You might think that stinky feet happen mainly in the hot summer months, but the truth is that stinky feet are a part of life for many people –no matter the season.

Smelly feet happen when your feet sweat and that sweat has no way to evaporate, usually because you are wearing socks, shoes or pantyhose. The bacteria that naturally lives on your skin will feed on sweat and dead skin cells, causing it to grow until it causes odor. It’s not really your sweat that smells, but the bacteria feeding on your sweat.

There are numerous ways that you can naturally get rid of that embarrassing foot odor. Although it might take you a week or so to get the problem under control,  it is so worth the effort.

Keep reading to find natural ways to stop those stinky piggies once and for all!

 

1.  Wash

OK, this is a no-brainer, but before you can do anything, be sure your feet are clean and dry. Simply washing your feet with a washrag, soap and hot water will remove the sweat and the dead skin cells. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes. This is an excellent place to start.

 

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a cheap but effective way to stop foot odor. Baking soda will reduce sweating and neutralize the pH balance of your sweat, which will reduce the number of bacteria.

Put two quarts of warm water in a large container, and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Mix well, then soak your feet in this solution for 15 minutes. Do this every night for one week, then once or twice a week to keep your stinky problem under control.

You can also put baking soda inside your shoes to help absorb even more sweat and odor. Read more abou baking soda uses.

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3.  Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil will naturally kill the bacteria on your feet. Simply put three or four drops of tea tree oil on your feet every night and every morning for naturally odor-free feet!

 

4.  Deodorant

This is a temporary solution, but in a pinch, it works really well. Wash and dry your feet, then rub a stick deodorant all over your feet, concentrating on the areas under and between your toes. Allow to dry for five minutes before putting on your socks and shoes.

 

5.  Lavender Oil

This not only makes those piggies smell really nice, it helps kill the bacteria that smell bad. Lavender oil also has antifungal compounds that can help fight fungus infections on the skin and that ugly toenail fungus.

Put five or 10 drops of lavender essential oil in a large bowl of warm water. Soak your feet each day for 15 minutes. Repeat this every night before bed for at least one week for best results.

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6. Ginger Root

This is a very effective way to remove toxins and bacteria from your feet. Put two inches of organic ginger root in a blender or food processor and puree. Steep this puree in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Strain this solution through a coffee filter or cheesecloth. Rub the liquid on your clean feet every night before bed. Do this every night for two2 weeks for best results. After this, weekly or biweekly applications should keep the problem under control.

 

7.  Cornstarch

Cornstarch, like baking soda, will help absorb excess sweat, and limit the amount of bacteria that can raise a stink in your shoes. Rub cornstarch on your feet every morning before you put on your socks and shoes. You can also sprinkle some inside your shoes for extra absorbing power.

 

SEE ALSO: 10 Best Home Remedies to Get Rid of Crows Feet

 

8. Sage

If your feet sweat a lot, this might solution might be for you. Sage contains tannins, which reduce the amount of sweat your feet produce. Sage leaves also contain antibacterial and antifungal compounds, which makes it a super foot odor fighter!

You can put dried, powdered sage inside your shoes and socks for a nice herbal fragrance and reduce sweating at the same time.

Alternatively, you can soak your feet in sage tea for 15 minutes each night before bed.

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9.  Alum Powder

Alum powder has both antiseptic and astringent compounds that prevent the growth of the bacteria on your feet.

Mix two teaspoons of alum powder with two cups of warm water. Soak a washcloth in this mixture, and wash your feet.  Allow your feet to dry –do not rinse this off. Once your feet are dry, sprinkle a bit more alum powder on them. Repeat this every day for one week, then every other day should do the trick.

 

10. Black Tea

Black tea contains tannic acid. This substance kills the bacteria that cause stinky feet. It also helps to close the pores on your feet, which should make them sweat less.

Boil two black tea bags in three cups of water. Add this tea to another quart of cool water and soak your feet every day for 15 minutes. Repeat this daily for one week, then once or twice a week thereafter to keep this good thing going.

 

11. Epsom Salt

These magnesium flakes are good for your feet on so many levels! Epsom salt fights microbial infection, which can neutralize foot odor. It also gives you a much needed magnesium boost, is naturally detoxifying, and is the perfect way to relieve aching feet.

Mix a half cup of Epsom salt in a large container of very warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this every night before bed for best results and a good night’s rest at the same time.

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12.  Lemon Jell-o

This one will make you laugh, but it works. (It also feels weird!) Take two boxes of lemon Jell-o, and put them in a large container. Mix with hot water as directed. When the Jell-o has cooled enough, put your feet in it! Now add cold water. Once the Jell-o has almost set, remove your feet and rinse well with warm water. Do this once or twice a week for best results.

 

13. Sugar Scrub

This is a great way to remove dead skin, and keep your feet soft at the same time. Mix some sugar, lemon juice and a bit of olive oil until you have a nice, thick paste. Rub your feet with this mixture every time you shower. Rinse well with water after scrubbing. If you want to remove more dead skin, soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes before you shower.

 

14. Borax

Borax is not to be confused with baking soda. You will find it in the laundry soap section of your local supermarket. Borax is a natural disinfectant that will kill the bacteria that causes stinky feet. Mix half a cup of borax and vinegar with two cups of water, and spray the inside of your shoes with this mixture to kill the bacteria and smell. Then spray your clean feet with this mixture every night before bed. You can also sprinkle a bit of borax powder inside your shoes for extra deodorizing power.

Extra Tips:

• Wear clean, dry socks every day. DO NOT wear the same socks two days in a row! They are covered in sweat, dead skin and bacteria — even if you cannot see it.
• Drink less alcohol.
• Wash your feet every single day, and dry them well.
• Wear cotton socks instead of polyester socks.
• Avoid plastic shoes.
• Wear shoes (such as sandals) that allow your feet to stay drier by exposing them to the air.
• Wash white socks in bleach. Wash other colored socks in hot water to kill bacteria.
• Put shoes in the sunlight to naturally kill bacteria and dry them out.

References:

Nhs.uk

Sportsmedicinedegree.blogspot.mx

Journals.plos.org

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