17 Home Remedies For Foot Odor In Shoes That Work

Foot odor, also known as smelly feet, is a common condition in both men and women. Medically known as bromodosis, foot odor is a type of body odor that can impact the feet and generally reckoned to be an unpleasant smell. This embarrassing condition is not dangerous, but it significantly impacts your confidence, especially when communicating with other people.

If you have foot odor no matter what you try to rid the foot odor and the smell still remains, then you will find natural home remedies for foot odor in shoes that work right here. First and foremost, let’s discover further about smelly feet!

What Is Foot odor?

Being one of body parts that produce much sweat, feet often causes unpleasant smell. Your foot odor can bother people around you so much. This foot skin issue happens when you have sweaty feet, and the excess foot perspiration soaks your socks and shoes’ lining and creates the ideal environment for harmful bacteria to grow and cause a smelly odor.

Actually, sweat itself is odorless, yet it creates an environment where the bacteria grow and produce substances with bad smell. Feet might start to smell when the bacteria on skin breaks down the sweat when it comes into contact with skin pores, causing an unpleasant smell when the sweat decomposes.

Now, let see why you can suffer from foot odor!

What Are Common Causes Of Foot Odor?

Basically, foot odor is caused by excessive sweat production. We often wear socks or shoes frequently, leading to producing sweat too much. As a result, the sweat is a good place for bacteria to develop. They cause an unpleasant smell, accordingly.

There are some main reasons for your foot odor as below:

• Firstly, it is the change in hormones that encourage sweat to produce much. This issue happens among teenagers and pregnant women.
• Secondly, the persons wearing socks or shoes all day are more vulnerable to suffer from foot odor.
• Thirdly, some kinds of health problems, including hyperhidrosis are the cause of this problem.
• Lastly, deficiency in some nutrients can lead to foot odor.

What Are The Symptoms Of Foot Odor?

Some symptoms of foot odor that you can undergo are:

• There is too much sweat in your foot.
• There is an uncomfortable smell at your foot.

Stinky feet sometimes make you unconfident in front of other people. You can be so embarrassed when taking off your shoes in front of other people. However, you should not worry about this problem so much. The only thing you need to do now is to find about how to reduce your foot odor. You should apply some home remedies for foot odor firstly. That is the reason why you had better read through our article “22 Natural Home Remedies For Foot Odor In Shoes That Work” now? We are sure that you can find some useful methods using natural ingredients for combating against foot odor. Read on our article below. Take a look at TrueRemedies.com. However, if you see no improvement, it is time for you to go to see your doctor.

Top 22 Effective Home Remedies For Foot Odor In Shoes That Work

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is the first ingredient that you should think about when you suffer from foot odor. Baking soda is known as “sodium bicarbonate” which is a good solution to your foot odor. This powder can reduce pH level, inhibiting bacteria from developing and growing. Furthermore, baking soda is really effective in softening your feet skin. Plus, baking soda is a well-known ingredient for whitening the teeth and cleaning clothes.

You can use baking soda powder in different ways below:

Method 1:

• Take a tablespoon of baking soda powder.
• Put the powder in a bowl.
• Pour in the bowl with some water.
• Pour the mixture in a large basin.
• Put your feet in the mixture for half an hour.
• Do the process once every night before bedtime.
• Do the repetition for a week.

Method 2:

• Take a small amount of baking soda powder.
• Sprinkle them in your socks as well as in your shoes.
• Do this remedy regularly.

Method 3:

• Prepare a basin of some warm water.
• Pour ¼ cup of baking soda powder.
• Take a fresh lemon.
• Squeeze it to get its juice.
• Pour the juice in the basin.
• Mix all ingredients well.
• Soak your feet in the mixture for 15 minutes.
• Use a clean towel to dry your feet.
• Do the process every night before bedtime.

2. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is one of natural oils which can save you from smelly feet. This oil is effective in eliminating bacteria and also full of antioxidants, not to mention the strong ability to combat against fungi. All these characteristics make lavender oil an excellent solution to relieve foot odor. In addition, this oil can provide your feet with comfortable fragrance. The sweet and soothing aroma of lavender oil is pleasant enough to put you in such a mild trance. Much more than that, according to a study, it was found that lavender oil with its potent antiviral and antibacterial properties is among the essential oils loved by people with foot odor ^[1]. It is generally safe to apply this essential oil directly on your skin.

