How to Disinfect Items After Hosting a Friend with Athlete's Foot?

How should items that come into contact with a person suffering from athlete's foot be disinfected?

If a friend with athlete's foot visits your home, should you throw away the slippers they wore, or is there a way to disinfect and clean them? Additionally, I noticed that while sitting on the sofa, they occasionally touched their feet on various surfaces.
What should I do about my sofa? Would spraying some alcohol be effective?

E, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/11

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Clean thoroughly, wipe dry, and keep it dry.

Reply Date: 2021/07/11

More Info

When hosting a friend with athlete's foot (tinea pedis), it's understandable to be concerned about the potential for spreading the infection. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments, and it can be contagious. Here’s how to effectively disinfect items and surfaces in your home after your friend’s visit.

Disinfecting Shoes and Personal Items
1. Shoes: If your friend wore slippers or any footwear in your home, you don’t necessarily need to throw them away. Instead, you can disinfect them. Use a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial antifungal spray. Make sure to spray the inside of the shoes thoroughly and allow them to dry completely in a well-ventilated area. If the shoes are machine washable, consider washing them on a hot cycle.

2. Socks and Linens: Any socks or linens that your friend may have used should be washed in hot water with detergent. Adding a cup of white vinegar can help kill fungi. Ensure they are dried completely, as fungi thrive in damp environments.

Cleaning Surfaces
1. Sofa and Upholstery: Since your friend touched the sofa with potentially contaminated feet, it’s wise to clean the upholstery. Vacuum the sofa thoroughly to remove any loose debris. After vacuuming, you can use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray or a mixture of water and vinegar to wipe down the surfaces. Be sure to test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid damage.

2. Hard Surfaces: For any hard surfaces that may have come into contact with your friend’s feet, such as floors or tables, use a disinfectant cleaner. Products containing bleach or alcohol can be effective against fungi. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and safety.

General Precautions
- Alcohol Spray: Spraying alcohol (at least 70% isopropyl alcohol) can be effective for disinfecting surfaces. However, it’s important to ensure that the surface remains wet for a sufficient amount of time to effectively kill the fungi.

- Ventilation: Keep the area well-ventilated while cleaning and after your friend has left. This helps to reduce moisture levels, which can discourage fungal growth.

- Personal Hygiene: Encourage everyone in your household to practice good foot hygiene. This includes keeping feet clean and dry, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding sharing shoes or towels.

Conclusion
You don’t need to dispose of your friend’s shoes or your sofa, but taking the right cleaning measures can significantly reduce the risk of spreading athlete's foot. Regular cleaning and disinfecting, along with good personal hygiene practices, will help keep your home safe from fungal infections. If you have any lingering concerns about athlete's foot or if anyone in your household develops symptoms, consider consulting a healthcare professional for further advice.

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