7 benefits of soaking your feet in vinegar

6 Benefits of Soaking Your Feet in Vinegar

Thanks to the acetic acid in vinegar, in addition to controlling infections, neutralizing bad odors, and softening the skin, you can hydrate your feet and calm itching.

Last update: 15 December, 2022

Even though our feet are responsible for carrying us around all day, we often neglect them until we develop some kind of health problem. Did you know that soaking your feet in vinegar can help? Your feet are regularly exposed to dryness, bacteria, fungi, cracked skin, and other such factors. These can lead to a series of problems over the long term, making this part of the body unattractive and unhealthy. But did you know that apple cider vinegar can help?

Indeed, apple cider vinegar is a food rich in acids and antifungal compounds that regulate the pH of the skin. Therefore, in this article, we’ll tell you its benefits for the dermis and why it’s a good idea to use it as a treatment.

1. It fights fungus

The acetic acid in vinegar helps eliminate fungi that can cause problems such as athlete’s foot or yellow toenails. Its anti-fungal and antibacterial action controls infections. It also creates a protective barrier against future attacks by these microorganisms.

Once you do get to see the doctor, don’t be surprised if you’re rushed out of the exam room before you get all of your questions answered, according to healthcare staffing agency Staff Care. Studies show that 41% of ophthalmologists spend just 9 to 12 minutes with a patient, and 13- to 16-minute appointments are the norm for 40% of cardiologists, 37% of pediatricians, 35% of urologists, 35% of family physicians, 34% of obstetricians and gynecologists and 30% of otolaryngologists.

How should you use it?

• First, add a cup of vinegar to a bowl of warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Repeat this treatment two to three times a week.

2. It smooths the skin

The exfoliating action of vinegar removes dead skin cells that make your feet feel dry and rough.

How should you use it?

• Just soak your feet in a bowl of water and vinegar for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. It soothes itching

A pH imbalance can cause dry skin or an overgrowth of foot fungus. Both of these conditions can make your feet very itchy.

An allergic reaction to the materials in your shoes and socks can also cause itching.

Fortunately, apple cider vinegar can relieve this uncomfortable symptom and control the original problem.

How should you use it?

• Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar with warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes.
• Repeat this treatment every day if necessary.

5. It neutralizes bad odors

• The acids found in vinegar reduce moisture and also inhibit the growth of bacteria.
• As a result, applying vinegar to your feet is a natural way to stop annoying odors.

How should you use it?

• Mix two parts water with one part vinegar in a bowl and soak your feet for 15 minutes.
• If the odor is still strong, add several drops of tea tree essential oil.
• Be sure to clean your shoes and socks before you wear them again.

6. It softens corns and calluses

Calluses on the feet can form due to the excessive accumulation of dead cells and the continuous friction caused by some types of footwear. The acetic acid in this product acts as an exfoliant and emollient. Therefore, it is ideal for removing dead skin and softening calluses.

Soaking your feet in vinegar can moisturize your skin after this liquid is absorbed. Over time, it improves the appearance of the feet.

How should you use it?

• Combine equal parts white vinegar and warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Repeat this treatment every night. Using a pumice stone can enhance the effectiveness of this treatment.

Are you ready to take care of your feet with this wonderful ingredient? Now that you know how beneficial it is. Therefore, don’t hesitate to take it into account in your beauty routine!

• Darshna Yagnik et al. “Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression”, Sci Rep . 2018; 8: 1732.
• Gopal J et al. “Authenticating apple cider vinegar ‘s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect”, Nat Prod Res. 2017 Dec 11:1-5. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567.
• Mota AC et al. “Antifungal Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar on Candida Species Involved in Denture Stomatitis”, J Prosthodont. 2015 Jun;24(4):296-302. doi: 10.1111/jopr.12207. Epub 2014 Sep 14.

The contents of this publication are for informational purposes only. At no time can they serve to facilitate or replace the diagnoses, treatments, or recommendations of a professional. Consult with your trusted specialist if you have any doubts and seek their approval before beginning any procedure.