Here are the steps you can follow to utilize lavender oil for reducing the odor of your feet:

• Pour some warm water in a large basin.
• Pour some drops of lavender oil in the basin.
• Stir them well.
• Soak your feet in the water.
• Allow it to steep in the water for half an hour.
• Do the process 2 times every day.
• Apply the remedy for a week.

3. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is originated from Australia and now common in many countries. This oil has been marketed as an antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral anesthetic and antiseptic substance. Many studies have proven the amazing health benefits of using eucalyptus oil topically. ^[2] A study has concluded that eucalyptus oil had positive effects in killing off two types of bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus and Escheriachia coli. It also means that this essential oil might be effective against some other bacteria.

Eucalyptus oil can be used for foot odor and athlete’s foot in the single form or when combined with other oils. You can spray this oil into your shoes and apply it directly to your affected skin. However, do not ingest eucalyptus oil orally because it is toxic and may result in seizures.

4. Lemon Oil

It has been scientifically proven that lemon oil can fight against many forms of bacteria. Moreover, the distinctive and pleasant scent of lemon oil is refreshing and invigorating. You can add lemon oil to any essential concoction to enjoy its unique benefits for foot odor relief.

If used topically, lemon oil is generally safe. However, it is better to avoid ingesting it. If you are going to apply lemon oil externally, you should use just a single drop of it and apply over a small skin area to make sure that you will not have any allergic reactions.

5. Epsom Salt

There will be no more badly smelling feet if you use Epsom salt as one of home remedies for foot odor. Basically, it is magnesium sulfate used in many aspects in our lives, such as household, beauty, gardening, etc. The salt is effective in eliminating foot odor as well as preventing bacteria from developing. Having various beneficial attributes, Epsom salt is really a no-brainer for those people who are looking for ways to improve their foot health.

In addition, it can alleviate the aching in your feet. Plus, Epsom salt can be used as a good ingredient for removing dead skin cells, making the skin become smoother and softer ^[3].

All you need to do is very simple as below:

• Fill a bathtub with water.
• Put 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in the tub.
• Stir the mixture.
• Then, soak your feet in the mixture for 30 minutes.
• Then, dry them by a clean cloth.
• Do the process once every day before bedtime.

6. Black Tea

Is black tea is your favorite kind of drink? If yes, you can utilize this very simple ingredient to reduce your foot odor. Black tea is very good for your health thanks to antioxidants, namely polyphenols. It can not only protect our cells from the damage due to free radical problem but also can be one of the top home ingredients for slowing down your aging process. A number of health issues can be controlled by drinking a cup of black tea every day, such as ovarian cancer, diabetes as well as heart disease.

This kind of tea works well to inhibit bacteria from growing thanks to its tannic acid. Furthermore, it is good at narrowing down your feet pores, decreasing sweat produced on the feet.

You can follow the simple instruction below on how to prepare black tea for reducing your foot odor:

• Prepare 2 bags of black tea.
• Put them in a pot.
• Add 3 cups of boiling water to the pot.
• Let them steep for 15 minutes.
• Remove the bags out of the pot.
• Let it cool down naturally.
• Then, pour the tea in a large basin.
• Put your feet in the mixture for half an hour.
• Do the remedy once every day for several days.

7. Vinegar

Vinegar is also considered as one of powerful home remedies for foot odor that you should put in your pocket. It is a really familiar kitchen ingredient around the world and usually used for cleaning dirt. As we know, wet environment will create favorable conditions for bacteria to develop quickly. Therefore, if your feet are kept dry frequently, you can avoid suffering from foot odor. In this case, vinegar is one of the excellent remedy for drying your feet thanks to its acidic property. Moreover, acting as astringent, vinegar can alter the pH level of your skin, making it a less hospitable place for bacteria to alive. A vinegar soak is a great solution for foot odor removal.

There are several types of vinegar for your choice. You can use either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. They bring the same benefits in reducing your foot odor.

Here is a simple instruction for you:

• Prepare a basin.
• Pour in the basin with 10 cups of hot water.
• Add ½ cup of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to the basin.
• Now, put your feet in the mixture.
• Let your feet relax in the water for 30 minutes.
• Then, rinse it off with some soap.
• Do the repetition once every day.

8. Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood oil is listed as one of the best home remedies for foot odor. They are among the essential oils which contribute to reducing your foot odor effectively. This oil is rich in its strong power to combat against bacteria and fungi which are the root cause of foot odor. Cedarwood oil is especially effective when it is combined with coconut oil. Coconut oil contains its lauric acid which is good at eliminating bacteria. In addition, thanks to its rejuvenating property, cedarwood oil is the best solution to your foot odor.

