How to Clean Your Feet, Prevent Odors & Address Common Foot Issues

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Unclean feet can actually be a health risk resulting in dermatitis, fungal infections such as athlete's foot, foot odor, yellow or ingrown toenails, or infection of cuts and sores. Although your feet may not look particularly dirty, it is recommended that you wash your feet daily. In this article, we dive into different ways to wash your feet, explain how to care for your feet, address foot issues, and more, with the help of board-certified podiatrist Catherine Cheung, DPM and podiatrist Mark Co, DPM.

How to Properly Clean Your Feet

Soak your feet in a tub of warm, soapy water until they're tender, then use a washcloth to scrub the bottom of your feet, between your toes, and under your toenails. Rinse and thoroughly dry your feet when you're done to prevent bacteria and odors.

Section 1 of 6:

How to Clean Your Feet in a Tub

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  1. Adjust the temperature to your zone of comfort, making sure to check the temperature with your hand or wrist and not your feet, as your feet can have less sensation. Be sure to keep the temperature warm, but not hot. Add mild dish soap or body wash into the water. Swirl the water until you see a layer of bubbles appear on the top. [1]
    • Use a tub that is large enough to accommodate your feet with a little extra room. A bathtub will work if you don’t have a smaller tub to use.
    • You can also use a bar of soap as an alternative to liquid soap.
    • If you have diabetes or another similar health condition, make sure you check the temperature of the water using your wrist and not any part of your lower extremities. [2]
  2. In order to properly clean your feet, you must soak them in the soapy water. Sit down in a chair and gently place your feet into the tub until they reach the bottom and/or are completely underneath the water. [3]
    • If you have built-up dirt on your feet, let them soak for at least 5 minutes.
    • Let your feet soak until they’re tender.
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  3. Washing your feet daily prevents foot odor and infection. Using a wash cloth, loofah, or sponge to scrub the dirt away will leave your feet sparkly clean. Grab some liquid soap or bar soap. Then, gently scrub each foot, focusing your attention on the arch of your foot, in between toes, and under toenails. [4] If you have built-up dirt, you will need to scrub a little harder and use more soap.
    • If you notice the water is very dirty, discard it and use fresh water to rinse off the soap.
    • Gently rub a pumice stone over the bottom of your feet to remove dead skin and leave your feet feeling smooth. [5]
  4. Excess moisture on your feet and between your toes can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi. [6] To prevent infection, it is important to keep your feet as dry as possible. Drying after washing will also prevent the build-up of new dirt on your feet.
    • Pat your feet dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing, especially if you have a medical condition such as diabetes. [7]
    • Be sure to dry between your toes because that is a common place for fungal and bacterial growth. [8]
  5. While washing your feet, you might have noticed your toenails were getting too long. Properly trimmed nails prevent overgrown toenails and the buildup of dirt underneath the nail.
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Section 2 of 6:

How to Wash Your Feet in the Shower

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  1. Add washing your feet to your daily routine. Daily washing prevents foot odor and infection. [11] Adjust the water temperature to your comfort and step into the shower.
    • Get your washcloth/loofah wet in the water and wring it out so it’s moist, but not soaked.
    • Use a bar of soap or pour some body wash onto the moistened washcloth/loofah.
    • Rub together until bubbles start to form.
  2. Use a towel, loofah, or sponge to scrub the dirt away. If you have built-up dirt, you will need to scrub a little harder and use more soap.
    • With your washcloth/loofah, gently scrub each foot, focusing your attention on the arch of your foot, in between toes, and under toenails. [12]
    • Remove any soapy bubbles or residue by thoroughly rinsing your feet.
    • Turn the water off and step out of the shower.
  3. Excess moisture on your feet and between your toes can promote growth of bacteria and fungi. [13] To prevent infection, it is important to keep your feet as dry as possible. Drying after washing will also prevent the build-up of new dirt on your feet.
    • Remove your feet from the tub and pat dry (don't rub) them with a clean towel. This is especially important if you have a medical condition like diabetes. [14]
    • Be sure to dry between your toes because that is a common place for fungal and bacterial growth. [15]
    • If you are diabetic, apply skin moisturizer to your feet to prevent calluses and cracks, but avoid applying between the toes. [16]
  4. When you notice your toenails are getting too long, grab a pair of toenail clippers and trim them down. Properly trimmed nails prevent overgrown toenails and the build-up of dirt underneath the nail.
    • Use toenail clippers instead of scissors.
    • Trim the nail straight across to avoid growing ingrown toenails. Use an emery board to file down pointed edges. [17]
    • Cheung says that people tend to get too aggressive with nail-cutting tools, which can cause ingrown toenails or skin cuts when they cut too far back. [18]
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Section 3 of 6:

