How to Kill Toenail Fungus With Bleach
Toenail fungus is an unsightly condition caused by yeast and other types of fungi. When a fungus infects the toenail, the result is yellowing and thickening of the nail. Eventually, the nail may begin to crumble, and the area beneath it may emit a foul smell. Doctors often prescribe oral medications for treating toenail fungus, but some people prefer home remedies, such as those that use bleach to kill the fungi.
Instructions
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Kill Fungus on Surfaces
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Mix 1 tbsp. of bleach with 1 qt. of water.
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Pour the solution of bleach and water into a quart-sized spray bottle.
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Spray the bleach solution onto the surface that may have been touched by the fungi that cause toenail fungus.
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Allow the bleach solution to stay on the sprayed surface for about 15 minutes.
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Rinse the sprayed surfaces with water and wipe them dry with a paper towel.
Kill Fungus Within Toenails
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Cut and file your toenails to make them as short and thin as possible. This may help the bleach to penetrate the nail and kill the fungus.
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Pour warm water into a bucket or basin that is large enough to accommodate the affected foot.
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Add 1 tbsp. of bleach to the bucket or basin of warm water.
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Soak the affected foot in the bleach solution daily. You may have to wait several weeks to see signs of improvement.
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Wash your foot with a gentle, moisturizing soap and water that does not contain bleach. This may help to get rid of any bleach residue that could dry and irritate your foot.
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Dry your foot thoroughly, including the area between your toes. Damp areas encourage fungal growth.
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Tips & Warnings
Your doctor may be able to offer medical treatment that will provide improvement faster or more reliably than home remedies. Consider seeing your doctor for help.
Discontinue bleach-solution foot soaks if your skin becomes irritated. Alternatively, you might restrict your soaks to one a day or every other week to see whether that helps.
Some people also use a solution of bleach and water to kill the fungus that causes athlete's foot.
Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar. Doing so will produce a dangerous chlorine gas.
Do not apply undiluted bleach to your toenails. It may irritate the skin on your foot.
