If you deal with sweaty, stinky feet, you’re not alone! Foot odor is a super common problem, especially if you live in a hot or humid environment. Fortunately, there are a few different things you can do to address bad foot odor.

Here are 10 ways to eliminate foot odor for good.

1

Wash your feet once a day.

  1. The bacteria on your feet build up over time. Try to hop in the shower or the tub and give your feet a wash with antibacterial soap every day. Use a washcloth or a loofah to scrub all over, and don’t forget to get in between your toes! Rinse your feet well with warm water, then dry them off completely with a clean towel.[1]
    • Make sure you wash your washcloth or loofah often to avoid a bacteria buildup.
    • Drying your feet off well is super important. Moisture breeds bacteria which can lead to more of an odor.
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2

File off dry skin.

  1. Dead, dry skin collects moisture that can harvest bacteria. If you notice any hard areas of dead skin on your feet, use a foot file to gently file them down until they’re gone. Go gently at first and use caution on the other parts of your feet, as foot files can cause irritation.[2]
    • You can buy a foot file from your local drugstore or home goods store.
    • If you have trouble filing down your feet, try doing it right after you get out of the shower. The skin will be a little softer, so it should be easier to remove.

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    I have really bad foot odor and everyone complains about it. Even when I just sit all day my feet smell like I have been running all day! I can't even wear sandals. What do I do?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    If you've tried all of the remedies listed above but still have foot odor, then you may need to talk to a healthcare professional. They can help determine what is causing your foot odor. This is especially important if the foot odor is affecting your quality of life.
  • Question
    Why doesn't scrubbing my feet in the shower with soap and water do much?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Although you may be washing the bacteria off of your feet in the shower, your shoes could still be harboring bacteria that cause odor. When you put your shoes on and get sweaty, the conditions breed more bacteria. This causes your foot odor to return. Additionally, you may need to try an antibacterial soap.
  • Question
    What kind of deodorant can I use to prevent bad foot odor?
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer
    I recommend that you purchase Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X odor fighting spray powder.
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About This Article

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Medically reviewed by:
Registered Nurse
This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013. This article has been viewed 3,554,828 times.
6 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 127
Updated: February 25, 2023
Views: 3,554,828
Article SummaryX

An easy way to get rid of foot odor is to exfoliate your feet with a washcloth and antibacterial soap every time you shower. When you're finished, dry your feet completely and, if you have no cracked skin, rub hand sanitizer on them to kill any leftover germs and bacteria. Wear open-toed shoes if you can. If your shoes are smelly, sprinkle baking soda into them to help absorb moisture and odor throughout the day. If you're a diabetic or have poor circulation, you should speak to your healthcare provider before trying these remedies. For more ways you can get rid of foot odor, like using wooden insoles or talc-free powder, keep reading!

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