We will show you a simple way of preparing cedarwood oil for fighting your foot odor:

• Pour a tablespoon of coconut oil in a bowl.
• Add several drops of cedarwood to the bowl.
• Mix them well.
• Then, dip a clean cotton ball in the mixture.
• Gently apply the mixture to your feet.
• Massage the feet for several minutes.
• Do the remedy once every day for several days.

9. Boric Acid

You can choose boric acid as a good solution to your foot odor. It is because boric acid is full of anti-bacterial power. Boric acid may be considered as the most common home-made remedy for treating fungal infection. It can inhibit bacteria from surviving. As a result, your foot odor can be reduced significantly.

You can choose one of the following ways of using boric acid for combating against your foot odor:

Method 1:

• Take some boric acid powder.
• Sprinkle on your feet once every day.
• Do this process for several days.

Method 2:

• Take ½ cup of boric acid powder.
• Put the powder in a bowl.
• Pour in the bowl with the same equivalent amount of white vinegar.
• Add some water to it.
• Now, mix them well.
• Pour the mixture in a spraying bottle.
• Spray the mixture inside your shoes several times a day.
• Do the process regularly.

10. Sugar Scrub

Scrubbing your feet with some refined sugar is listed one of the excellent home remedies for foot odor. Sugar is not only a sweetener but also a good ingredient for eliminating dead skin cells. Through discarding dead skin, you can reduce your foot odor.

Here is an instruction on how to scrub your feet with sugar for reducing your foot odor quickly:

• Firstly, take 3 tablespoons of sugar.
• Put them in a bowl.
• Pour in the bowl with a tablespoon of fresh water.
• Add 5 tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol (91% or more).
• Mix the mixture well.
• Pour some warm water in a basin.
• Soak your feet in the water for several minutes.
• Use the mixture to scrub the feet for 15 minutes.
• Rinse it off with clean water.
• Do the process thrice every week.

11. Talcum Powder

Thanks to the astringent property, talcum powder is another choice for you. The powder can help to dry your feet by absorbing sweat. It has been used as a good option for drying moisture, inhibiting excessive sweat production as well as controlling microbial infection. Therefore, applying the powder every day can keep your feet dry, preventing bacteria from growing.

The steps you need to do are very easy to do:

• Take a small amount of talcum powder.
• Sprinkle the powder to your feet.
• Apply the remedy thrice every day.
• Do the repetition for a week.

12. Ginger Root

Ginger root is a familiar kitchen ingredient. It is used in many dishes. It has been also applied in medicinal aspect for a long time. Ginger works well to prevent bacteria from growing, lowering the risk of suffering from foot odor. Furthermore, ginger can be effective at treating some health issues, especially respiratory tract infection. These benefits are explained that ginger is full of essential minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, copper, protein and fiber. It is also rich in antioxidants and it owns a strong ability to combat against inflammation.

Below is the guide for you:

Method 1:

• Take some ginger roots.
• Wash them thoroughly.
• Then, chop them into small pieces.
• Put them in a blender with a little amount of fresh water.
• Turn on a blender to form a paste.
• Put the paste in a bowl.
• Pour in the bowl with a cup of boiling water.
• Let the mixture steep for 20 minutes.
• Then, strain the mixture.
• Apply the mixture to your feet once every day before bed time.
• Do the process once every for several weeks.

Method 2:

• Wash some ginger roots carefully.
• Chop them into thin slices.
• Then, put the slices in a bowl.
• Pour in the bowl with some boiling water.
• Cover the bowl.
• Allow it to steep for 15 minutes.
• Then, strain the mixture.
• Pour the mixture in a large basin of water.
• Soak your feet in the water for 20 minutes.
• Do the process once every night before your bedtime.

13. Rosemary And Sage

The combination between rosemary and sage will create one of the best home remedies for foot odor. As we know, rosemary is well-known for its strong ability to combat against bacteria and fungi. Therefore, it can be used effectively in inhibiting bacteria from surviving on the feet. Furthermore, thanks to its astringent property, it works well to reduce excessive oil on your feet. As a result, sweat can be reduced and there is no place for bacteria to develop. Whereas, sage is useful for fighting bacteria and fungi which creates favorable conditions for bacteria’s growth, leading to foot odor.

