Family bedtime routine washing feet before sleep

Week 38 Family Challenge: Wash Your Feet Before Bed

This week’s challenge might sound a little unexpected, but stick with us—we’re washing our feet before bed each night, and we think you’ll love it as much as we do.

We were inspired to make this a formal challenge because our kids are in martial arts several nights a week, so we already have a pretty strong foot hygiene routine built into our evenings. But the truth is—we adults found that we really love it too. There’s something refreshing and calming about climbing into bed with clean, soothed feet. So this week, even if we don’t have martial arts, we’re doing it anyway.

Why This Bedtime Habit Works

Because it feels good. And because it sets a tone.

It’s a simple, physical way to say: “I’m winding down. I’m caring for my body. I’m making space for rest.”

Even the youngest in your family can take part in this—no perfection required. Just a simple act of refreshing your feet before sleep. And don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite part of your bedtime routine.

How We’re Doing It at Home

There’s no one right way to wash your feet—so we invite you to do what works in your home.

In our family, we most often keep it simple: just water. Sometimes warm, sometimes cool. It’s refreshing, effective, and honestly, just feels good. We’ve even shared about this on Instagram recently—water-only cleansing can be wonderfully effective, especially at the end of a long day.

But if your feet are especially dirty, or if you just love the added feel of soap, go for it. Here are some easy approaches:

Wipe feet with a warm damp rag, napkin, or wet wipe.
Step into a running shower for a moment—soap optional.
Squirt a little soap into the bottom of the shower and walk around (carefully) before rinsing.
Sit on the closed toilet lid or tub edge to dry off.
On tired nights, we’ll help the kids with a quick wipe using a warm soapy cloth or gentle wipe.

While our current home—our beloved Little House on the Prairie—doesn’t have room for a bathroom chair (or even a bathtub), we’ve had a small wooden chair in past homes and plan to again in the future. It’s a tiny luxury: a cozy place to pause, dry off, or catch your breath.

For Families with Little Ones (or Loved Ones Who Need Help)

As you help your child, spouse, or someone else wash their feet, take a moment to reflect on the humility and gentleness in this task. Jesus washed the feet of others, and it’s a beautiful reminder that small acts of service carry deep meaning.

From Our Family to Yours

We all do this a little differently depending on the night and who needs help. Some nights it’s quick and simple. Some nights it feels more like a little ritual. Either way, we all sleep better with clean feet—and a little peace.