How To-62: "How to Keep Feet Clean"

How to Keep Feet Clean

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How can you keep your feet fresh and lovely? Cut down on odour and other unpleasantries by following these steps

Steps

1. Be clean. Bathe your feet every day. Just letting the shower water splash on them isn't good enough. Lather them thoroughly with soap and scrub them with a loofah.
   
2. Be sure to dry your feet completely when you're done. Don't forget to dry between the toes. Leftover moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria, which causes odour.
   
3. Wear the right socks. Cotton, some wools, and special knits made for athletes will absorb sweat and allow your feet to breathe. Put on a fresh pair if they get damp.
   
4. Make sure your shoes aren't too tight. If they are, your feet might sweat more than normal.
   
5. Switch shoes. Wearing the same shoes every day can make them smellier. Let them dry out for a couple of days before wearing them again.
   
6. Kill those germs. Consider using a disinfectant spray to kill bacteria in your shoes. Wash your feet with antibacterial soap. Setting shoes out in the sun also may help.
   
7. Wash shoes or insoles. Some insoles or shoes, especially sneakers, may be washable. Be sure to dry them completely before wearing them.
   
8. Avoid shoes made of plastic. Plastic and some human-made materials don't let your feet breathe.
   
9. Go barefoot. Let your feet air out by letting them spend some time in the open air, especially at night.
   
10. Keep your toenails trimmed and clean. Use a nail brush if you have to. Toenails are hiding places for bacteria.
    

Tips

• Bacteria are to blame. In the right conditions, bacteria will feast on your feet. These bacteria eat dead skin cells and oils from your skin. Their colonies will grow and start getting rid of waste in the form of organic acids. It's those organic acids that smell bad. And for 10% to 15% of people, the smell is really bad. Why? Because their feet are extra sweaty and become home to bacteria called Micrococcus sedentarius (say: my-kroh-kah-kus seh-den-tair-ee-us). These bacteria produce more than just stinky organic acids - they also produce stuff called volatile sulfur compounds. Sulfur compounds usually are powerful and awful smelling. If you've ever smelled a rotten egg (Hydrogen sulfide), you know what volatile sulfur compounds smell like.
  
• For most people, foot odor can be controlled. The worst part about having stinky feet is that it's embarrassing. If you're worried about this, just keep your shoes on when you're in social situations, like when you're at school or riding in a car. At home, keep your feet clean and go barefoot so they get some air. If your feet are clean and dry, those bacteria will have to find their lunch somewhere else!
  

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