Though easy enough to hide as long as you keep your shoes on, foot odor becomes all too apparent once you take them off. Embarrassing and frustrating, foot odor can dictate social scenarios for you, interfering with intimate situations. If stinky feet have become a problem lately, keeping your shoes on 24 hours a day is not a solution. This smelly problem can't be covered forever and needs to be addressed head on.
Step 1
Wash your feet daily to eliminate bacteria that causes odors. Use an antibacterial soap and be sure to rinse your feet well. If the odor is strong or you tend to sweat a lot, wash your feet twice daily. Dry your feet thoroughly with a dry towel before putting on socks.
Step 2
Spray antiperspirant onto your feet after you bathe and before you put on shoes each day to help prevent sweating. Since odors come from bacteria and sweat mixing, curbing the sweat can go a long way towards stopping the odors.
Step 3
Soak your feet for a half an hour each day in a tub of warm water with three to five tea bags. Strong black tea works best, according to the Fox Mill Foot and Ankle Center. Tannins found in tea can help to eliminate foot odor. Rinse your feet off well and remove any tea stains with soap and a clean cloth or sponge. Make this a daily routine or do this as often as needed to keep foot odor under control.
Step 4
Change out your socks daily, making sure to always wear a clean pair of synthetic socks to help absorb moisture. Wear a different pair of shoes each day to keep from wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. This allows time for the shoes to air out so lingering odors don't transfer back to your feet.
Step 5
Take advantage of opportunities to go barefoot. Remove your shoes and socks when you get home and allow your feet to get some fresh air. The less time your feet have to be cooped up in shoes, the less odor problems you will have.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your body hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. This will help to keep your body temperature cooler so you won't sweat as much.
- Foods with strong odors such as garlic and onions can worsen body odor and should be avoided.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Antiperspirant
- Tub
- Tea bags
- Synthetic socks
