How To Get Rid Of Smelly Feet

In this post, I will be sharing How To Get Rid Of Smelly Feet/foot odour.

There are a lot of people who are experiencing the problem of foot odour. This has become the biggest cause of embarrassment for them because as they remove their shoes, a strong, unbearable smell emanates from their feet and spreads quickly. To the relief of such people, I have come up with some simple home remedies that can help to eliminate foot odour.

How To Get Rid Of Smelly Feet

In this article, I will be sharing 10 home remedies to get rid of smelly feet. But, before that, we need to understand the causes of foot odour.

Causes Of Smelly Feet

• Wearing the same shoes on daily basis.
• Poor personal hygiene.
• Hormonal changes, especially in teenagers and pregnant women, can cause smelly feet.
• A lot of stress.
• Hyperhidrosis – a condition because of which one sweats more than usual.

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Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Smelly Feet

1. Tea Foot Soak

It is a pocket-friendly, natural and one of the most effective ways to eliminate foot odour.

Why Does It Work

Black tea is rich in tannic acid which is helpful in killing the bacteria. This acid also helps to close the pores on your feet which in turn lead to less sweating. Consequently, it leads to less foot odour.

What All You Have To Do

• Boil two tea bags in one litre of water for about 15 minutes.
• Now, remove the tea bags and soak your feet in this water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Follow this process daily.

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2. Epsom Salt

Next, on the list of knowing how to get rid of smelly feet is the use of Magnesium sulphate – Epsom Salt.

Why Does It Work

It fights with the microbial infection and bacteria that cause sweat decomposition leading to food odour. In addition, it also soothes aching feet.

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What All You Have To Do

• In a basin of warm water, add two tablespoons of Epsom salt.
• Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Follow this remedy once or twice every day.

3. Essential oils

These oils such as Lavender, Tea tree oil or Eucalyptus oil can be used to eliminate foot odour.

Why Does It Work

These oils kill the odour-causing bacteria because of their antifungal, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. In addition, these oils can soothe your mind and body.

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What All You Have To Do

• To a basin of warm water, add few drops of any above-mentioned 100% pure essential oils.
• Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes.
• After that, remove your feet from water and pat dry.
• Follow this remedy once every day.

4. Lemon Juice

Furthermore, on the list of knowing how to get rid of smelly feet is the use of lemon juice.

Why Does It Work

It contains citric acid which kills odour-producing bacteria. It is a natural astringent that blocks excessive sweating by shrinking skin pores.

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What All You Have To Do

• In a basin of warm water, and a half cup of lemon juice.
• Soak your feet in this water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Make sure to wash your feet with regular water after this process.
• Follow the remedy twice every day.

5. Baking Soda

Sodium Bicarbonate or Baking soda is an effective remedy to get rid of smelly feet.

Why Does It Work

It neutralizes the foul odour because of its antibacterial properties. In addition, it can soften your feet.

What All You Have To Do

• In a foot basin, add two tablespoons of baking soda to 7-8 cups of hot water. Mix it properly.
• Let your feet soak in this water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Follow this remedy every night let at least for one week.

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6. Vinegar

Next, on the list of knowing how to get rid of smelly feet is the use of vinegar. Though, it itself has a very strong smell but it can help in removing foot odour.

Why Does It Work

It creates an acidic environment in which odour-causing bacteria don’t thrive. The antifungal properties of Apple Cider Vinegar can also combat foot odour.

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What All You Have To Do

• In a foot basin, add a half cup of vinegar to six cups of water.
• Let your feet soak in this water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Make sure to wash your feet with soap after vinegar foot soak to get rid of its own strong smell.
• Pat dry your feet before putting on socks and shoes.
• Follow this remedy once every day.

7. Bleach

It is an effective home remedy to get rid of foot odour. However, it may irritate sensitive skin. Make sure to dilute it. Do not put it directly on the skin.

Why Does It Work

It has antibacterial properties and can kill up to 99.9% bacteria.

What All You Have To Do

• In a basin of warm water (at least 8 cups), add 1/4 cup of bleach. Mix well.
• Soak your feet in it for 10 to 15 minutes.
• After that, remove your feet from bleach soak and rinse with normal water.
• Pat dry properly.
• Follow this remedy twice daily.

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8. Mouthwash

Next, on the list of knowing how to get rid of smelly feet is the use of mouthwash that kills germs and bacteria inside your mouth. Why not use it for doing the same thing for your feet.

Why Does It Work

It has an alcohol content that protects your feet from fungal infections. A fungus is responsible for the smelly feet so it can prove to be an effective home remedy to combat food odour.

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What All You Have To Do

• Soak a cotton ball in a solution of mouthwash and water and rub it all over your clean feet.

9. Coconut Oil

The combination of coconut oil and Cedarwood Essential oil makes an excellent home remedy to get rid of foot odour.

Why Does It Work

Coconut oil kills bacteria because of the presence of lauric acid in it. Cedarwood oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties making it a good remedy for the purpose.

What All You Have To Do

• To one tablespoon of coconut oil, add 4 to 5 drops of Cedarwood oil.
• Mix properly and apply this mixture to your feet.
• Massage it well until absorbed through the skin.
• Let your feet dry before walking to avoid slipping or falling.
• Follow this remedy every day till your feet stop smelling.

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What Else Can Be Done To Get Rid Of Foot Odour

Below mentioned steps can be followed for preventing foot odour.

• Wash your feet with antibacterial soap every day after removing your shoes.
• Pat dry your feet properly or dust them with talcum powder before putting on socks and shoes.
• Change your socks every day.
• Wear cotton socks rather than polyester ones.
• Do not wear the same shoes daily. Keep two or three pairs of shoes in rotation.
• Let your feet breathe by going barefoot at home.
• Wear open-toed shoes or sandals that let your feet to breathe.
• Keep your shoes in a bright and well-ventilated area.
• Changes in diet can also prove helpful to combat food odour. Avoid diets high in refined carbohydrates. Reduce consumption of alcohol and cigarette smoking.

So, these are the ways by which you can know how to get rid of smelly feet. However, the key is to make foot care a regular part of your hygienic routine.