How to Get Rid of Calluses and Corns

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  1. 1
    Start by washing your feet. Wash your feet in a shower or bath using soap and warm water. Let your feet soak for 5-10 minutes to soften up the corns or calluses and make them easier to remove. [19] Make sure to scrub away any dirt or grime so you have a clear view of the calluses or corns you’re removing.
  2. 2
    Grab a pumice stone and gently scrub at the corns and calluses. With your feet still wet (or the pumice stone wet), gently scrub your corns and calluses using a pumice stone until they’re gone. [20] This should take about 2-3 minutes.Make sure to check as you’re scrubbing at the thick skin to see how much you’ve thinned it. Don’t scrub too hard, or else you may risk damaging the skin underneath your foot.
    • According to Co, pumice stones help prevent calluses from building up on your feet’s pressure points. However, if you have a callus or corn that’s deeply seated in one area, it’s best to head to a podiatrist to get it cut out, he cautions. [21]
    • Be careful not to take off too much skin, or else you may risk bleeding and infection. [22]
  3. 3
    Moisturize the area(s) where the corns or calluses were. After removing the corns or calluses, use a moisturizing lotion or cream with salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea. These ingredients will soften the area. Try almond oil or a moisturizer made for feet , like Healthy Feet , and apply daily. [23]
    • Avoid using over-the-counter products that contain acid, as they may cause further damage to your feet if used incorrectly.
  4. 4
    Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes and socks. Shoes and socks that fit your feet well and let them breathe will help keep your corns and calluses at bay. By wearing well-fitting footwear, you’re preventing any unnecessary friction or pressure, which is what causes corns and calluses to develop. [24]
    • It’s best to wear comfortable, well-fitting footwear at all times, but at the very least, wear them until the corn or callus disappears.
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Section 4 of 6:

