12 Natural Solutions to get Rid of Foot Odor

Foot odor, also known as bromodosis, is a common condition caused primarily by the interaction between sweat and bacteria. Your foot don't create any odor even the sweat itself is odorless, but when it comes into contact with bacteria it begins to create foul smell. When feet sweat, it creates a warm, damp environment that is perfect for bacteria and fungi to thrive. These microorganisms break down sweat and dead skin cells, releasing fatty acids and other compounds that emit a foul smell. By understanding the main reasons behind this problem you can easily get rid of this embarrassing problem. Let's have a look on some common causes behind foul foot odor :

Common Causes For Foul Foot Odor

1. Sweat and Bacteria

• Sweat: Feet have more sweat glands than any other part of the body (about 2,50,000 per foot). When sweat accumulates in shoes and socks, it provides a warm, moist environment for bacteria to thrive.

• Bacteria: The bacteria that naturally live on your skin break down the sweat and dead skin cells, producing waste products like fatty acids. These compounds often emit a foul smell.

2. Poor Hygiene

If feet aren't washed regularly or if socks and shoes aren't changed frequently, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria build up, leading to odor. Not drying feet properly after washing can also contribute to the smell.

3. Fungal Infections

• Athlete's foot: This is a fungal infection that thrives in damp, warm environments. It can lead to redness, itching, peeling skin, and a musty smell, often accompanied by cracked skin.

• Other Fungal infections: Fungi can also grow between toes or on the soles of feet, leading to both infection and odor.

4. Tight or Non-breathable Footwear

Wearing shoes that don't allow your feet to breathe (such as plastic, rubber, or tight shoes) traps moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow.

5. Synthetic Socks

Socks made from synthetic materials (like polyester or nylon) don't wick moisture away from the skin as well as natural fibers like cotton or wool. This can trap moisture and lead to bacterial growth, which causes smell.

6. Diet and Lifestyle

Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, or spicy foods, can cause your sweat to take on a stronger odor. Alcohol and caffeine can also increase sweating, contributing to foot odor.
Smoking can also affect body odor, including foot odor.

7. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can increase sweating, leading to stronger foot odor.

8. Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Some people naturally sweat more than others, a condition called hyperhidrosis. This excessive sweating, if not managed properly, can result in a stronger smell because of the bacteria feeding on the sweat.

9. Medical Conditions

• Diabetes: Poor circulation and nerve damage can lead to foot issues, including an increased risk of infection and odor.

• Thyroid disorders or metabolic disorders: In rare cases, metabolic imbalances can cause more intense body odor, including foot smell.

10. Foot Injuries or Wounds

If you have cuts, blisters, or wounds on your feet, bacteria can enter and cause infection, which can lead to an unpleasant smell.

However, you can get rid of this problem simply by following some natural solutions which are given below:

12 Natural Solutions to get Rid of Foot Odor

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid, which can kill the bacteria and fungi that often cause foot odor.The acidic nature of ACV helps balance the pH on your feet, creating an environment that is less conducive to the growth of odor-causing microbes.ACV can neutralize odors by breaking down compounds that contribute to the smell, rather than just masking it.

Ingredients:

• 1 part apple cider vinegar
• 2 parts warm water

Instructions:

• (i) Fill a basin or tub with warm water and add the apple cider vinegar.
• (ii) Soak your feet in the solution for 15-20 minutes.
• (iii) After soaking, dry your feet thoroughly, as moisture can contribute to odor.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil targets the bacteria and fungi that thrive on your feet, especially in warm, damp environments like socks and shoes. Tea tree oil has a fresh, herbal scent and can help neutralize odors instead of just masking them. It can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin and may aid in healing any minor fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot.

Ingredients:

• 5-10 drops of tea tree oil
• 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt (optional, for additional soothing)
• Warm water (enough to cover your feet)

Instructions:

• (i) Fill a basin with warm water and add the tea tree oil (and Epsom salt, if using).
• (ii) Stir the water to mix the oil and salt evenly.
• (iii) Soak your feet in the solution for 15-20 minutes.
• (iv) Dry your feet thoroughly afterward, especially between the toes, to prevent moisture buildup.
• (v) If foot odor is accompanied by itching or peeling skin, tea tree oil can be especially helpful for treating fungal infections like athlete's foot. However, if symptoms persist, you may need to consult a healthcare professional.

3.  Epsom Salt

Epsom salt can be an effective and soothing remedy for foot odor.Epsom salt has natural antibacterial properties that can help reduce bacteria and fungi on the feet, which are often the culprits behind the smell. Epsom salt can help relax your feet, soothe sore muscles, and may even help draw out toxins from the skin, reducing the environment that bacteria thrive in.The magnesium in Epsom salt may help improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier feet overall and reduce the risk of infection or irritation. The coarse texture of Epsom salt can gently exfoliate dead skin cells, reducing buildup where bacteria can grow, especially between the toes.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 to 1 cup of Epsom salt
• Warm water

Instructions:

• (i) Fill a basin or tub with warm water (enough to cover your feet).
• (ii) Add the Epsom salt to the water and stir to dissolve.
• (iii) Soak your feet in the solution for 15-20 minutes.
• (iv) After soaking, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, as moisture can promote further odor.
• (v) For best results, try soaking your feet with Epsom salt 2-3 times a week. Regular foot care helps prevent the buildup of odor-causing bacteria.

4. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice's natural acidity helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that thrive on your feet, especially in the warm, moist areas like between the toes. Lemon juice neutralizes odors by breaking down the compounds that cause the smell, instead of just masking it. Lemon juice can help tighten and refresh the skin on your feet, leaving them feeling clean and revitalized.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 to 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
• Warm water

Instructions:

• (i) Fill a basin or tub with warm water enough to cover your feet.
• (ii) Add the lemon juice to the water and stir.
• (iii) Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.
• (iv) After soaking, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, as moisture can cause further odor.
• (v) If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first to make sure lemon juice does not cause irritation, as it is acidic and could potentially cause a reaction in some people.

5. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has natural antiseptic qualities that can help kill bacteria and fungi, which are the main culprits behind foot odor. Witch hazel is a natural astringent, meaning it tightens the skin and helps reduce sweating, which can reduce the damp environment where bacteria thrive. It has a cooling, calming effect on the skin and can help reduce irritation or inflammation, which is especially helpful if your feet are sore or prone to conditions like athlete's foot. Witch hazel can help balance moisture on your feet by removing excess oil and sweat, which can contribute to odor.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1 tablespoon of water (to create a paste)

Instructions:

• (i) Mix the witch hazel, baking soda, and water into a paste.
• (ii) Gently scrub the paste onto your feet, paying attention to the soles and between the toes.
• (iii) Leave it on for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to absorb, then rinse off with warm water.
• (iv) Dry your feet thoroughly.

6. Cornstarch

Cornstarch acts as a natural moisture absorber, soaking up sweat from your feet. Since moisture is one of the primary causes of foot odor, keeping your feet dry is essential for preventing bad smells. Cornstarch can also help reduce friction between your feet and shoes, preventing irritation and blisters, which can lead to further foot odor. While cornstarch itself doesn’t directly kill odor-causing bacteria, it creates a dry environment that prevents bacterial growth.

Ingredients:

• Cornstarch (as much as needed)

Instructions:

• (i) Sprinkle cornstarch generously on clean, dry feet.
• (ii) Rub it onto the soles of your feet and between your toes.
• (iii) Wear clean socks afterward to help keep the powder in place and your feet dry throughout the day.
• (iv) You can repeat this process as needed, especially if you’re prone to sweating or if your feet become moist during the day.

7. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help kill the bacteria and fungi that cause foot odor.The natural scent of coconut oil is mild and pleasant, which can help mask foot odor and leave your feet smelling fresh. Plus, its antibacterial properties help eliminate the root cause of the smell.  While coconut oil doesn’t directly stop sweating, its ability to create a thin layer on the skin can help reduce the amount of moisture that accumulates, which is a primary cause of foot odor.

Ingredients:

• Virgin coconut oil (about 1-2 teaspoons)

Instructions:

• (i) Take a small amount of coconut oil and rub it between your palms to warm it up.
• (ii) Massage the oil into the soles of your feet, between your toes, and any areas where you tend to get dry or cracked skin.
• (iii) Leave it on for at least 20-30 minutes, or overnight if you prefer, for deep moisturization.
• (iv) You can also wear socks after applying the oil to keep it from rubbing off, especially if you apply it before bed.
• (v) While coconut oil can help with foot odor, it’s still important to maintain good overall foot hygiene, such as washing your feet regularly and drying them thoroughly.

