Wash your feet with mild soap
Wash around the cuticles as well and rinse off any soap residue thoroughly.
Toe cheese: what is it and how do you remove it?
Toe cheese is a sour-smelling build-up of skin flakes, moisture, bacteria and dirt under the toenail. It can be removed with gentle cleansing and careful nail care.
If the odour returns, check your socks and shoes as well. If you experience itching, flaking or small pits, check whether another skin condition better describes your situation.
Toe cheese is usually found under the toenail
‘Toenail cheese’ is the informal name for a strong-smelling build-up of skin flakes, skin secretions, moisture, bacteria and dirt under the toenails.
The image in this photograph actually helps to clarify the distinction: white, soft or flaky skin between the toes is more characteristic of athlete’s foot then in the case of build-up under the nail.
How to gently remove toe fungus
Remove the visible build-up without damaging the skin beneath the nail.
Gently clean the nail edge
Do this after showering using a soft nail brush. Do not use any sharp objects under the nail.
Dry feet, toes and nail edges
Only put on clean socks once the skin and nail edges are dry.
Change your socks and let your shoes air out
This helps to minimise moisture, heat and recurring odours in your daily routine.
Toe cheese, athlete’s foot or pitted keratolysis?
Accumulation and a cheesy odour under the nail are characteristic of ‘toenail cheese’. Itching, flaking, white softness or cracks between the toes are more commonly associated with athlete’s foot.
Do you see lots of small pits on the soles of your feet, particularly in areas subject to pressure and accompanied by a strong odour? If so, take a look at What to do about pitted keratolysis.
Self-help for toe odour and recurring odour
Carefully remove the build-up from under the nail. Then use PediFris® Classic in shoes when the odour returns and add PediSpray® Use if your feet and socks get wet easily.
Clean the nail edge without scratching
Wash your feet with mild soap and use a soft nail brush after showering. Do not insert any sharp objects under the nail.
Carefully dry the toes and nail edges
Only put on clean socks once the skin and nail edges are dry. Change damp socks earlier in the day.
Use PediFris® Classic in shoes
Sprinkle a small amount into the shoe and distribute the powder by shaking briefly. Classic neutralises foot odour and shoe odour and tackles the source of the odour within the footwear.
Add PediSpray® for feet that get wet quickly
Apply the spray in the evening to clean, dry skin on the feet and allow it to dry before putting on socks.
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When should you seek professional advice?
Seek advice if you experience pain, redness, small wounds, a nail that is lifting or severely discoloured, diabetes, or a build-up that keeps recurring despite careful cleansing.
Product recommendation
PediFris® shoe powder, developed to disinfect feet by combating bacteria and fungi.
Simply sprinkle it into your shoes before putting them on and it works whilst you’re wearing them.
- Look after your feet by washing them thoroughly
- Sprinkle a small amount of powder into your shoes
- Shake the shoe gently to distribute the powder
- Put the shoes on and get on with your day as normal
- The powder dissolves and does its job whilst you’re wearing them
Product recommendation
Antiperspirant for a significant reduction in perspiration by constricting the sweat ducts.
Combats bacteria and fungi by removing their breeding ground.
- Wash your feet thoroughly and apply the product to clean, dry skin
- Spray generously from a distance of 10 cm from the feet
- Pay particular attention to the areas between the toes and the soles of the feet
- Allow the product to be fully absorbed into the skin
- You are now protected against excessive foot perspiration for up to 5 days
Frequently asked questions about Tenenkaas: what is it and what does it help with?
Brief answers on recognising, treating and distinguishing this condition from related foot problems.
What is toe cheese?
Toe cheese is a strong-smelling build-up of skin flakes, skin secretions, moisture, bacteria and dirt under the toenails. It is a colloquial term and not a medical diagnosis.
How do you remove toe odour?
Wash your feet with mild soap and, after showering, gently clean around the nail edges with a soft nail brush. Dry thoroughly and do not use any sharp objects under the nail.
Why does toe odour smell like cheese?
The cheese-like odour is caused by bacterial breakdown products in the moist build-up under the nail. Some of these odour-causing substances are also present during the maturing of cheese.
Is ‘toenkaas’ the same as athlete’s foot?
No. Toe cheese is usually a build-up under the nail. Itchy, flaky or white, soft skin between the toes may be a sign of athlete’s foot.
Is ‘tenenkaas’ the same as ‘Pitted keratolysis’?
No. Toe cheese is found under the nail. Pitted keratolysis refers to small crater-like indentations on the sole of the foot and requires a different approach.
How can you prevent toe cheese and foot odour from returning?
Keep the edges of your nails clean, dry your feet thoroughly, put on clean socks every day and allow your shoes to air out. Also treat any odour that lingers in your shoes.
Which PediFris product is suitable for smelly toes?
Start with PediFris® Classic when odour returns to socks and shoes. If your feet get wet quickly, use PediSpray® on the skin as well.
About the author & sources
Written by Judith de Jong (Content owner, PediFris®). Medically reviewed by Sébastien Dequidt, podiatrist. Updated on 24 August 2026. We base our advice on foot care practice and on the medical sources listed below.
Worried about a persistent complaint, fungal nail, athlete’s foot or excessive sweating? Consult your GP, podiatrist or chiropodist.
Sources
- NHS: Athlete's foot: www.nhs.uk
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