How to Care for Your Feet

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  1. 1
    Regularly wash your feet. The best way to prevent odor and infection is by regularly washing your feet. When you shower or bathe, use a washcloth, soap, and water and scrub at your feet, making sure to get in between the toes, underneath your toenails, and the soles. [25]
  2. 2
    Wear well-fitting footwear. Wearing footwear that lets your feet move around prevents tightness and pressure on your foot, which is responsible for the development of corns and calluses. [26] Wearing tight shoes and socks with non-breathable materials can also leaves your feet more susceptible to fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
  3. 3
    Let your feet breathe. Cheung says when you get home for the day to wear sandals and let your feet breathe. She also suggests changing socks midday during lunch, getting breathable shoes, and avoiding wearing the same shoes every day to let the shoe air out and avoid contaminants or fungal infections. [27]
  4. 4
    Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. According to Co, when you cut into the corner of your nail or try to round it off, you may leave a sharp edge that develops into an ingrown toenail in 2-3 weeks. [29] So, trim your toenails straight across and file down any sharp edges to prevent any ingrown toenails.
    • If you have a painful ingrown toenail, Co says to soak your feet in a mixture of 2 US quarts (1,900 mL) of warm water and 3 tbsp (44 g) of Epsom salt for about 15 minutes to relieve pain as it grows out. If that doesn’t work, see a Podiatrist. [30]
  5. 5
    Keep your feet dry and wear moisture-wicking socks to prevent fungal infections. Fungal infections thrive in dry, moist areas, like in-between your toes, so make sure to keep your feet dry and wear moisture-wicking socks to pick up any residual moisture. Regularly change your socks and shoes, and avoid applying moisturizer in-between your toes to prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot. [31]
    • If you have toe fungus, Co says to see a Podiatrist when it starts to hurt or get very discolored. Do it sooner rather than later, because “the longer that you let it go, the harder it’s going to be to treat,” Co cautions. [32]
    • Symptoms of athlete’s foot include inflamed skin that appears reddish, purplish, or grayish, burning or stinging, and scaly, peeling, or cracked skin between the toes.
  6. 6
    Wear the appropriate shoes and regularly swap out worn shoes if you’re an athlete. As an athlete, your feet tend to be more active and take on more taxing tasks throughout the day. So, wear the appropriate shoes for the sport you’re playing and regularly swap out shoes that are worn. That way, you’ll reduce the risk of injury. It’s also important to let your feet air out, since they’ll be sweating more than the average person, so wear sandals when you’re able and change socks at least once a day. [33]
    • Wear waterproof sandals or shoes when you’re around pools, showers, and locker rooms.
    • Don’t share shoes, either, as you can risk spreading a fungal infection.
  7. 7
    Regularly check your feet for injury and wear supportive shoes if you’re a senior. As you age, changes to your muscles and bone density can lead to changes in how your feet support you. In some cases, you may even develop neuropathy (the loss of feeling in your feet). So, regularly check your feet for signs of injury, like cuts, blisters, or sores, and wear strong, well-fitting, supportive footwear that doesn’t rub on your heel as you walk. [34]
    • Trim your toenails, too!
  8. 8
    Elevate your feet and wear comfortable, supportive shoes if you’re pregnant. When you’re pregnant, you can run into issues like foot and ankle swelling. While gradual swelling is natural, it can still be uncomfortable. So, avoid standing for long periods, wear comfortable shoes and socks that don’t have tight straps, take regular walks during the day, and rest with your feet up as much as you can in between those walks. [35]
    • Bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times to exercise it. Alternatively, rotate your feet in a circle 8 times one way and 8 times the other way.
  9. 9
    Regularly check your feet for injuries and keep the blood flowing if you’re diabetic. Diabetes can cause you not to feel any injuries to your feet, so it’s important to check daily for cuts, redness, or any other changes in your skin or toenails, especially in spots that regularly rub against other surfaces. Put your feet up, wiggle your toes, and avoid wearing tight footwear to keep the blood flowing, too. [36]
    • Regularly ask your doctor to check your feet whenever you have visits. This is a great way to keep track of your foot health and spot any changes before they become issues.
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Section 5 of 6:

How to Address Foot Issues

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  1. 1
    Foul Odor To prevent smelly feet, soak your feet in a bath or large bowl of Epsom salt and warm water for 10-20 minutes. Dry them well afterwards, keep your toenails trimmed and clean to prevent dirt, bacteria, and fungi build up, and exfoliate with a scrub or pumice stone at least once a week. Disinfect your shoes with a kitchen spray containing ethanol or sanitizer, then let the insole dry for 24 hours. [37]
  2. 2
    Discoloration Discoloration can be caused by a host of things, like ill-fitting shoes or acute pressure on your feet. It can be a sign of underlying issues, too. Try over-the-counter remedies like hydroquinone or salicylic acid and apply them daily. [38] If those don’t help with the discoloration, book an appointment with a Podiatrist to determine the issue and how to treat it.
  3. 3
    Swelling If you’re experiencing swelling in your feet, elevate them above your heart while you lay down, regularly exercise your legs to get the blood pumping, and follow a low-salt diet to reduce swelling and fluid build-up. If you have a history of heart disease or kidney disease and the swelling gets worse, or if the swollen foot is red or warm to the touch, contact a medical professional immediately. [39]
  4. 4
    Persistent Pain When your foot is constantly in pain, it’s best to reach out to a medical professional to determine the cause of the issue. It could be an underlying disease, or it could be another issue that’s often missed. Whatever the case, get in touch with a medical professional immediately. [40]
  5. 5
    Numbness Numbness or tingling can be a sign of nerve damage. [41] If the issue persists, immediately book an appointment with a Podiatrist to avoid any further damage and determine the best course of action.
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Section 6 of 6:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    When should I visit a podiatrist? Visit a podiatrist when you’re experiencing pain, discoloration or redness, swelling, a feeling of heat or warmth on your feet, or new growths or bumps on or under the skin of your feet. Although most of the common issues that affect your feet aren’t threatening, it’s best to see a podiatrist before trying at-home remedies to avoid making the issue more serious. [42]
    • Visit a podiatrist at least once a year for routine foot exams. It’s a great way to catch underlying issues before they develop.
  2. 2
    What’s the best way to keep my feet dry? Wear moisture-absorbing socks and change them at least once a day. Use antifungal powders or sprays to tackle moisture and prevent athlete’s foot. After you shower, thoroughly dry your feet with a towel, making sure to get the bottoms of your feet and in between the toes.
  3. 3
    What is the best foot soak for fungus? The best foot soak for fungus is a mixture of Epsom salts and warm bath water, or straight vinegar. Soak your feet in one of these solutions for 5-7 minutes daily, wiggling your toes to circulate the water. [43] Do this daily to tackle foot fungus.
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      Warnings

