How to Do a Foot Detox and Help Smelly Feet

Have you ever been sitting on the couch and noticed a foul smell—only to realize your own feet are the culprit? The fact is, most of us have come face-to-face (hopefully not literally) with smelly feet at one point or another. Turning to Google in search of a solution, will lead you to stumble upon beauty trends like detox foot pads, baths, and patches—a lot to wrap your head around. If you’re wondering how to get rid of smelly feet with the help of a foot detox, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’re sharing how to do a foot detox (along with other valuable information you should know about foot detoxes), so you can put a stop to your smelly feet issue.

WHAT IS A FOOT DETOX?

Before we tell you how to detox your feet, let’s talk a little bit about the different types of foot detoxes. There are two options that are commonly talked about.

#1. Detox foot patches and pads. According to the Mayo Clinic, detox foot pads are stuck to the bottom of your feet for an overnight treatment that’s meant to draw out toxins like heavy metals. While this sounds great in theory, per the Mayo Clinic, no scientific studies have been published proving the effectiveness—or safety—of detox foot pads. So, if you’re wondering if detoxing your feet really works, this beauty fad may be just that—a fad.

#2. Detox foot baths. Another popular foot detox option is a detox bath. This involves soaking your feet (we’ll dive into detail on this in a bit) for a thorough cleanse to get rid of a buildup of bacteria that’s causing your feet to smell. While the benefits of a foot detox bath may not sound as satisfying as removing toxins like heavy metals, it can help get rid of that odor. Speaking of…

WHAT CAUSES SMELLY FEET?

Before we get into how you can make your feet stop smelling with a detox foot bath, let’s talk about what causes smelly feet in the first place. Bacteria and fungi thrive in hot, moist, and dark environments, per the Cleveland Clinic, which is why smelly feet are typically caused by a combination of closed-toe shoes and hot weather or a sweaty workout. The Cleveland Clinic explains that foot odor is caused by the smelly acid byproduct that comes from the bacteria on your skin and in your shoes, eating your sweat. Gross, we know.

Editor’s note: Just in case you were wondering, smelly feet could be a sign of athlete’s foot, but smelly feet alone doesn’t mean you have the condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, athlete’s foot usually causes a red, scaly rash on the foot that begins between the toes. If you think your feet go beyond just being stinky and you might have athlete’s foot, make an appointment with your doctor.

HOW TO DO A FOOT DETOX AND HELP SMELLY FEET

Ready to give yourself a detox foot bath? Here’s what to do!

STEP #1. MAKE YOUR MIXTURE

Ever wonder, “Does vinegar help smelly feet?” Yes! The Cleveland Clinic states that your foot soak mixture can be made using vinegar and water or Epsom salt and water.

To make a vinegar soak…combine two parts warm water with one part vinegar in a tub or large bowl.

To make a salt soak…dissolve half a cup of Epsom salt into a tub or large bowl of warm water.

STEP #2. SOAK YOUR FEET

If you opt for vinegar, once a week, soak your feet in the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes. You can use white or apple cider vinegar. Prefer Epsom salt? Soak for 10 to 20 minutes.

3 WAYS TO AVOID SMELLY FEET

A foot detox isn’t the only way to stop smelly feet. Here are three options for avoiding smelly feet in the first place, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic.

#1. KEEP YOUR FEET DRY

One of the main culprits of smelly feet is moisture. Make sure to keep your feet as dry as possible, along with your socks and shoes. If your feet tend to get sweaty, keep an extra pair of socks on-hand.

#2. CLEAN YOUR SHOES

If you notice your shoes are smelly, you can use a general all-purpose disinfectant spray to clean them and nip the odor in the bud. Look for one that contains sanitizing ingredients like ethanol.

#3. TRY A POWDER

If you know your feet have a tendency to sweat, use an over-the-counter antiperspirant or sprinkle some corn starch into your shoes. This will keep your feet dry!

Speaking of smells, This Is How to Make Your Mane Smell Great.