Smelly feet? Try soaking them in an apple cider vinegar foot bath

Imagine this: You just got home, and you take off your shoes to relax after a long day at work. But you’re hit by a nasty smell, and everyone at home glances at your feet. If this is a recurring problem, you may want to try an apple cider vinegar (ACV) foot bath to get rid of foot odor.

Apple cider vinegar for stinky feet

If your feet sweat a lot, you may be prone to fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Thankfully, you can address this embarrassing condition with a natural and effective home remedy: an apple cider vinegar foot bath.

ACV is a versatile product. You can cook with it, and it can even be used in various home remedies. It is also a popular item among health enthusiasts because it has potent antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. This is one reason why ACV is a common ingredient in home remedies for conditions such as allergies, body odor, and dandruff.

Having a relaxing foot bath regularly can help detox your feet and prevent common complaints like foot odor. (Related: Use Home Spa Solutions for Aching, Tired and Smelly Feet.)

ACV foot bath

Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar
• Thyme essential oil
• Warm water

Steps: 

1. Combine one part ACV with two parts warm water in a foot basin. The amount may vary depending on the size of the foot basin, but you need to make sure the liquid covers your feet.
2. Add two drops of thyme essential oil. Thyme can help neutralize body odor, and it has a pleasant scent.
3. Soak your feet in the mixture for about 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Dry your feet thoroughly once you’re done.

If you don’t have thyme essential oil, try a baking soda foot soak instead. Baking soda can also neutralize smells. For this remedy, you will need four cups of warm water, four cups of ACV, and half a cup of baking soda. Combine the ingredients in a foot basin.

Like the ACV-thyme solution, you also need to soak your feet in the baking soda mixture for 15 to 20 minutes. Dry well when you’re done.

Foot bath for athlete’s foot

Smelly feet is often caused by heavy sweating or bad hygiene. However, athlete’s foot has other symptoms aside from a nasty odor. These may include burning, itching, stinging between the toes or soles on your feet, or blisters that itch.

If you suffer from athlete’s foot, combine a 1:1 ratio of ACV and warm water in a foot basin. Soak your feet in this detox foot bath for 10 to 15 minutes daily. For best results, soak your feet in the mixture for at least 10 days.

Foot bath for tired, achy feet

If you’ve had a long and tiring day, try to relax with this soothing foot bath. Dilute a cup of ACV, a cup of sea salt, and a cup of Epsom salt in water that’s as hot as you can tolerate. Add half a cup of dried lavender to boost the soothing effect of this foot bath.

Other natural remedies for smelly feet

Here are other home remedies that you can try if you want to eliminate foot odor:

Fragrant foot rub

Before you go to bed, rub lavender oil on your feet to eliminate bacteria and to make it smell good. Massage your feet after you apply lavender oil, then wear socks for best results.

Sugar peppermint scrub

The sugar in this scrub will exfoliate your feet while the peppermint will make them smell minty fresh.

To make this natural scrub, combine a tablespoon of cornmeal, a tablespoon of oatmeal, a tablespoon of sugar, and two teaspoons of dried peppermint in a bowl. Then, add one tablespoon natural yogurt, the juice of one lemon, and five drops of peppermint essential oil.

Mix well until you have a grainy paste. Sit in an empty bathtub or use a foot basin as you massage the mixture into your feet to avoid making a mess.

Foot health is also important to your overall well-being, so say goodbye to nasty smelling toes with these natural cures.

Sources include:

TheHeartySoul.com

RD.com