Human bodies can produce a wide range of aromas, and some are easily considered offensive. A lot of people are embarrassed by their smelly feet and would like to know how to eliminate the odor. Readers have told us about a large number of simple solutions for stinky feet.
Q. I have very sweaty, stinky feet and have used the usual foot sprays. They help for an hour or so, but not over the long term.
Will Listerine Soaks Help Foot Odor?
I think I have read in your column about a cure using a simple household item such as Listerine. Please help: it is embarrassing to take my shoes off because of the smell.
A. Feet sweat just like other parts of the body, especially if they are confined in shoes that do not breathe. Some people produce up to a cup of sweat per foot in hot weather. Sweat plus dead skin cells feed trillions of bacteria that can create quite an aroma.
Cutting Perspiration
To reduce the amount of perspiration, soak feet in a warm Epsom salt solution for several nights. A baking soda solution may also help (2 tablespoons of baking soda in 2 quarts of warm water every night for a month).
In some cases, microbes are complicating the situation. If a fungal infection is causing the smell, soaking the feet in a half vinegar-half amber Listerine solution might also work.
Wear sandals whenever possible so that the sweat can evaporate easily.
Another suggestion that readers have offered is taking zinc supplements. The mantra is “Don’t stink; take zinc!”
You will find more recommendations on simple solutions for stinky feet in our free Guide to Smelly Feet.
