18 Easy and Cheap Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot

2. Salt and Vinegar Soak

A salt and vinegar soak can help create an environment that makes it harder for fungus to grow. The acidic nature of vinegar, combined with salt’s drying effect, can support cleaner and drier feet, which is important for managing athlete’s foot.

To prepare for the soak, fill a bowl or tub large enough for your feet with warm water. Add one cup of white vinegar and half a cup of salt. Stir until the salt dissolves, then soak your feet for about 10 to 15 minutes. Do this once or twice a day until your skin starts to improve. After soaking, dry your feet completely, including the spaces between your toes.

Use a separate towel for your feet to reduce the risk of contamination. You may feel mild stinging if your skin is cracked. If the sensation becomes too uncomfortable, use less vinegar or shorten the soaking time.

3. Bleach Soak

A bleach soak may help disinfect the feet and reduce the growth of the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. Bleach has strong cleaning properties that can kill bacteria and fungi on surfaces, but it must be used carefully to avoid irritating the skin.

To prepare the soak, mix 1 tablespoon of regular household bleach with 1 gallon of warm water. Stir well so the bleach is evenly diluted. Soak your feet for 5 to 10 minutes only, keeping the time short to protect your skin. After soaking, rinse your feet thoroughly with clean water and dry them completely with a clean towel. Avoid this soak if you have cuts, open blisters, or cracked skin, as bleach can sting and may slow healing. Always use a fresh solution for each soak rather than reusing old mixtures.

4. Salt Soak

A salt soak is a simple and affordable way to help relieve the discomfort of athlete’s foot. Salt creates an environment that makes it harder for fungus to grow. It also helps dry out excess moisture that the infection needs to thrive.

To prepare for the soak, fill a basin or bowl with warm water. Add about two handfuls of regular table salt or sea salt, then stir until dissolved. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes, making sure the water covers only the affected areas. After soaking, dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes.

You can use this soak once daily until your skin begins to improve. If your skin becomes too dry or irritated, reduce how often you use it. Always put on clean socks afterward and try to keep your feet cool and dry throughout the day.

5. Grapefruit Seed Oil

Grapefruit seed oil is a natural extract made from the seeds and pulp of grapefruits. It has mild antimicrobial properties that may help limit the growth of fungus on the skin. Before use, mix a few drops of grapefruit seed oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil. Diluting it helps the oil spread more evenly and reduces the risk of skin irritation.

Apply the mixture to clean, dry skin twice a day. Continue using it for several days after your symptoms begin to improve. Some people find it helpful to test the blend on a small patch of skin first to check for sensitivity. If your skin becomes red, itchy, or irritated, stop using the oil and allow your skin time to recover. Store grapefruit seed oil in a cool, dry place with the container tightly closed. Proper storage helps prevent the oil from breaking down and losing its effectiveness.

6. Garlic

Garlic is known for its natural antifungal properties, which can help control fungal growth on the skin. It contains a compound called allicin that can slow the spread of fungi. Many people use garlic as a home remedy for athlete’s foot when applied carefully.

To try it, crush two to three fresh cloves and mix them with a small amount of olive or coconut oil. Apply the mixture thinly to the affected skin and leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse the area with warm water, then dry your feet completely. Repeat this once a day for several days until your skin begins to improve.

For a gentler option, some people prefer soaking their feet in warm water mixed with crushed garlic cloves. This allows the compounds to reach between the toes without direct contact.

7. Olive Oil

Olive oil can be used as a simple home remedy to help soothe dry, cracked skin caused by athlete’s foot. It keeps the skin soft and helps reduce irritation that often develops when the area between the toes becomes rough or flaky. Olive oil also forms a light barrier on the skin, which can help keep moisture out of affected spots.

To use it, start by washing and drying your feet thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of olive oil to the affected area using clean fingers or a cotton ball. Allow it to absorb into the skin for about 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water and dry your feet completely. You can repeat this process once or twice a day.

For extra support, you may mix olive oil with a small amount of tea tree oil or coconut oil. Both have natural antifungal properties that may help limit fungal growth. Before using any mixture, test it on a small patch of skin to make sure your skin does not react negatively.

8. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a simple and inexpensive option that may help ease some discomfort linked to athlete’s foot. It works by absorbing excess moisture, which can reduce the damp environment fungi need to thrive. It may also help soothe mild itching and leave your feet feeling cleaner.

One way to use baking soda is by making a paste. Mix about two tablespoons of baking soda with a small amount of water until it forms a smooth texture. Apply the paste to the affected areas, such as between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water and dry your feet thoroughly, making sure no moisture remains between the toes.

Another option is a foot soak. Add half a cup of baking soda to a basin of warm water and soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes. After soaking, rinse your feet and dry them carefully. If you wear shoes for long hours, sprinkling a small amount of baking soda inside them can help absorb sweat and reduce odor.

9. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is a natural essential oil that may help with athlete’s foot because of its mild antifungal and antibacterial properties. It comes from the lavender plant and is commonly used to soothe the skin and reduce irritation.

You can find it in most stores that sell essential oils. To use lavender oil safely, mix a few drops with a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil. Apply the blend to clean, dry feet, focusing on the areas between the toes where the athlete’s foot often begins.

Diluting the oil helps it spread more evenly and protects your skin from irritation, since pure essential oils can be strong when used directly. For best results, apply the diluted oil twice a day and keep your feet dry throughout the day.

Many people like lavender oil because it has a gentle scent and can help calm itchy skin. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to warm water for a brief foot soak to help freshen your feet while easing discomfort.

10. Oregano Leaves

Oregano leaves can be used as a gentle home option that may help with athlete’s foot. They contain natural compounds such as thymol and carvacrol, which may reduce fungal growth on the skin and make it harder for the fungus to thrive.

