Do people around you complain of a “horrible stench” in the room? They may not know the reason behind it, but you do! Smelly feet can be quite an embarrassment, especially at places where you have to take off your shoes and socks! Instead of shutting yourself from the rest of the world, we recommend you to explore these natural home remedies for foot odor.
But, before that, let us tell you something! Smelly feet is a common problem experienced by many and pose no significant health risks. In medical terms, it is called Bromodosis, which is caused by excess bacterial growth on the skin, due to sweat accumulation. The main symptom of this condition is an unbearable, foul smell arising from your feet.
* Vinegar or Listerine SoakOne of the easy foot odor home remedies is a Vinegar soak. Vinegar has acetic acid which is a strong anti-microbial agent. Soaking your foot in a warm vinegar and water solution for a while can effectively curb bacterial growth and lower the chance of infections. Also, vinegar acts as a natural deodorant that cuts down the foul smell and leaves your feet smelling fresh.
Vinegar or Listerine – 1 Part
Warm Water – 2 Parts
Large Tub for Soaking
- In a large tab, add 1 part of vinegar/ Listerine to 2 parts of warm water
- Soak your feet in the solution for 10-20 minutes
- Rinse with water
- Repeat this daily until symptoms subside.
* Activated Charcoal With Baking Soda:
Activated charcoal offers numerous benefits to our body. It is an excellent home treatment for smelly feet that works by absorbing toxins and bacteria and eliminate them. Also, a study shows that activated charcoal, when combined with sodium bicarbonate or baking soda has high odour reducing capacity.
Epsom Salt – 1 Cup
Activated Charcoal – 2 tbsp
Baking Soda – ½ Cup
Essential Oils – few drops
- Combine all the ingredients well without any lumps
- Now add ½ Cup of this mixture to a tub of warm water
- Soak your feet in it for 20 minutes.
* Rubbing AlcoholRubbing alcohol is a powerful anti-microbial agent that can kill surface-level bacteria and fungal growth. It is also quite effective in treating toe-nail infections and athlete’s foot. Also, rubbing alcohol has a drying effect on the skin, which is important to curb the bacteria from multiplying.
Rubbing Alcohol – 70%
Water – 30%
Tub
- In a tub, prepare 70% alcohol bath
- Soak your feet in the solution
- Leave it on for 5 minutes
- Remove your feet and pat dry
* Epsom Salt Soak:
Epsom salt is a proven natural way to get rid of smelly feet. The theory behind is that Epsom salt dehydrates the skin and creates a difficult environment for the bacteria to breed. This leads to lowered levels of foot odour. Also, soaking your feet in Epsom salt is a great way to ease muscle soreness and unwind a hard day.
Epsom Salt – ½ Cup
Warm Water – ¾ Tub
Tub
- Add Epsom salt to warm water
- Soak your feet for 20 minutes
- Once done, dry your feet and apply a moisturizer
* Coconut OilCoconut oil is considered a safe smelly feet treatment at home. It contains lauric acid which is a mild anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. It kills the surface-level microbes and softens your skin at the same time. To enhance its properties, you can add a few drops of essential oils.
Coconut Oil – 2 tbsp
Sandalwood or Mint Essential oils – 5-10 drops
- Mix a few drops of essential oils in coconut oil
- Use this mixture to massage your feet
- Leave it overnight
- Repeat it every night