We will show you some steps of combining rosemary and sage for reducing your foot odor:

Method 1:

• Firstly, pour some boiling water in a bowl.
• Pour a tablespoon of rosemary in the bowl.
• Add the same amount of dried sage to the bowl.
• Cover the bowl.
• Let it steep for 15 minutes.
• Strain the mixture.
• Allow it to cool down naturally.
• Pour the liquid in a large basin.
• Soak your feet in the liquid for half an hour.
• Do the process once for a week.

Method 2:

• Take some dried sage leaves.
• Put them inside your shoes every day.
• Do the process regularly.

14. Borax

Borax is another natural ingredient that you can utilize for fighting your foot odor. This ingredient is good at preventing bacteria from growing, greatly contributing to keep your foot odor under control.

You can follow the simple steps below to combat against foot odor in a short time:

Method 1:

• Prepare a bowl.
• Pour in the bowl with 2 cups of clean water.
• Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the bowl.
• Pour in the bowl with the same amount of borax.
• Stir all ingredients well.
• Pour the mixture in a spraying bottle.
• Spray the mixture in your shoes several times every day.

Method 2:

• Take a small amount of borax powder.
• Sprinkle the powder inside your shoes once every day.
• Do the process regularly.

15. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is regarded as one of the natural oils which are good at reducing your foot odor. In fact, it has been used in treating a number of skin problems, such as pimples, acnes, etc. Extracted from a plant called tea tree, this oil has been commonly used in medicinal purposes thanks to its anti-bacteria property. This oil is used for thousands of years in Australia and it smells strong enough to curb your smelly feet. Furthermore, it also reduces infections in the feet, thereby reducing foot odor.

It is very easy to use tea tree oil for combating against foot odor:

Method 1:

• Prepare a cup of water.
• Pour in the cup with several drops of tea tree oil.
• Then, dip a clean cotton ball in the mixture.
• Apply the mixture to your feet.
• Let it sit on for 10 minutes.
• Do the process every night before bedtime.
• Do the repetition for several days.

Method 2:

• Take a teaspoon of lavender oil.
• Pour the oil in the cup.
• Add the same amount of tea tree oil to the cup.
• Mix them well.
• Dip a clean cotton ball in the mixture.
• Apply the mixture to your feet.
• Do the process once every day.
• Do the remedy for several days.

Method 3:

• Firstly, soak your feet in a basin of clean water.
• Then, dry your feet with a clean cloth.
• Apply some drops of tea tree oil to your feet.
• Do a gentle massage for your feet for several minutes.
• Do the process once every day before bedtime.

Note: The downside of tea tree oil is that it may dry out your skin unless used carefully. Being an abrasive substance, tea tree oil should be used sparingly on the human skin. You had better dilute it with other carrier oils before applying it topically.

16. Oatmeal Scrub

Scrubbing your feet with some oatmeal is one of the excellent home remedies for foot odor. Containing a number of fiber, oatmeal is also very good for our health. Health experts suggest that you should eat oatmeal every day to strengthen your immunity system thanks to its essential minerals, antioxidants as well as necessary vitamins. It can also exfoliate the skin on feet, reducing the risk of bacteria’s growth. Additionally, it is full of antioxidants as well as strong anti-inflammation. Therefore, it can also prevent and treat your feet infection.

Here is an easy instruction on how to use oatmeal for removing your foot odor:

• Take 2 teaspoons of oatmeal.
• Put them in a bowl.
• Add some warm water to the bowl.
• Use the mixture to scrub your feet.
• Gently massage your feet for 15 minutes.
• Use warm water to rinse it off.
• Dry your feet with a clean towel.
• Do the remedy several times every week.

17. Alum Powder

Having the same benefits as Epsom salt and baking soda, alum powder can help you a lot in reducing your foot odor. Acting as a natural astringent as well as antiseptic power, alum powder is good at killing bacteria in your feet, limiting excessive sweat production. As a result, your foot odor can be reduced. In addition, thanks to its astringent, your feet pores can be narrowed, inhibiting sweat to produce much.

You can use alum powder as the same as baking soda as below:

• Prepare a basin.
• Pour in the basin with some warm water.
• Add several tablespoons of alum powder.
• Stir them well.
• Wash your feet with some clean water.
• Then, soak your feet in the mixture for half an hour.
• Remove your feet out of the basin.
• Dry your feet with a clean towel.
• Do the process once every day.
• Apply the remedy for several days.

18. Radish

Radish is the next natural ingredient that you can use for combating against your foot odor. This is a kind of fruit which is available all around the world. Actually, there are a number of radishes, namely the white radish, the black and even pink one. Containing its disinfectant, radish is useful for killing bacteria which leads to your foot odor. Furthermore, it is full of nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin B as well as essential minerals, namely zinc. In addition, radish can bring a number of health benefits, such as boosting your immune system, combating against inflammation, etc.

