Vinegar Foot Soak: Benefits and How To Make One

Foot soaks are great for a relaxing evening after a long day on your feet.

But, as it turns out, if you add in some vinegar, they may have some positive effects on certain common foot conditions as well.

In this article, we will cover just what foot conditions might be helped by a vinegar foot soak, how to make one, and how often you can use one.

What does a vinegar foot soak do for your feet?

Athlete’s Foot:

Athlete’s Foot is an annoying and irritating foot fungus condition that normally consists of red, raw, itchy, and peeling skin in between your toes.

Vinegar may help remedy the situation since vinegar contains acetic acid which has moderate antifungal abilities, potentially helping to stamp out mild cases of Athlete’s Foot.

Foot Odor:

Foot odor is a common affliction, but depending on just how intense those microbes are thriving down there, it can become an embarrassing situation.

Foot odor normally occurs from the bacteria that are living on the foot and in between the toes.

The acetic acid found in vinegar acts as a mild natural antibacterial agent that may help keep those smelly microbes at bay and keep your feet smelling fresher.

Foot Warts:

While vinegar is unlikely to fully clear those stubborn foot warts, it may act as a natural exfoliant to help clear away some of the overlying rough skin and help wart treatments get to the root of the wart better.

Dry Feet:

This one may work better in moderation, as excessive vinegar soaks may make feet more dried out.

But, soaking dry feet on occasion in a vinegar and water foot soak may help hydrate and soothe the area or make the rough, cracked, skin soft enough to remove easily.

How to make a vinegar foot soak?

The best way to make a foot soak is to dilute the vinegar with water and pour it into a foot soak container.

To make a 1 to 2 parts mixture of vinegar to the water, mix one cup of vinegar with two cups of water, and continue adding into the container in those same proportions until you have enough liquid to cover the tops of your feet.

If you want to make a more dilute solution, you will likely not cause any harm, but you will use up more vinegar and have a more intensely smelling solution.

The 1:2 ratio of vinegar to water solution will have an intense vinegar smell, and the smell may be even more apparent if you are using very hot water.

The vinegar smell on your feet will likely dissipate within a short amount of time after the feet have been thoroughly dried.

What kind of vinegar to use for a foot soak?

Most kinds of vinegar tend to have similar amounts of acetic acid in them, so choose a vinegar that works best for you, is the most inexpensive, or that you have around.

However, you may want to stay away from intensely colored kinds of vinegar to avoid staining.

Also avoid bottles of vinegar with fruits, herbs, or spices in them to avoid unnecessary extra particles and ingredients in your foot soak.

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are most commonly used for foot soaks.

How long to soak feet in a vinegar foot soak?

You can soak your feet in a foot soak for 10-20 minutes, although soaking for longer will likely not cause any harm.

How often should you use a vinegar foot soak?

You can use a vinegar foot soak once daily, but if your feet seem to be getting worse, or are irritated by the vinegar, then stop using the vinegar foot soak.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.