This article was medically reviewed by Mark Co, DPM. Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco’s “Top 3 Podiatrists” in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA (American Podiatric Medical Association). This article has been viewed 599,884 times.
Wash your feet with regular soap, and scrub away any dead skin with a pumice stone or loofah. Pat your feet dry with a clean towel, making sure to dry in between each toe. If you have stained toenails, mix one part peroxide with 3 parts water, soak your nails in the solution for 10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
Washing Your Feet and Toenails Daily
🛁 STEP-BY-STEP: How to Clean Toenails Safely
✅ STEP 1: SOAK YOUR FEET (5–15 Minutes)
Why? Softens nails, skin, and loosens debris — makes cleaning easier and safer.
What to use:
Warm water + mild soap → basic cleaning
Warm water + 1/4 cup white vinegar → antifungal + deodorizing
Warm water + 2 tbsp baking soda → softens skin & neutralizes odor
Warm water + Epsom salt → soothes & reduces inflammation
💡 Soak 2–3 times per week for maintenance — daily if you have fungus or heavy buildup.
✅ STEP 2: GENTLY SCRUB AROUND & BETWEEN NAILS
Tools to use:
Soft-bristle nail brush (dedicated to feet — not your toothbrush!)
Washcloth wrapped around finger
Soft interdental brush (for between toes)
Technique:
Gently scrub the top, sides, and front edge of each nail.
Don’t dig under the nail unless you’re using a proper tool (see Step 3).
Focus on nail folds (where dirt and fungus hide).
✅ STEP 3: CLEAN UNDER NAIL EDGES (IF NEEDED)
Only if there’s visible buildup under the free edge of the nail:
👉 Use a wooden or plastic orange stick (not metal!)
👉 Or a soft cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol
How to do it:
After soaking, gently push the orange stick under the front tip of the nail — just 1–2 mm.
Slide it side to side to loosen debris — never force it.
Wipe away gunk with the swab or rinse under lukewarm water.
⚠️ NEVER use sharp objects, pins, toothpicks, or metal tools — you can puncture skin or lift the nail, inviting infection.
✅ STEP 4: TRIM & FILE NAILS
Trimming:
Cut nails straight across — don’t round corners (prevents ingrown nails).
Don’t cut too short — leave a tiny white edge.
Filing:
Use a nail file to smooth rough or thick edges.
If you have fungus, thin the nail slightly to help treatments absorb.
✂️ Disinfect clippers & files with rubbing alcohol after each use!
✅ STEP 5: DRY THOROUGHLY
This is CRITICAL — fungus and bacteria thrive in moisture.
Pat dry with a clean towel — especially between toes.
Let feet air-dry for 5 minutes before putting on socks or shoes.
Optionally, use a hairdryer on cool setting to ensure 100% dryness.
✅ STEP 6 (Optional): APPLY ANTIFUNGAL OR MOISTURIZER
If prone to fungus: Apply OTC antifungal (like Lotrimin, Lamisil cream, or tea tree oil).
If skin is dry/cracked: Use a urea-based foot cream (like Eucerin Advanced Repair or Flexitol).
🚫 Avoid moisturizer between toes — can trap moisture and cause maceration or infection.
🧼 DAILY & WEEKLY MAINTENANCE TIPS
Daily
Wash feet with soap + water, dry thoroughly
Daily
Wear clean, moisture-wicking socks
Every 1–2 days
Change or air out shoes
2–3x/week
Soak + deep clean nails
Weekly
Trim & file nails, disinfect tools
Monthly
Replace old socks, sanitize shoes with antifungal spray
🚫 WHAT NOT TO DO
❌ Don’t dig under nails with sharp objects
❌ Don’t share nail clippers, files, or towels
❌ Don’t wear wet socks or shoes
❌ Don’t ignore odor, discoloration, or pain — see a podiatrist
❌ Don’t stuff mud, toothpaste, garlic, or “home cures” into nail gaps
🦠 SPECIAL CASE: If You Have Toenail Fungus
Add these to your routine:
Apply prescription or OTC antifungal daily (after cleaning & drying)
File nail thin before applying treatment
Use antifungal shoe spray (like Mycomist or Tinactin Spray)
Wear shower shoes in public areas
💡 Pro Tip: Take a photo of your nail monthly — progress is slow but visible!
🩺 WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Nail is thick, crumbly, or lifting from the bed
Pain, swelling, redness, or pus around nail
No improvement after 1–2 months of home care
You have diabetes, poor circulation, or immune issues
📋 QUICK PRINTABLE CHECKLIST
☐ Soak feet 10 mins in warm water + vinegar or soap
☐ Gently scrub nails with soft brush
☐ Clean under nail tip with orange stick (if needed)
☐ Trim straight across, file smooth
☐ Dry feet 100% — especially between toes
☐ Apply antifungal (if treating fungus)
☐ Disinfect tools after use
☐ Wear clean socks & breathable shoes
✅ Final Thought:
Cleaning toenails isn’t about force — it’s about consistency, gentleness, and dryness. Do this right, and you’ll prevent infections, odor, and keep your feet healthy for years to come.
📥 Want a FREE printable version of this routine?
Or a shopping list for antifungal tools & products?
Just say “🖨️ PRINTABLE” or “🛒 PRODUCTS” — I’ll send it right over! 🦶✨