All you need to do is very simple:

• Take several fresh radishes.
• Put them in a basin of water to wash them thoroughly.
• Then, put them in a blender.
• Turn on the blender to form a paste.
• Now, put the paste in a basin.
• Pour in the basin with a sufficient amount of lukewarm water.
• Wash your feet.
• Soak your feet in the mixture for half an hour.
• Do the process once every day.
• Do the remedy for a week.

19. Vodka

Vodka is a kind of favorite drinks around the world. It is also effective in killing bacteria. It can bring you double benefits to your feet. Firstly, it eliminates bacteria developing in your feet. Secondly, it can treat any infection in your feet. As a result, your feet have less bacteria, reducing your foot odor.

The steps you need to follow are very easy:

Method 1:

• Take some vodka.
• Pour the vodka in a spraying bottle.
• Spray the vodka inside your shoes.
• Do the process regularly.

Method 2:

• Pour some vodka in a cup.
• Take a clean cotton ball.
• Soak it in the vodka.
• Now, apply it inside your shoes.
• Allow it to remain on overnight.
• Do the instruction once every day.

20. Rotate Your Shoes

This might sound too obvious when it comes to relieving foot odor. Sure, not wearing the same footwear daily can absolutely help you avoid smelly feet. Rotate 2-3 pairs of shoes to help them dry out prior to being used again. Also, choose the well-fitting shoes which are made of leather, thereby helping your feet breathe. These shoes also allow to you avoid soaking your feet in much sweat as cloth shoes do.

Alternatively, wear flip flops or open-toed sandals if possible. Whenever possible, go barefoot at home to let your feet breathe.

21. Change Your Diet

According to the founder of the Institute for Integrative Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Robert A. Kornfeld, making changes in diet and lifestyle can help alleviate foot odor in those people who are ready to be more proactive.
The diets which are high in refined carbs will serve as good food for fungus and bacteria in the human body. When the bacteria accumulate in the foot skin through perspiration and enclosed in the pair of shoes after that, the smell could be extreme. Thus, you should eliminate refined carbs and balance healthy fats, protein and complex carbs through eating more anti-inflammatory foods. Also, remember to stay away from cigarette and alcohol to help you go a long way to get rid of foot odor.

22. Essential Oils

Thanks to a number of beneficial properties like antifungal, antiseptic, and antimicrobial, essential oils can kill off the odor-causing bacteria and fungus on feet.

Moreover, essential oils’ fragrant smell also lingers on the feet and covers the unpleasant smell until you can get rid of this foot skin issue completely.

More interestingly, the soothing effects of essential oils for mind, skin and body also make it a good solution for foot odor ^[4].

Home Remedies For Foot Odor – Prevention Tips

Besides applying some simple home-made remedies for decreasing your foot odor, you should follow some steps below to control your foot odor.

• Don’t forget to rinse your feet once every day with some soap which are mild.
• Use some sugar to remove your dead skin cells once a week.
• Soak your feet in some lukewarm salt water for 15 minutes once every day.
• Change the socks once every day.
• Chill or heat your shoes once a week. Either cold temperature or sunlight can reduce your shoes odor and kill bacteria. If you do this process regularly, you can avoid suffering from foot odor. You can wrap your shoes in a bag and put it in a fridge overnight. In addition, it is better for you to let your shoes be exposed to sunlight at least twice a week.
• Reduce wearing shoes frequently: It is wearing shoes for a long time that cause you to suffer from foot odor. It is because the space is small and wet, which is a favorable condition for bacteria to grow. Therefore, you should wear sandals for open-toed shoes as much as possible.

Simply put, dealing with foot odor could be a highly discouraging experience. Regardless of your effort, every time you put your feet on the shoes, the problem seems to get worse. However, with the right remedies, smelly feet will go away.

Now, after reading our article, you had a better understanding about foot odor, including the reason, the symptoms as well as some home remedies for foot odor that you are suffering. Now, your task is choosing the suitable remedies for solving and preventing your problem. Due to their simplicity, you can completely apply them at home for quick results.

If there are any concerns about the remedies mentioned in our article of “22 Natural Home Remedies For Foot Odor In Shoes That Work” presented in Home Remedies Category. Your comments and ideas are highly appreciated. We will try to give the feedback to you as soon as possible.

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