7 benefits of soaking your feet in vinegar

Vinegar has long been a standard solution to many aches and pains. When it comes to your feet, vinegar has been known to help with fungal problems, foot odor, athlete’s foot, and more. The acidic properties of vinegar can even help soften dry skin on your feet, helping against cracked heels just by soaking your feet in vinegar.

The most common vinegar used to soak your feet is plain white vinegar, available at any grocery store. In addition to using white vinegar, other vinegars may be perfect for what ails your feet.

These instructions for soaking feet in vinegar can help you with painful and annoying foot problems to eliminate, until you get soft feet in a matter of weeks.

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7 benefits of soaking your feet in vinegar.

No matter what type of vinegar you use (although organic apple cider vinegar is best), make sure the tub or container is spotlessly clean before you begin.

Don’t worry about the vinegar smell, as it will soon dissipate. The following recipes for a good healing vinegar foot soak have proven that your feet will look and feel better.

1. Soak feet in vinegar for fatigued feet.

If you’ve been on your feet all day, this soothing mix will help ease aches and pains. In a large bathtub, combine 1 cup of Epsom salts, 1 cup of sea salt, 1 cup of vinegar, and ½ cup of dried lavender.

Mix everything together with large amounts of warm or hot water.

2. For athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot can be a smelly, itchy mess. Relieve it with five cups of apple cider vinegar for every gallon of water used. Soak your feet for at least ten minutes to help relieve the itchiness and itching caused by athlete’s foot.

Do this every day for ten days. When you remove your feet from the water, finish with a cotton ball dipped in vinegar and wipe it all over the affected areas.

3. Soak them in vinegar for a bad smell of feet.

To help combat foot odor, combine two parts water with one part vinegar in a foot bath. You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for this.

Add several drops of thyme oil to the water as well – this helps alleviate the smell. Also, you can try using a mixture of four cups of water, four cups of vinegar, and half a cup of baking soda dissolved in the liquid.

Use this foot soak in vinegar for 15-20 minutes. Remember that you should never use this recipe if you have open sores, scratches or cuts on your feet. Make sure to dry your feet well, especially between the toes.

4. Soak feet in vinegar for warts and corns.

Vinegar is also known as acetic acid, which is a mild exfoliator. This can help decrease the appearance of corns and warts. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water, then soak your feet.

You can also alternate between soaking by soaking your feet in hot water for five minutes to soften them, then soaking in pure apple cider vinegar for 15 minutes to work on corns and warts.

Also, you can apply a cotton ball soaked in vinegar to the problem area, put on a gauze or bandage and leave it there overnight.

Also, you can use a delicate brush on the parts of your foot that are very sensitive, such as the top of the foot or on the ankle. When you’re done, use a good moisturizer on your feet. Do this twice a day for smooth and supple skin.

6. For nail fungus.

Mix two parts of water with one part of vinegar and soak your feet in it for 15 minutes every day. Apple cider vinegar is best as it has anti-fungal properties.

Also, you can use a splash of Listerine in the water to help speed up the healing of the fungal problem.

7. For regular foot care use vinegar.

For daily foot care, try a foot soak made from two gallons of warm water, 1 cup of white vinegar, and a few drops of essential oils. Soak for 45 minutes twice a week, then rub your feet gently with a pumice stone.

Don’t forget to hydrate afterwards. And remember, never use the same solution more than once – always use a fresh solution each time.

Warnings about soaking feet in vinegar.

Although soaking feet in vinegar can be very good for most people, there are times when it should be avoided.

If you have open wounds, scratches, or cuts on your feet, don’t use the vinegar foot bath. If you have diabetes or other conditions that affect blood flow to your feet, be very careful when you have a foot problem.

In most cases, you will need to consult a doctor and get an opinion before using vinegar on your feet in this way. If you use the vinegar soak on a regular basis and start to notice a rash, redness, itching, or irritation, these water baths can be irritating to your feet.

This is especially true if you have one of the problems listed above. In order to solve this problem, you can reduce the frequency of using this treatment, or you can decrease the amount of vinegar in the solution until it feels comfortable for you.

But if the irritation doesn’t go away, it’s time to stop soaking your feet in vinegar and speak with a doctor before resuming them.