A common way to use oregano leaves is as a foot soak. Boil a handful of fresh or dried leaves in water for about 10 minutes. Let the liquid cool slightly, then soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. After soaking, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. Keeping the area dry is important because moisture can allow the fungus to spread.

You can also use oregano tea as a rinse after washing your feet. Some people choose to add a few drops of oregano essential oil to warm water, but essential oils can irritate the skin if they are not properly diluted.

11. Onion Juice

Onion juice can be used as a simple home option for athlete’s foot because onions contain natural compounds that may help fight fungi and bacteria. These compounds may reduce irritation and slow the growth of the fungus responsible for this condition.

To prepare onion juice, peel and blend one onion until smooth. Strain the mixture through a clean cloth or filter to separate the liquid. Apply the juice to the affected areas using a cotton ball and leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Rinse with warm water, then dry your feet thoroughly. You can repeat this process once or twice a day until your skin begins to improve. Avoid walking barefoot in public places such as locker rooms or shared showers, since damp surfaces can allow the fungus to spread.

If your skin becomes irritated, stop using onion juice and allow your skin to rest. While this method may help mild cases, more persistent symptoms may require products or guidance recommended by a healthcare professional.

12. Cinnamon

Cinnamon can be used as a simple home option that may help with athlete’s foot. It has natural properties that may slow the growth of fungi and bacteria on the skin. While it is not a replacement for antifungal treatments, it can be a helpful addition to good foot care.

A common way to use cinnamon is as a foot soak. Boil several cinnamon sticks in water for about 10 minutes, then allow the water to cool until it is warm but not hot. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes once a day. This may help reduce odor, itchiness, and mild irritation. After each soak, dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes.

You can also support this remedy by practicing good daily hygiene. Wear clean cotton socks, change them if they become damp, and avoid walking barefoot in public places. Let your shoes air out between uses or replace old pairs to help reduce the risk of reinfection.

13. Neem Oil

Neem oil comes from the seeds of the neem tree and has long been used for various skin concerns. It contains natural compounds that may help slow fungal growth and support skin recovery. You can find neem oil in health stores or online, and a small bottle often lasts a long time when used properly.

To use neem oil, begin by cleaning and drying your feet thoroughly. Place a few drops on a cotton ball or your fingertips and gently apply it between your toes and on any dry or cracked areas. Let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse or wipe away any excess oil. You can repeat this twice daily for best results.

If you prefer a gentler option, mix neem oil with a small amount of coconut or olive oil. This helps reduce the risk of irritation and makes application easier. Always test the mixture on a small patch of skin first to check for sensitivity.

14. Ginger

Ginger can be used as a simple home option to help care for your feet because it has natural antifungal properties. When used regularly, it may help reduce fungal growth and ease mild irritation. Fresh ginger root is easy to find and simple to prepare at home.

A common way to use ginger is as a foot soak. Cut about one ounce of fresh ginger into small pieces and boil it in two cups of water for around 10 minutes. Let the liquid cool until it is warm, then strain it. Soak your feet in the ginger water for 15 to 20 minutes.

After soaking, dry your feet completely, especially between the toes. You can repeat this soak once or twice a day until the irritation begins to lessen. Ginger may also help ease mild itching or a burning sensation.

15. Olive Leaf

Olive leaf can be used as a natural option for managing athlete’s foot. It contains plant compounds that may help slow the growth of fungi on the skin. When used regularly, it may help reduce redness, irritation, and surface discomfort.

Many people use olive leaf as a tea or extract. To apply it, start by washing and drying your feet thoroughly. Soak a cotton ball in cooled olive leaf tea and gently dab it onto the affected areas. Let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes, then wipe away any excess and allow your feet to air-dry before putting on clean socks or shoes.

Fungus thrives in damp environments, so washing daily, drying well between the toes, changing socks often, and wearing breathable footwear can help reduce the risk of reinfection. Some people also take olive leaf as a supplement, but it is best to seek medical advice before using any supplement regularly.

16. Mustard

Mustard can be used as a simple home option to help manage athlete’s foot. Mustard seeds and mustard powder contain natural compounds that may help slow the growth of fungi and bacteria on the skin.

When used in a foot soak, mustard may help reduce itching, odor, and mild irritation. To make a soak, fill a basin with warm water and stir in one tablespoon of mustard powder. Soak your feet for about 20 minutes, then dry them carefully, especially between the toes. You can repeat this once a day until your skin begins to feel better.

If you prefer using mustard seeds, grind a small amount and mix it into warm water before soaking. Avoid using very hot water, as it can irritate cracked or sensitive skin. If your skin becomes red, sore, or more irritated after trying mustard, stop using it and switch to a gentler option such as salt water or vinegar soaks.

17. Yogurt

Yogurt may help soothe the skin and support recovery from athlete’s foot because it contains live cultures, which are beneficial bacteria that can help limit fungal growth and ease irritation. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt with live cultures, as flavored or sweetened varieties may worsen irritation.

Let the yogurt reach room temperature before use. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. Apply a thin layer of yogurt to the affected areas and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then pat your feet dry with a clean towel.

18. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can help create an environment that makes it harder for fungus to survive. Its natural acidity may help reduce fungal growth and ease mild itching or irritation. It is also inexpensive and easy to include in your daily foot care routine.

To make a foot soak, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water in a clean basin. Soak your feet for about 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry your feet completely, especially between the toes. Keeping the skin dry afterward is important because fungus grows best in moist areas.

If your skin feels sensitive or starts to sting, try diluting the mixture with more water. You can also lightly dab diluted apple cider vinegar onto affected areas using a cotton ball. Avoid using it on open cuts or broken skin, as this can cause irritation.