      • If you have a medical condition like diabetes, neuropathy, or another nerve issue, talk to your doctor about the best way to care for your feet. [44]
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      • Do not use sharp objects to clean under your nails. If you're having trouble seeing your nails or cutting them properly, ask a medical professional to do it for you. [45]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/caring-your-feet-and-toenails
      2. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/feet-stink.html
      3. ↑ https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/caring-your-feet-and-toenails
      4. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/foothealth.html
      5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/blisters.html
      6. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4276-skin-fungus
      7. ↑ https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/diabetic-foot-care-guidelines
      8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11303-toenail-fungus
      9. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-can-prevent-and-treat-painful-ingrown-toenails/
      1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/how-to-trim-nails
      2. ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/our-stories/how-often-should-you-bathe
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/VfhMWKIvWMk?si=SkvDKkRT3l324cV3&t=36
      4. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/foot-hygiene.html
      5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/foot-hygiene.html
      6. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticfoot.html
      7. ↑ https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/diabetic-foot-care-guidelines
      8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-can-prevent-and-treat-painful-ingrown-toenails
      9. ↑ Catherine Cheung, DPM. Board Certified Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
      10. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355951
      11. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355951
      12. ↑ Mark Co, DPM. Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
      13. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-corns-calluses
      14. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-corns-calluses
      15. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355951
      16. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/smelly-feet/
      17. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16896-corns-and-calluses
      18. ↑ Catherine Cheung, DPM. Board Certified Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
      19. ↑ Catherine Cheung, DPM. Board Certified Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
      20. ↑ Mark Co, DPM. Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
      21. ↑ Mark Co, DPM. Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
      22. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/symptoms-causes/syc-20353841
      23. ↑ Mark Co, DPM. Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
      24. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353847
      25. ↑ https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/stories/wellness/foot-care-for-seniors-10-important-tips
      26. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/swollen-ankles-feet-and-fingers/
      27. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticfoot.html
      28. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-smelly-feet
      29. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/weird-wart-home-remedies-and-what-works
      30. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003104.htm
      31. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/foot-pain
      32. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/
      33. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/podiatrist
      34. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/foot-soak-types-benefits
      35. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-peripheral-neuropathy
      36. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/your-nails.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To properly clean your feet, fill a tub with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap or body wash. Then, completely submerge your feet in the soapy water and allow them to soak for about 5 minutes. Once they’ve soaked, use a towel or loofah in the to gently scrub your feet one at a time, paying special attention to the arch of your feet and your toes to prevent foot odor and possible infection. Finally, pat your feet dry with a clean towel, and be sure to dry in between toes to prevent fungal growth. For more tips on cleaning your feet from our Medical reviewer, like the right way to trim your toenails, read on!

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