What Kills Toenail Fungus In Shoes? All You Need To Know

Avoiding toenail fungi might not be at the top of your to-do list, however perhaps it needs to be.

Fungus is all over in our environment, and they especially love dark, moist, warm locations, like inside your shoes.

That makes it reasonably simple to come across toenail fungus, and if you have it, it can be difficult to get rid of, since you risk reinfecting yourself over and over again with your shoes!

What kills toenail fungus in shoes? Today, we’re going to take a look and find out!

Combine Vinegar And Baking Soda

what kills toenail fungus in shoes

Vinegar, high in acidic contents and usually found in most people’s homes, is a phenomenal, natural choice for getting rid of shoe fungi.

Add a small amount of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to a spray bottle full of water and spray your shoes as soon as you are done wearing them.

Sprinkle baking soda on top, and allow it to sit overnight. The vinegar will destroy the fungi and bacteria, and the baking soda will help soak up the mixture.

This leads to easy disposal and is a fantastic, low-cost method of killing toenail fungus in your shoes.

Utilize The Sun

sun kills toenail fungus in shoes

The concept of drying your shoes out in the sun does not sound all that powerful. However, it helps to destroy toenail fungus and its spores.

We recommend combining this with additional options, like vinegar and baking soda or spray, and not just using the sun on its own.

Also, make sure you don’t forget about your shoes! If it starts pouring rain and your shoes are left out in the backyard, you will not be happy.

Wear Open-Toed Shoes

what kills toenail fungus in shoes

In most settings, you are going to have to wear closed-toed shoes. However, whenever possible, try wearing open-toed shoes such as sandals or flip-flops.

Why? Because your feet will naturally experience air circulation and sunlight, thus making it difficult for fungi to grow.

Here’s a fun tip we love – keep a pair of sandals in your car. Whenever you are driving long distances, switch from your regular shoes to your sandals.

When you arrive at your destination, switch back to your regular shoes. Your feet will thank you!

Use A Disinfectant & Deodorizer

10 Seconds Shoe Disinfectant & Deodorizer 5 Ounces, 1 Bottle

If you’re serious about removing toenail fungus and nasty smells from your shoes, we highly recommend 10 Seconds Disinfectant/Deodorizer.

This will help destroy the fungi in your shoes, the gross smell, and other germs, mildew, and even mold.

It’s simple – spray your shoes after each and every wear, and then put them out in the sun (or under a lamp) to dry.

Then, they will be ready to be worn again!

Make Sure You’re Wearing The Right Shoes

what kills toenail fungus in shoes

If you are forcing your feet into uncomfortable, ill-fitting shoes, they’re much more likely to get attacked by fungi due to the added stress and pressure they are under.

This is unfortunate, because as we all know, sometimes you just have to prioritize fashion over comfort.

However, I urge you to think about this, and to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes whenever possible – even if they are less stylish.

Improve Your Diet

 

what kills toenail fungus in shoes

If you consume healthier food, your body has a much better possibility to eliminate conditions such as toenail fungus and athletes foot.

Make sure that you offer your body the nutrients it needs.

You can do this by eating right, avoiding fast food, and making sure you have healthy proteins, which will lead to healthy nail growth.

Wash Your Socks And Linens (Correctly!)

what kills toenail fungus in shoes

When people discuss removing fungi from their shoes, they oftentimes miss a few crucial details.

It’s also essential that you remove the fungi from your socks. Otherwise, you risk reintroducing fungi back into your shoes time and time again.

Additionally, you must remove fungi and mold spores from your beddings, as well. Your sheets, pillowcases, comforters – they have all been contaminated with fungus and bacteria.

Many people think they can just wash their fungi-infested things on hot, and be done with it. 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way – you need to wash your materials in extra high temperatures, and laundry detergent to prevent coming into contact with fungus and bacteria.

We recommend using Sweat X Sport Extreme Laundry Detergent, which will help destroy the bacteria in your clothing and linens.

Runners & Swimmers Need To Be Extra Careful

what kills toenail fungus in shoes

If you are a runner, try using cotton socks or moisture-wicking socks that soak up away moisture – this will help keep your feet dry.

It’s also a good idea to alternate running shoes so each pair can dry out entirely in between a running session.

For swimmers, you need to wear sandals in the locker rooms and showers. 

Keep in mind, wet and damp areas are prime breeding grounds for toenail fungus and athletes foot.

Never go barefoot!

Tips On Avoiding Nail Fungus And Keeping Your Shoes Healthy

 

what kills toenail fungus in shoes

Fungus likes to grow in warm, damp places. It also spreads easily from one person to another.

That’s why it’s crucial to wear shower shoes or flip flops around public pools, locker spaces, and showers.

Additionally, we recommend changing your socks and shoes often. Put on a clean pair of socks every day, and don’t be afraid to change up your socks if you accidentally get them wet, or find yourself sweating a ton.

It may not be possible for everyone, but we recommend switching out your shoes each and every day. If possible, do a day-on, day-off type of schedule so that your shoes can dry out.

Can I Use Bleach To Kill The Toenail Fungus In Shoes?

As a precaution, you are encouraged never to use bleach as a disinfectant on your skin or nails.

Bleach is extreme and might injure the color of the shoe, and if you are not comfortable, it may injure your skin.

Stick to more natural, less intense methods of killing the fungi in your shoes – you will thank us for it.

Can I Use A Household Disinfectant For My Shoes?

what kills toenail fungus in shoes

Many people do this without even thinking about it – they just take whatever disinfectant they have underneath their sink and spray it into their shoes.

If it’s good enough for the counters of their home, it should be safe enough for their shoes, right?

We do not recommend doing this.

The problem is that household disinfectants are generally not made to come into contact with human skin, and are not meant to be in a closed-in environment like a shoe.

It may not be the end of the world to have your feet and socks soaking up household disinfectant, but we do not recommend doing it. 

Instead, opt for something that has been made specifically for your shoes in mind – we recommend 10 Seconds Disinfectant/Deodorizer.

Why Do My Shoes Smell So Bad?

what kills toenail fungus in shoes

The undesirable stink that originates from shoes is because of existing shoe fungus and moisture.

Fortunately, disinfecting your shoes using the various elements on this list can help make your shoes smell better, and most importantly, prevent them from reinfecting your feet!

In Conclusion

What kills toenail fungus in shoes? Now you know!

Thank you for reading this all-telling guide, and we wish you the best of luck with your fungi fighting journey.

Make sure you start treating your fungal infection immediately using so you can get back to have beautiful, healthy nails, and lovely, itch-free shoes!

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what kills toenail fungus in shoes