Summer in India can be brutal — the heat, the sweating, and the overpowering smells. If you’ve ever taken off your shoes after a long day and nearly gagged, trust me, you’re not the only one. Foot odour becomes a lot more common during the summer months, thanks to all the sweating and humidity. But don’t worry—you don’t need fancy foot sprays or expensive creams to fix it. A few simple home remedies, using things you probably already have in your kitchen, can help you get rid of smelly feet.

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Why do feet smell more in the summer?

Our feet have thousands of sweat glands. When the temperature rises, our body tries to cool down by sweating, especially if we’re wearing closed shoes, sneakers, or even chappals that don’t let air pass through properly. Now, sweat itself doesn’t smell. It’s the bacteria on your skin that break down sweat and produce that unpleasant smell.

In India, with the stifling humidity in many regions and the dust and grime, it gets even easier for bacteria to multiply. So, if you’re wearing the same shoes every day or walking a lot in the heat, foot odour can become a real struggle.

Easy home remedies to get rid of foot smell

Good news: You don’t have to rush to a chemist. Most of the solutions are sitting in your kitchen or bathroom already.

1. Tea soak

Black tea contains tannins, which help kill bacteria and close up pores, reducing how much you sweat.

How to use tea for foot odour:

Boil two tea bags in about a litre of water. Let it cool until it’s comfortable to touch, then soak your feet in it for 20 minutes. Do it daily for a week—you’ll definitely feel the difference.

2. Baking soda scrub

Baking soda is a natural deodoriser. It absorbs bad smells and also scrubs away dead skin.

How to use baking soda for foot odour:

Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste. Scrub it on your feet gently, especially between the toes. Rinse off after 5 minutes. You can also sprinkle dry baking soda inside your shoes at night to absorb smells.

3. Vinegar foot bath

Vinegar creates an acidic environment where bacteria can’t survive easily.

How to use vinegar for foot odour:

Mix one part vinegar (apple cider vinegar is ideal, but white vinegar also works) with two parts warm water. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. Avoid this if you have any cuts or cracks on your feet because vinegar can sting.

4. Essential oil dab

Essential oils like tea tree oil or lavender oil have natural antibacterial properties and can be used to get rid of smelly feet.

How to use essential oils for foot odour:

Add a few drops of the oil to warm water and soak your feet. Or, mix a few drops into coconut oil and apply it on clean feet at bedtime.

5. Cornflour powder

Cornflour acts like a natural talcum powder, soaking up sweat before it becomes a problem.

How to use cornflour for foot odour:

Lightly dust your clean, dry feet with cornflour before wearing socks or shoes. It’s especially useful if you have to wear shoes for long hours at the office or while travelling.

Foot odour in the Indian summer is super common, but it’s totally manageable. With these home remedies at hand, you can enjoy the season without giving your feet a second thought!

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