How To Prevent Smelly Feet: Tips And Tricks For Battling Bodily Odours This Summer

The sun is out and our thoughts are inadvertently wandering to beer gardens, long walks in the countryside and - um - sweaty feet.

The thing is, as the temperature soars, so too does the probability of feet becoming fairly whiffy over the coming months.

But before you bulk-buy on foot spray, read up on these cheaper (and far more natural) hygiene hacks to help keep your tootsies from smelling like vintage cheese this summer.

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1) Shower smart

Do you make an effort to wash your feet when you shower? And if so, do you rub soap between your toes? If not, then this could be the cause of your foot odour due to a build-up of bacteria.

Pay extra attention to your feet when showering and this could eliminate any embarrassing smells.

2) Stay dry

It's super important to keep your feet dry, particularly after showering. Instead of leaving your feet to dry naturally, make sure that you towel-dry between your toes.

Additionally, add some talcum powder to your tootsies to keep them feeling fresh and to prevent fungus from building up and causing conditions such as Athlete's Foot.

3) Let your feet and shoes breathe

If you can get away with wearing sandals and flip flops in the summer months then do so, as this gives your feet a chance to breathe and reduces the likelihood of bacteria build-up.

Additionally, if you're still wearing closed-toe shoes such as trainers and boots, then it's worth letting them air outside before popping them back in your wardrobe at the end of the day.

4) Wear socks

They might be a nightmare to pair up after a wash, however wearing socks could help immensely when it comes to battling stinky feet.

This is because they absorb the sweat that naturally occurs on your feet.

5) Rubbing alcohol

If the previous steps don't work, then perhaps it's time to hit your nearest pharmacy in search of something a little stronger.

Try washing your feet with rubbing alcohol, as this acts as an antiseptic and helps to dry out any sweat.

You can also disinfect your shoes with the stuff, but make sure you let them dry out properly before wearing them again.

6) Try an Epsom salt soak

Pamper your paws with a homemade foot soak.

Grab a bowl and fill it with water. For every two pints of water you use, add two tablespoons of Epsom salt.

Then, sit back, relax and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes.

7 Ways To Stop Body Odor

Watch what you eat(01 of07)

Certain foods have the potential to make our sweat more pungent. A diet high in the red meat increases body odor as does curry, garlic, and other spicy foods. “We don't fully digest garlic, curry and onions so they leave the pores with the sweat and create a strong smell,” explains Debra Jaliman, MD, author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. (credit:Shutterstock)

Shave your underarms(02 of07)

If you have a lot of hair under your arms, it slows the evaporation of sweat so that you have more bacteria. (If your crotch area is a problem, consider waxing. And take pit stops, meaning, if you exercise a lot or sweat a lot, wash under your arms a few times a day and change clothing. (credit:Shutterstock)

Wear breathable clothing(03 of07)

Natural fibers (linen, silk, cotton, light wool like merino) can breathe and decrease sweating. Also some of the high-tech fibers wick away moisture. Many exercise clothing now offer high-tech fabric that wicks away moisture from the body, so bacteria doesn’t have a chance to get at the sweat. (Clothing tags will identify them.) Dressing in layers also helps soak up the sweat. (credit:Shutterstock)

Use antiperspirant and deodorant(04 of07)

An antiperspirant blocks the sweating action while deodorants have fragrance to mask the smell. Deodorants also make the skin more acidic, making it less hospitable for bacteria. If a regular product doesn’t work for you, try a stronger over-the-counter antiperspirant such as Secret Clinical Strength, Gillette Clinical, or Certain-Dri. (credit:Shutterstock)

Apply twice(05 of07)

Studies have shown that applying deodorant in the morning on dry skin and at night before bed makes a big difference. Night-time application allows the ingredients to get into the sweat glands and clog them, as opposed to the morning, when sweat glands may already be full. (credit:Shutterstock)

Don't fear aluminum(06 of07)

Some people avoid deodorants because they’ve heard bad things about the ingredient aluminum chloride. However, according to Dr. Jaliman, who is also assistant clinical professor of dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, there have been no conclusive studies that prove aluminum chloride causes health problems. If you prefer natural products, try Tom’s of Maine or Crystal Body Deodorants. (credit:Shutterstock)

Change shoes often(07 of07)

If foot odor is your problem, give shoes a chance to dry inside by changing them often. Dust them and your feet with foot powder to maintain dryness. (credit:Shutterstock)

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