The Dirty Truth Lurking in Your Laundry Basket

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 23, 2025

If you’ve ever peeled off a pair of socks after a long summer day and caught a whiff of something foul… you’re not imagining things.

That smell? It’s not just sweat. It’s the result of a full-blown microbial party happening between your toes.

And for seniors—especially those with diabetes or compromised immune systems—this isn’t just a hygiene issue. It’s a potential health risk.

Let’s talk dirty socks…

According to research out of the University of Leicester, your feet are among the most microbe-rich parts of your body—home to up to 10 million bacterial and fungal cells per square centimeter.

That means your socks are like mobile ecosystems, soaking up sweat, dead skin, and every germ they pick up from the floor.

Worn for just 12 hours, socks can carry more bacteria and fungi than any other piece of clothing—including your underwear.

And those microbes don’t just stay on your feet. They can spread to your:

• Shoes
• Carpets
• Bedding
• And even your hands when you touch your socks

Some of the culprits found in used socks include Candida, Staphylococcus, and Aspergillus—microbes that can lead to fungal infections, athlete’s foot, or worse.

Even worse, after washing, socks can retain fungal spores, which is why so many people deal with recurring foot infections despite wearing “clean” clothes. They’ve even been linked to the spread of life-threatening, drug-resistant infections in hospitals.

For healthy feet and a cleaner home, here are three simple steps:

1. Change your socks daily. Yes, even if they don’t look dirty. Fresh socks significantly reduce microbe buildup.
2. Wash them the right Use hot water—at least 140°F—and an enzyme-based detergent. Turn socks inside out before washing to expose the dirtiest areas. If you can’t use hot water, steam iron them afterward (heat kills lingering spores).
3. Let your shoes breathe. Give shoes 24 hours to dry out between wears. And go for breathable materials—skip synthetic materials, which are linked to fungal infections in those at risk. Cotton or wool is a better choice for airflow.

Bonus tip? Dry your socks in direct sunlight—UV rays naturally kill bacteria and fungi.

As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more vulnerable to infection. And for people with diabetes, even a small cut or fungal issue can lead to serious complications.

So don’t ignore your socks. They’re crawling with invisible life, and it’s time we treat them like the health risk they are—not just an accessory.

Take care of your feet, and they’ll take care of you.

P.S. Unsteady on your feet? Here’s what you can do…

Source:

Whitehead K, Eppinger J, Srinivasan V, Ijaz MK, Nims RW, McKinney J. Microbiome of Clothing Items Worn for a Single Day in a Non-Healthcare Setting. Microbiology Research. 2023; 14(3):948-958.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND