We all know how embarrassing and annoying it can be to deal with smelly feet. Medically this is called bromosis. Bad smelling feet are mostly caused by bacterial growth and excessive sweating. While there are several ways you can deal with this problem, the most effective way to deal with smelly feet and ensure your feet smell fresh every day is to prevent the development of odor caused by bacteria by keeping your feet clean.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Soak your feet in water and baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is an effective ingredient for removing bad foot odor because it can neutralize the pH of your sweat and reduce bacteria on your feet.
- Add baking soda to warm water (one tablespoon per cup of water) in a bucket or basin for soaking the feet.
- Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes every night for about a week. To add a refreshing aroma to the soaking water, squeeze a lemon and add it to the baking soda and water. Wipe your feet dry completely after soaking.
- You can sprinkle baking soda on your shoes and socks to get rid of any odors.
Step 2. Use black tea to get rid of smelly feet
The acid in the tea kills bacteria and closes the pores on your feet, so your feet stay dry, free from bacteria.
- Pour a few cups of very hot or boiling water into a bucket or meatball to soak the feet.
- Add 4 black teabags, or two bags per cup of water.
- Let the tea bag soak in the boiling water for 10 minutes. Then add a few cups of cold water to lower the temperature of the water so it's comfortable for your feet.
- Soak your feet for 20 minutes. Do this once a day, making sure you dry your feet completely after soaking them.
Step 3. Try soaking your feet in vinegar
Vinegar can remove odors and create an acidic environment that blocks the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
- Fill a bucket or basin with 5-8 cups of warm water. Add cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Put your feet in the bucket, stir the mixture and soak your feet for 15 minutes, twice a day.
- Make sure you thoroughly clean and dry your feet after soaking them. The trick, wash your feet with cold water and wipe with a towel.
Step 4. Use Epsom salt (English salt) to reduce sweat on your feet
Epsom salt minimizes unpleasant odors on your feet because it fights infections caused by microbes and neutralizes many odors. In addition, Epsom salt is very good for reducing aches and pains in the feet.
- Mix two cups of Epsom salt into warm water in a bucket or basin.
- Soak your feet for 15 minutes, twice a day. For best results, soak your feet before bed, when you don't have to wear socks or shoes for several hours.
Step 5. Apply lavender oil on your feet
Lavender oil will not only make your feet smell good, but it will also kill the bacteria on your feet, thereby preventing bad odors from developing.
- Before trying this remedy, always check to make sure the oil is not irritating your skin. The trick is to drip one drop of oil to one part of your body. If there is no reaction or itching occurs after a few minutes, apply the oil.
- Apply a few drops of lavender oil and massage your feet before going to bed.
- You can also make a lavender oil bath by dripping some of the oil into warm water in a bucket or basin where you soak your feet for 15-20 minutes, twice a day.
Step 6. Try soaking with sage and rosemary
Sage is an extraordinary herb because it contains antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, as well as its astringent properties. Rosemary is also an oil-reducing herb that has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it can help reduce oil production from your sweat glands.
- If your feet aren't too sweaty, the odor-causing bacteria won't like living there. In addition, the two herbs will make your feet smell good and feel fresh.
- Fill a bucket or basin with several cups of boiling water. Add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary and 1-2 teaspoons of dried sage leaves to the water.
- Let the herbs soak until the water cools down a bit, but is still warm so it's comfortable to soak your feet in.
- Soak your feet for 30 minutes, one to two times a day.
Method 2 of 3: Using Professional Products
Step 1. Apply Hibiscrub soap to your feet
This special antibacterial soap is very effective at killing bacteria that cause bad odor on the feet.
- Hibiscrub soap can be purchased online or at the nearest drugstore.
- Wash your feet with Hibiscrub soap in a bucket or basin, and let the soap lather on your feet for about 2 minutes before you wash them.
- Use the soap once in the morning and once before going to bed. Your feet will smell fresh within a week of using this soap.
Step 2. Buy a special powder for feet
There are many foot powders available in the market, for example Gold Bold and Dr. Scholl's Odor X-Foot Powder, which controls odor and reduces itching on your feet.
Step 3. Put a spray deodorant or antiperspirant on your feet
The usual deodorant for underarms can also be used on your feet as well as products for the feet, at a lower price.
Step 4. Get a prescription from your doctor for foot powder and ointment
Doctors can prescribe tougher powders and ointments to get rid of foot odor, as well as antiperspirants to reduce excessive sweating, if over-the-counter medications don't help.
Step 5. Consult your doctor if you feel that you are sweating too much
Your doctor may refer you to a treatment called iontophoresis, which delivers a weak electric current through water to your feet to combat excessive sweating.
Method 3 of 3: Prevent Smelly Feet
Step 1. Wash your feet daily and dry them well
Use lukewarm water to wash your feet and make sure you dry your feet well after showering or washing your feet. Moisturizers can encourage the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Step 2. Change your shoes so you don't wear the same shoes every day or several days in a row
The smell from your feet can linger on your shoes, so let them out for at least 24 hours.
- To make your shoes dry quickly, take the insole of the shoe, if possible.
- Avoid wearing plastic shoes as they make your feet unable to breathe. Instead, wear shoes made of leather, canvas, or a special layer commonly used for sports shoes (sports mesh).
Step 3. Change your socks every day
It's a good idea to wear thick, soft socks made of breathable materials such as cotton or wool.
- Nylon socks are less suitable for preventing smelly feet because they can't make your feet breathe and sweat.
- Look for socks that can keep your feet dry, which are usually worn by people who exercise. Such socks have ventilation holes to keep your feet dry.
- You can also switch to antibacterial socks, which are coated with chemicals that inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria on your feet.
Step 4. Dust your feet frequently with baby powder or foot powder
This will help refresh your feet, and prevent itching and odor.
Step 5. Get medicated insoles for your shoes
This insole is specially made to combat foot odor as it keeps your shoes smelling fresh when your feet sweat and can also absorb some of the sweat.
An insole made of cedar is also very effective because it is made of cedar wood which is natural and antifungal. The insole also has a menthol scent and inhibits mold growth
Step 6. Wear sandals in summer or during warm weather
This will prevent your feet from sweating too much in your shoes and reduce the development of odor-causing bacteria.
Step 7. Observe for any infection in your feet and have it checked
Look between your toes and the soles of your feet for redness, dryness, or cracks. Treat immediately if there is a fungal infection so it doesn't spread.