8. Mint Tea

Mint, especially peppermint, has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that help kill the bacteria and fungi responsible for foot odor. The menthol in mint has a cooling effect, which can soothe tired or sweaty feet while also offering a fresh, pleasant scent that can mask or eliminate odors.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 peppermint tea bags (or 1 tablespoon of dried mint leaves)
• 4 cups of hot water

Instructions:

• (i) Boil 4 cups of water and steep the mint tea bags (or dried mint leaves) for about 10 minutes.
• (ii) Once the tea has cooled to a comfortable temperature, pour it into a basin or foot bath.
• (iii) Soak your feet in the mint tea for 15-20 minutes.
• (iv) Gently rub your feet together while soaking to help release oils and increase absorption.
• (v) After soaking rinse off your feet with cool water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

9. Green Tea

Green tea contains polyphenols (particularly catechins like EGCG), which are known to have antibacterial and antifungal effects. These compounds can help reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungi, which thrive in warm, damp environments like the feet.Green tea has a mild astringent effect, which can help tighten the skin and reduce sweat production, potentially minimizing one of the main causes of foot odor.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 bags of green tea

Instructions:

• (i) Brew two or three bags of green tea in a large bowl or basin of hot water. Let it steep for about 10-15 minutes to extract the beneficial compounds.
• (ii) Once the tea has cooled to a comfortable temperature, soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.
• (iii) This soak can help disinfect your feet, reduce bacteria, and provide relief from odor.
• (iv) Dry your feet thoroughly after a green tea soak.

10. Rosemary

Rosemary contains compounds like rosmarinic acid and essential oils (e.g., camphor, eucalyptol) that have proven antibacterial and antifungal effects. These can help reduce the bacteria and fungi that often cause foot odor. The aromatic compounds in rosemary can mask and neutralize unpleasant foot odors, leaving feet smelling fresher. Rosemary is known to stimulate blood circulation, which can help improve overall foot health and provide relief from swelling or tiredness in the feet.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tablespoons of dried rosemary (or a few drops of rosemary essential oil)
• 4-5 cups of warm water

Instructions:

• (i) Add the dried rosemary (or essential oil) to warm water in a basin or large bowl. If using essential oil, add 10-15 drops.
• (ii) Soak your feet in the mixture for 15-20 minutes, allowing the rosemary to work its antibacterial, antifungal, and deodorizing magic.
• (iii) Dry your feet thoroughly afterward.

11. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains compounds such as saponins and anthraquinones, which have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. These can help reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi on your feet, which are often the primary causes of foot odor. Aloe vera has a mild, neutral scent that can help mask foot odor. It works by neutralizing the acids produced by bacteria, rather than just covering up the smell.

Ingredients:

• Aloe Vera Gel

Instructions:

• (i) After washing and drying your feet thoroughly, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to your feet, focusing on areas that tend to get sweaty or smelly, like the soles, heels, and between the toes.
• (ii) Let it absorb and leave it on for the day or overnight if you apply it before bed. Wear socks to prevent the gel from rubbing off on your bedding. Aloe vera will help keep your feet moisturized, while its antibacterial properties fight odor-causing bacteria.

12. Clove Oil

Clove oil has potent antimicrobial properties, which can help kill the bacteria and fungi that thrive in the warm, moist environment of your feet. By reducing the microbial growth, clove oil can help eliminate one of the main causes of foot odor. Clove oil has a strong, spicy, and sweet fragrance that helps mask foot odors. It can leave your feet smelling fresh and pleasant while tackling the underlying cause of the odor. Clove oil has mild analgesic (pain-relieving) properties that can soothe sore feet. It also has a warming sensation that can improve blood circulation, helping reduce fatigue or discomfort from long hours of standing or walking. The anti-inflammatory properties of clove oil can help reduce irritation and inflammation, which is beneficial if your feet are swollen, sore, or irritated due to sweating or friction.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 drops of clove essential oil
• 1/2 cup of Epsom salts (optional, for added soothing effect)
• Warm water (enough to cover your feet)

Instructions:

• (i) Fill a basin or tub with warm water.
• (ii) Add the clove oil and optional Epsom salts to the water, and stir to mix.
• (iii) Soak your feet in the solution for 15-20 minutes. This will help eliminate odor-causing bacteria, while also soothing and refreshing your feet.
• (iv) Finally dry your feet thoroughly.