Some home remedies can help get rid of foot odor. Options like thyme foot soaks, rosemary lotion, baking soda solutions, or apple cider vinegar mixes have antibacterial or antifungal properties that help reduce the excess bacteria or fungi that cause bad odor on the feet.
Even so, getting rid of foot odor for good also depends on good hygiene habits. These include avoiding wearing the same socks twice, drying your feet well after showering, and staying away from plastic footwear.
Also recommended: Why Do My Feet Smell So Bad? 10 Causes (& What to Do) tuasaude.com/en/why-do-my-feet-smell-so-badThese remedies may help control foot odor. However, if the odor doesn’t improve or if symptoms like cuts, redness between the toes, or peeling skin develop, you should see a dermatologist for proper evaluation and treatment.
1. Thyme foot soak
A thyme foot soak is a helpful home remedy for foot odor. Thyme has natural antiseptic properties that help destroy bacteria on the skin, reducing the chance of sweat turning into a strong smell.
Ingredients
- 25 g of dried thyme
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 2 liters of boiling water
Preparation method
Place all ingredients in a basin and let them sit for about 15 minutes. Once warm, soak your feet in the basin for 10 minutes, then dry thoroughly with a towel.
To help these home remedies work better, keep your feet dry, choose open shoes when possible, and wear cotton socks when closed shoes are needed.
2. Chamomile foot soak
Chamomile has a soothing effect and can temporarily change the skin’s pH, helping dry the feet and reduce excess sweat. This reduces the moisture that allows bacteria to grow and cause foot odor.
Ingredients
- 2 liters of boiling water
- 10 tablespoons of chamomile flowers
Preparation method
Place the ingredients in a basin. Once warm, soak the feet for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat daily after bathing and before bed for at least one week.
3. Cornstarch powder with essential oils
Another natural option for foot odor is a powder made with cornstarch and essential oils. It helps absorb moisture and adds a pleasant scent, reducing the intensity of foot odor.
Ingredients
- 50 g of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of cosmetic white clay
- 10 drops of cypress essential oil
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of patchouli essential oil
Preparation method
Mix the cornstarch and cosmetic clay until smooth. Then add the essential oils drop by drop, blending them into the powder with your fingers.
Store the mixture in a closed container for 2 days so the oils can fully absorb into the powder. After that, apply the powder to your feet before putting on shoes.
4. Rosemary lotion
Washing the feet with rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) can help with foot odor because rosemary has strong aromatic and antimicrobial effects.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of rosemary leaves
- Enough ethyl alcohol to cover the leaves
Preparation method
Place chopped rosemary leaves in a wide container and cover them with alcohol. Close the container and let it sit for 24 hours.
After this time, massage the lotion onto clean feet. Repeat as often as needed.
5. Essential oil foot soak
A mixture of certain essential oils can also help reduce foot odor.
Ingredients
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of cypress essential oil
- 2 drops of patchouli essential oil
Preparation method
Add the essential oils to a basin of warm water and soak the feet for about 15 minutes.
Lavender, cypress, and patchouli oils are helpful because they fight odor-causing bacteria while giving the feet a fresher feel.
6. Apple cider vinegar solution
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home option for foot odor. Its natural acidity helps eliminate the fungi and bacteria that contribute to strong odor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 liter of warm or cold water
Preparation method
Mix the ingredients in a clean, dry basin and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a week. Then rinse your feet and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
7. Baking soda solution
A baking soda soak can also help with foot odor. Baking soda has antimicrobial properties that help eliminate the bacteria responsible for the smell.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of baking soda
- Warm water
Preparation method
Place the baking soda in a basin and add enough warm water to cover your feet. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes twice daily. Rinsing isn’t necessary; just dry your feet well afterward.
8. Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree oil contains antibacterial and antifungal compounds like terpinen and cineole that help fight bacteria and fungi linked to foot odor.
Ingredients
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or olive oil
Preparation method
Mix the ingredients and apply to the feet 3 times a day for up to 6 days.
Before using tea tree oil, test for allergies by applying one drop to the back of your hand. If redness, itching, swelling, or small blisters appear, wash the area and do not use tea tree oil for foot odor.
Tea tree oil should not be used by pregnant women.
9. Witch hazel extract tea
Witch hazel extract has antibacterial effects that help remove bacteria from the feet. It also has a natural astringent effect, helping tighten the skin and reduce sweating, which can lessen foot odor.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of witch hazel extract
- 1 cup of boiling water
Preparation method
Add the witch hazel extract to the boiling water. When warm, strain and apply the mixture to the feet, especially between the toes, using gauze or a cotton ball, 2 to 3 times per day.
This mixture should not be ingested because it may cause nausea, vomiting, or liver problems. It should not be used by children or by pregnant or breastfeeding women.