Why Do My Socks Smell Even After I Wash Them?

The cause of smelly socks is actually a bacteria, which accumulates in your sweat. That is why socks used for athletic purposes are notorious for reeking up the laundry basket.

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Why do my socks still stink after washing?

Bacteria, fungus and sweat by-products cause foot odor. Sweaty socks, trapped in shoes all day, easily pick up this odor. Sometimes the stench lingers on the socks, even after they’ve been laundered, and can be embarrassing.

How do I stop my socks from smelling?

How Do I Get My Feet to Stop Stinking?

  1. Keep them clean. Scrub your feet each day.
  2. Have a soak. If soap and water just aren’t enough, try soaking your feet once a week for up to 20 minutes.
  3. Stay dry.
  4. Air them out.
  5. Use disinfectant.
  6. Try essential oils.
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Is it normal for socks to stink?

Wearing shoes and socks traps sweat and bacteria, often making foot odor worse. Bacteria collect in your shoes, socks, and on your skin. The bacteria multiply, eating the dead skin cells and oil that are on your feet. As the bacteria breaks down, it releases a smelly odor.

What smelly socks mean?

Smelly socks are socks that have acquired a strong odour due to prolonged wearing. Their odour, which is complex and remains the object of study, is a mixture of ammonia, fatty acids (in particular, isovaleric acid), and lactic acid.

How do you permanently get rid of stinky feet?

Rowland on how to stop the stink in its tracks:

  1. Soak your feet. Thoroughly cleaning your feet is more than rinsing them in a quick shower.
  2. Keep your feet dry. Whatever method you choose, be sure to dry your feet well after bathing, soaking or swimming.
  3. Disinfect your shoes.
  4. Use powder.
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What socks are best for stinky feet?

The best socks for stinky feet

  • Balega Silver No-Show Socks — $17.00.
  • Bombas Women’s Merino Wool Calf Sock (4-Pack) — $72.00.
  • Stems Women’s Performance Anti-Stink No-Show Socks (2-Pack) — $30.00.
  • MeUndies Women’s Breathe Ankle Sock — $18.00.
  • VERO MONTE Women’s No-Show Socks (4-Pack) — $8.00.

What foods cause stinky feet?

Foods that Help Make Your Feet Stink

  • Sulfur-rich foods – and not just eggs e.g., onion, garlic, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beer, tea, and coffee.
  • Spicy foods.
  • Greasy foods such as fast foods.
  • Chocolate.
  • Refined carbs e.g., white bread, white rice, white pasta, pastries.
  • Low-carbs (particularly on the keto diet)
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Does baking soda help smelly feet?

Baking soda – Just like talcum powder, sprinkling it over your feet can help dry up any moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to grow. It also helps to neutralise odour. You can even sprinkle some baking soda in socks before wearing them and in your shoes overnight to help them dry out.

Are cotton socks better for sweaty feet?

Breathable fabrics also repel water and allow sweat to quickly evaporate. Cotton is the most breathable fabric, but it also retains heat, which can accelerate sweating. Merino wool is another popular material for socks due to its breathability, cushion and moisture-wicking functions.

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Why are white socks better for your feet?

Most of us were taught by our mothers, and grandmothers, to always wear white cotton socks. White cotton socks were considered to be the gold standard for protecting our feet from moisture, infection and blisters.

What home remedy kills shoe odor?

Mix ¼ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of baking powder, and ½ cup of cornstarch. Put the mix in a pair of cotton socks or sprinkle the mixture in both shoes and leave overnight. For an extra scent booster, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

Does vinegar help smelly feet?

Vinegar can also disinfect the feet. This helps eliminate or reduce foot odor by getting rid of the bacteria that make them smell. Before soaking, wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water. Then relax with your feet in a vinegar soak.

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Are cotton socks good for smelly feet?

Cotton socks often provide good cushioning for sports and quick errands, but cotton can also retain moisture—which is obviously bad when it comes to preventing foot odor. It’s better to seek out synthetic materials.

Can I put deodorant on my feet?

An antiperspirant deodorant is an easy-to-use remedy for sweaty feet. These products work by temporarily blocking the sweat glands. The American Academy of Dermatology recommend applying antiperspirant to dry feet before bed and washing it off in the morning.

Why do my feet stink all of a sudden?

You’re hormonal.
A swing in your hormone levels can also change your sweat production and your general smell overall, so pregnant women, menopausal women, and even acne-riddled teenagers might notice a whiff of something particularly pungent coming from their feet.

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Why do my feet smell like death?

Bromodosis, or smelly feet, is a very common medical condition. It’s due to a buildup of sweat, which results bacteria growth on the skin. These bacteria cause bad odors. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot can also lead to bromodosis.

Can I put baking soda in my socks?

Place the baking soda in an old sock, cinch the sock with a rubber band, and place the sock in a stinky shoe to cut back on nasty odors.

Why do black socks make your feet stink?

Your Socks Are Synthetic
That dark, warm, damp environment makes your feet a bacteria playground. Even if they’re naturally occurring, bacteria can quickly grow out of control, leading to a stink-fest.

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What is best for sweaty feet?

Wash your feet daily with an antibacterial soap; be sure to wash between the toes. Dry the feet thoroughly, then apply cornstarch, foot powder, or an antifungal powder to your feet. Wear wicking socks made of natural or acrylic fiber blends that draw the moisture away from your feet instead of trapping it.

What are the best socks for standing all day?

Padded, Antibacterial Bamboo Socks That’ll Keep Your Feet Fresh. Bamboo is well-known for its antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and anti-odor qualities — which is why these Orthofeet bamboo socks are one of the best options for someone who wants to keep their feet fresh throughout the work day.

Why Do My Socks Smell Even After I Wash Them?