Tips to Keep our Feet and Shoes Smelling Fresh

Simple but thorough washing is often the most effective way to get rid of smelly shoes and feet. Smelly feet can often be remedied easily with a thorough cleansing and exfoliation along with a nail trim. Since odors can linger under dirty nails and on dead skin, regular pedicures can be beneficial for getting rid of smelly feet.  Follow these steps:

·       Use warm water and a gentle skin cleanser to wash your feet thoroughly. Pay extra attention to the areas between your toes. 
·       Use a pumice stone or foot file to exfoliate thick, dead skin, which can trap bacteria-causing odors. You can also consider using an exfoliating foot mask. Dr. Scholl’s® Ultra Exfoliating Foot Mask offers a pampering, luxurious foot exfoliation in the form of pre-treated booties. The alpha hydroxy blend eliminates rough dead skin that can contribute to smelly feet.
·       Carefully trim and clean your nails as needed. Use a nailbrush or an orange stick to carefully remove dirt and debris that can collect under the nails.
·       Dry your feet completely after washing. Be sure skin is fully dry before putting on socks and shoes.

Washing your shoes regularly can be very helpful for getting rid of smelly shoes. Not all shoes are washable but many styles, including athletic footwear, can be washed in a standard washing machine or washed by hand. Check with your shoe brand for laundering instructions.

If your shoes are safe to throw in the washing machine:

·       Remove loose dirt and debris with a damp cloth prior to machine washing.
·       Choose the cold water setting and delicate cycle to avoid damaging and shrinking the shoes, and use a mild detergent that doesn’t contain bleach. 
·       If you wear insoles, be sure to remove them before washing. Insoles are often washable as well. You might consider placing the shoes and insoles in a laundry bag to keep everything in place.
·       Set clean shoes and insoles out to dry. Shoes and inserts should never go in a laundry dryer.

If your shoes require hand washing:

·       Use either a mild liquid laundry detergent or a liquid dish detergent along with warm water. 
·       Remove insoles and thoroughly clean both the shoes and the insoles. You can use a scrub brush to remove debris and loose dirt and grime. 
·       Rinse both the insoles and shoes thoroughly, shake to remove excess water and set out to air dry. 

Wait until your shoes and insoles are completely dry before wearing them. Wearing wet shoes and insoles will only increase the risk of odors.

Fungal infections can also cause smelly feet. If you have athlete’s foot, treating the infection can help get rid of smelly feet. Dr. Scholl’s® Instant Cool Athlete’s Foot Treatment Spray contains a clinically proven effective anti-fungal medication. The spray formula is easy to use.

You can avoid smelly feet and shoes with easy lifestyle changes and at-home solutions, including:

·       Rotate your footwear — Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Give your shoes a chance to air out for a day before wearing them again.
·       Choose open shoe styles — Wear open toe shoes and sandals when you can. These type of shoes allow the feet to breathe. Avoid tight shoes that don’t ventilate as they can trap moisture and odors.
·       Practice good foot hygiene — Wash your feet thoroughly every day, scrubbing off dead skin. Keep your tails trim and clean. Dry your feet thoroughly after washing.
·       Wear anti-odor insoles — Consider wearing anti-odor insoles with your shoes. Dr. Scholl’s^® Odor-X^® Odor-Fighting Insoles fight foot odor all day with a combination of activated charcoal and baking soda. They also absorb odor-causing sweat.
·       Use odor-fighting powder — Using a deodorant powder on clean feet can help reduce the risk of odors throughout the day. Dr. Scholl’s^® Odor-X^® Ultra Odor-Fighting Spray Powder fights foot odor directly at the source. The convenient spray can be used on both feet and shoes.
·       Wear moisture-wicking socks — Pair closed toe shoes with moisture-wicking socks in order to reduce sweat, which can contribute to smelly feet and shoes.

Washing and exfoliating your feet thoroughly is usually an effective way to get rid of smelly feet from shoes. Follow these steps:

·       Use a gentle cleanser along with a scrub brush designed for feet and nails to remove sweat, dirt and debris that can contribute to foot odor. 
·       Examine your nails for signs of dirt and debris. A nailbrush can help scrub away grime that can form underneath the nails. You can also use a cuticle stick to remove debris. Trim your toenails if needed. 
·       Exfoliate thick, dead skin that can hold odors and cause smelly feet. Soak your feet for several minutes to soften the skin before you exfoliate. You can then use a pumice stone, a nail file or an exfoliating scrub.

Washing shoes thoroughly is an effective way to remove smelly feet smell from shoes. While many leather shoes aren’t washable, most athletic shoes can be laundered either by hand or in the washing machine. Be sure to check with your shoe brand for cleaning instructions.

You can also use a deodorant spray powder to get smelly feet smell out of shoes shoes. Dr. Scholl’s^® Odor-X^® Ultra Odor-Fighting Spray Powder helps absorb sweat and eliminates odors. Spray the product generously inside of your shoes.

There is no true cure for smelly feet and shoes. However, you can diminish unpleasant odors by washing and scrubbing your feet daily in addition to regularly cleaning your shoes. Deodorant insoles, sprays and powders designed for shoes and feet can also help reduce odors.

Because fungal infections of the foot are often the source of smelly feet, promptly treat athlete’s foot as soon as you confirm an infection. Over-the-counter anti-fungal products can be very effective when used as directed. Dr. Scholl’s® Instant Cool Athlete’s Foot Treatment Wipes contain a clinically proven effective anti-fungal ingredient to fight athlete’s foot. The convenient wipes are easy to use.

You may not be able to prevent smelly feet and shoes entirely. However, you can take steps to reduce the chances of odors forming on the feet and shoes with the following tips:

·       Consider using odor-fighting insoles to stop smelly feet and shoes in their tracks. Dr. Scholl’s^® Odor-X^® Odor-Fighting Insoles absorb moisture and neutralize odors using a blend of activated charcoal and baking soda. For best results, place these insoles inside new shoes before you first wear them. Replace the insoles every six months or sooner if you notice signs of wear and tear or damage.
·       Wear moisture-wicking socks to help keep your feet and shoes dry. Sweat is a primary source of odor. Dry feet and shoes are more resistant to unpleasant smells.
·       After your morning shower, sprinkle deodorant foot powder on your feet, in your socks and in your shoes. Dr. Scholl’s^® Odor-X^® Odor-Fighting Foot Powder features four different odor-fighting ingredients for maximum protection against smelly feet and shoes. The powder also absorbs moisture to leave your feet feeling clean and dry.