Vinegar can protect against bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microbes. Soaking the feet in a vinegar-water solution may help manage odor and infections, though more research is necessary.

Vinegar can have a variety of uses, such as in cooking, cleaning, and alternative medicine. This is because vinegar contains acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties.

The skin on the feet is susceptible to developing problems because of dehydration and exposure to environments where bacteria or fungi can grow. Soaking the feet in a vinegar solution may be beneficial for helping manage some conditions.

However, research is currently limited. A person should contact their doctor for advice before adding a vinegar foot soak to their treatment plan. They should also avoid soaking their feet if they have any wounds or open sores on their feet.

Read on to learn about the possible health benefits of soaking the feet in vinegar, as well as the possible risks, and how to make a vinegar foot soak.

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Bad foot odor can result from sweating, which can build up around the feet. Some people find their feet sweat even when they do not engage in exercise or other strenuous activity.

Sometimes, foot odor is made worse by the growth of bacteria and fungi on the feet and in footwear.

Because vinegar is antimicrobial, soaking the feet in a vinegar bath may help to kill the bacteria or fungi contributing towards foot odor.

University Hospitals recommends mixing two parts warm water with one part vinegar, and soaking the feet for up to 20 minutes.

Clean the feet with a regular, soft soap before and after soaking.

Learn more about remedies for foot odor.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection. It affects the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, moist environment for the fungi to grow. It often develops between the toes and causes the skin to become dry, sensitive, and susceptible to damage.

As vinegar has antifungal properties, soaking the feet in an apple cider vinegar foot bath could helpTrusted Source fight off fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot.

However, more research into the benefits of vinegar soaks for athlete’s foot is necessary. Medications are still the most effective form of treatment for athlete’s foot.

Warts are skin growths caused by a viral infection. The virus that causes warts is the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is possible to pass warts from one person to another through close contact with the skin.

Warts can occur on the feet. As vinegar has antimicrobial properties, it is possible that a vinegar soak could help treat or prevent the growth of warts on the feet. Some people report that soaking the wart in apple cider vinegar can help with wart removal.

However, there is currently no scientific research that vinegar can fight infections caused by viruses, such as HPV.

Vinegar is generally safe when a person uses it in moderate quantities. People should still use vinegar with caution, however.

A 2015 reportTrusted Source highlights a case of an adolescent receiving a chemical burn on her nose after applying apple cider vinegar to try to remove a mole.

A person should not use a vinegar soak or apply vinegar to the skin if they have open sores or wounds.

People who have diabetes should avoid using vinegar for foot problems. Although diabetes can cause a range of foot conditions, includingTrusted Source warts and athlete’s foot, these will often require specialist care.

Make a vinegar foot soak with the following steps:

  1. Fill a basin with 1 cup of vinegar.
  2. Add 2 cups of warm water.
  3. Continue to add 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water until the basin is full enough to cover the feet.
  4. Soak the feet for up to 20 minutes at a time.

Repeat this process daily or until foot problems disappear.

The type of vinegar a person uses is unlikely to make a significant difference in the effectiveness of the soak. However, it may be better to avoid herbal or fruit vinegar, as they contain additional ingredients.

It is important to contact a doctor for advice if foot problems do not resolve or if they worsen.

Currently, there is little substantial evidence to support using vinegar foot soaks to treat foot problems.

However, some people use vinegar soaks to manage foot odor, athlete’s foot, and warts.

A person should contact a doctor if they notice any new or worsening symptoms. The doctor can help them create a suitable treatment plan, and advise on whether a vinegar foot soak may help.