is important, especially if you have a medical condition such as diabetes.
- Be sure to dry between your toes as these are common places for fungal and bacterial growth.
- If you have diabetes, apply a skin moisturizer to your feet to prevent callus and skin cracking, but avoid using it between your toes.
Step 4. Trim toenails
As you wash them, you may notice that your toenails have grown too long. Grooming them properly can prevent overgrowth of toenails and buildup of dirt underneath.
- Make sure to use nail clippers, not regular scissors.
- Trim the nails straight across until they are just above the toes. Cutting them too short can cause ingrown toenails to develop.
- File the pointed tip of the nail with a nail file.
Tips
- Let the air out of the shoes from day to day to prevent excess moisture that can lead to mold growth.
- Change socks every day to maintain good foot health.
- Consult a doctor if you suspect an ingrown toenail or a fungal/bacterial infection.
- Try using baby or foot powder to keep it dry and odor-free throughout the day.
