6 Home Remedies for Smelly Feet You Must Know

Smelly feet are common. When you get home from the gym, a run, or a workout, you may smell sweaty feet. However, if your feet are persistently smelly, try these effective foot care home remedies.

1. Antibiotic ointment

It's bacteria, not sweat, that cause foot odor. While sweat can cause bacteria from moisture, there's little you can do to stop your feet from sweating. You can add baby powder to the soak to absorb moisture, or wear moisture-wicking socks. You can also add antibiotic ointment to your routine.

Simply apply the ointment in a small layer on your feet, between your toes, and on your toenails before bed. Put your socks back on, the ointment will kill the odor-causing bacteria that make your feet smelly.

2. Lavender Oil

Essential oils are a great way to promote healing and stop smelly feet. A foot massage with lavender oil helps eliminate odors. All you need to do is put a few drops of lavender oil on your feet and make sure to rub them in well. Lavender helps kill the bacteria that cause foot odor.

Massage the oil on the bottom and tops of the feet.

Also, be sure to rub oil between your toes, where bacteria can cause foot odor. Make sure to put the socks back on your feet before bed to boost the effectiveness of your foot massage.

3. Vinegar foot soak

Want to enjoy a wonderful foot soak? You can neutralize foot odor by soaking your feet in warm water. Simply fill a bowl with warm or cold water, add 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, and soak your feet for 15 minutes. You can do this foot soak several times a day if necessary.

According to one study, apple cider vinegar may have antibacterial properties that could help you deal with stinky feet.

4. Epsom Salt Foot Bath

Foot care is important, but you can do more than just wash and moisturize your feet. A foot bath with the right ingredients can help fight stinky feet. Epsom salt is one of the best ingredients you can add.

When you add Epsom salts, you're trying to control the bacteria that cause foot odor.

5. Switch to absorbent socks

Do you wear socks? If not, now is a good time to start. If you do, consider switching to socks specifically designed to wick away moisture. The goal is to keep your feet dry and sweat-free. Moisture-wicking socks transfer your sweat from your foot to the outer layer of the sock.

Final results? Your feet stay dry and smell less. Synthetic materials tend to be best at wicking moisture.

6. Try a deodorant

Take a look at your deodorant to see if it works on your feet. Many antiperspirants can be put on your feet to remove the bad smell you're dealing with. Antiperspirants can also help if your feet sweat a lot.