Foot Powder & Spray Recipes: {Odor Helpers}

 Print     Email

Looking for remedies to combat foot odor? I have a few different recipes below for making your own powders along with a DIY herbal spray. If you have a chronic problem and find your shoes get ruined frequently because of the lingering smell, I added a tip at the bottom of the page that may help you save them.

Try Beating The Odor Blues With These Tips

Mix these up and store in a shakeable container then dust feet as needed (don’t forget in between the toes). Powder can also be used for shoes. Sprinkle then leave overnight, empty shoes before wearing. Container Ideas: Use an old baby powder container or an old seasonings container that is cleaned & dried first.

Recipe #1

1/4 cup boric acid powder (for its antiseptic qualities)
1/3 cup unscented talcum powder
1 TBS powdered alum

#2

1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup baking soda
Peppermint Essential Oil (approx. 12-14 drops)

• Mix well and set aside overnight to dry thoroughly. If there are lumps in the mixture once it’s dry, you can sift.
• Store in an airtight container and use as needed.

#3

1/2 cup orris root powder*
16 drops tea tree oil
16 drops lavender essential oil

• Mix well and set aside overnight to dry. Sift out lumps. Rub on feet as needed. Sprinkle in shoes and footwear.

*Can substitute with baking soda

Herbal

Freshen up your tootsies with this foot spray, you can also this on the inside soles of your sandals or shoes to remove odors (test an area first for discoloration):

Materials Needed:

Mason Jar
Small handful of fresh mint leaves (about 1/4 cup)
1 cup Distilled Water
1 cup Vodka
1/2 tsp. Tea Tree Oil

Directions:

• Gently rinse the mint leaves under running water then roughly rip the leaves into big chunks and put in the bottom of a sterilized mason jar.
• Bring to a boil the distilled water then pour the hot water over the leaves in the jar. Seal the jar and set in a sunny spot for 24 hours (shake vigorously once in the morning and once at night).
• After 24 hours strain the water and throw out the leaves, keeping just the infused water.
• Add vodka and the 1/2 tsp of Tea Tree oil to the water. Shake well then pour into spray bottle. Spray feet as needed, shaking bottle before each use.

You could also substitute the fresh mint leaves with 1/2 tsp. of your favorite mint essential oil, just add it to the vodka, water and tea tree oil–shake spray bottle before each use.

Optional: Try tossing in some fresh lemon peel with the mint when covering with boiling water.

Tip: Sweaty Feet and Stinky Shoes

If you have a problem with sweaty feet and have ruined more than one pair of shoes with the smell, you can try this tip:

• Clean inside the shoes as best you can with soap and water (if they’re machine washable–throw them in there).
• Once thoroughly dry, double bag the shoes and stick in freezer overnight. This will help kill the bacteria and fungi.
• Once thawed and back to room temperature, spray with your choice of vinegar, cider vinegar, rubbing alcohol, vodka, or Pine-Sol. Try covering the entire inside of the shoe.
• Once dry, dust with your favorite foot powder.