10 Ways To Get Rid Of Stinky Feet
Are you suffering from stinky feet? Do people wrinkle their noses when you pass by? Well, while a majority of us have suffered from damp feet, odor and foot perspiration at some point in our lives, sweaty, stinky feet can be an embarrassing and restless situation that can bring about much discomfort for many. Sadly, it can affect the day to day lives of many, causing little social life especially if it is related to being in public places like the gym or a crowded airport where shoes need to be removed.
Stinky feet is not fun for anyone, but the good news is that there are some effective, cheap and simple natural remedies that you can use at home and get rid of sticky feet fast. Here are some of them.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda also known as sodium bicarbonate is a one-stop remedy for a myriad of skin conditions. It stabilizes skin pH and prevents the growth of the bacteria and fungus that brings about odor on the feet. Also, it helps in making the skin of your feet smooth and soft.
- Add a tablespoon of baking soda in warm water.
- Then soak the feet in the solution for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Repeat this for one week every day before you sleep.
Also, you can sprinkle some baking soda both in your socks and shoes before wearing them.
2. Lavender Oil
One of the most efficient stinky feet remedies is lavender oil. It does not only keep the feet fragrant for a long period of time but also, it has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties that help in killing the bacteria that causes stinky feet. The best thing about lavender oil is that anyone can apply it even if one has broken skin, irritated or sensitive skin, blisters or cracked heels because of its mild and soothing nature.
- Add a few drops of lavender oil in warm water.
- Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Repeat for a few days two times daily.
3. Alum Powder
Alum powder is also one of the most functional stinky feet cure. It has potent astringent and antiseptic properties. Alum powder hinders the growth of the bacteria responsible for stinky feet. It is widely used in making deodorants all thanks to its antiperspirant properties.
- Add a teaspoon of alum powder in a cup of warm water.
Use the solution to wash your feet.
- After 15 to 20 minutes, rinse your feet and sprinkle some alum powder on them.
- Do this every day.
4. Black Tea
Black tea is one of the most useful home remedies for stinky feet. It has an acid known as the tannic acid that helps in killing the bacteria responsible for foot odor. It also assists in closing the pores on the feet hence reducing the amount of sweat on which the bacteria feed.
- Use three cups of water to boil two bags of black tea.
- To lower the temperature of the solution, add half a bucket of normal water.
- Repeat this daily for about a week.
5. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt has for long been used in foot soaks in order to achieve a smooth and soft skin. Among home remedies for stinky feet, it is one of the best. It fights microbial infections and neutralizes. Epsom salt has some astringent properties that help in reducing sweat in the feet.
- Mix 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in a half a bucket of warm water.
- Soak your legs in the salt water for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Do this every day before you go to sleep for better results.
6. Ginger
Ginger is not only popular in the kitchen as a spice but also known for its medical properties that make it an effective remedy for a myriad of health issues and ailments. Its detoxifying properties promote healthy sweating. Ginger also promotes protein dermcidin production that moves to the skin surface and provides some protection against microorganism such as bacteria and fungi that cause feet odor.
- Crush a piece of ginger preferably of a medium size to make a thick puree.
- Steep it in a cup of hot water for about 15 minutes.
- Use the liquid to massage your feet every night before going to sleep.
To get some amazing results, repeat this for one week.
7. Orange Peel
Don’t just throw away orange peels after peeling them. Instead, put them in your stinky shoes and leave them for 24 hours. Orange peels have some natural oils that have antibacterial effects. They also do have the ability to absorb stinky odor leaving your shoes with a strong citrus smell.
8. Vinegar
Vinegar is very useful when you want to treat stinky feet as it creates an environment that bacteria cannot survive. You can use any vinegar that you can access but Apple cider vinegar is highly beneficial.
- Mix one and a half cup of vinegar with 6 to 8 cups of hot water.
- Soak you feet in it for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Then thoroughly wash your feet with soap to remove the smell of vinegar.
9. Rosemary and Sage
Both rosemary and sage have potent antifungal and antibacterial properties that help in killing the bacteria that causes foot odor. Sage also has tannic acid that has astringent properties which reduce sweat production from the seat glands. Less sweat mean fewer bacteria.
- Add a tablespoon of dried both rosemary and sage into a basin with boiling water.
- Let it steep and then put your feet in the infusion for 20 minutes.
- Repeat this daily.
10. Salt and Water Soak
One of the principal causes of stinky feet is excessive sweating. Soaking your legs in salt water can help you stop stinky feet by controlling excessive sweating through pulling moisture out of the legs. By doing this, it reduces the amount of bacteria present in the feet. Also, it helps in removing the dead skin that bacteria feed on.
- Add a cup of salt in lukewarm water.
- Soak your feet in the solution for 20 minutes.
- Repeat this remedy once every day for two weeks to treat stinky feet.
Important Additional Tips to Get Rid of Stinky Feet
- Wash Your Feet
Practice some proper hygiene and make sure that you clean your feet on a daily basis. Wash them with lukewarm water and soap, especially between the toes.
- Stay Away From Moisture
Moisture in the form of water or sweat serves as breeding ground for bacteria. So make sure that you keep your feet dry and fresh all the time.
- Pick The Right Soaks
Wearing socks that are made of nylon or any other synthetic material don’t give your feet a chance to breathe. It also traps moisture around the feet.
- Wear Open Toe Shoes When Possible
Sandals and open shoes give you feet an opportunity to breathe and allows oxygen to mingles around your feet so that they remain fresh, cool and sweat free.