Washing feet with salt and baking soda: why to do it and its benefits according to experts

Washing your feet with salt and baking soda might sound simple, but it can transform your foot care routine in ways you never expected. Imagine melting away the stress of a long day on your feet while giving your skin a deep clean and refresh. Experts in podiatry back this easy practice, highlighting how a basic foot soak can deliver surprisingly powerful benefits.

If you’ve ever overlooked foot care, this might be the gentle nudge you need to start.

Benefits of washing feet with salt and baking soda

Both salt and baking soda are natural ingredients packed with properties that promote healthy skin, especially on your feet. This humble foot bath is known for its antiseptic and disinfectant qualities, helping to get rid of bacteria and fungi that thrive, particularly if you spend long hours in closed shoes.

Another amazing perk? It acts as a natural deodorizer. Baking soda balances the skin’s pH, reducing excessive sweating and neutralizing unpleasant odors. Plus, it gently exfoliates, softening hardened skin and removing dead cells to leave your feet feeling fresh and smooth.

Soaking your feet in this combination gives them a deeper cleanse than regular washing, helping maintain their health and vitality.

How salt and baking soda foot soak helps tired and dry feet

After a long day on your feet, you know the feeling of soreness and swelling can be relentless. A soak in warm water mixed with salt and baking soda doesn’t just refresh—it relaxes tired muscles and reduces inflammation, improving circulation in your feet and ankles.

This soak also plays a preventive role by protecting against common fungal infections like athlete’s foot, thanks to its natural antimicrobial effects. If you battle calluses or cracked heels, these ingredients help soften the skin, making it easier to smooth rough patches with a pumice stone or foot file afterward.

Personally, I remember trying this soak after a weekend of hiking. Not only did my feet feel lighter and less swollen, but the rough skin I usually get on my heels started to peel away gently in the days that followed—no painful scrubbing required. That experience made me a firm believer in the soothing power of such simple home remedies.

How to prepare and use your foot soak with salt and baking soda

Getting started is straightforward: fill a basin with warm water — enough to cover your feet comfortably. Add 2 tablespoons of coarse salt and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Stir until the ingredients dissolve fully.

Soak your feet for about 15 to 20 minutes. Take your time to relax during this moment of self-care. When done, pat your feet dry and finish by applying a moisturizing cream to lock in softness.

Specialists recommend doing this foot bath once or twice per week for the best results, particularly if you have issues like excessive sweating, tiredness, or hard skin. If problems persist or worsen, it’s wise to reach out to a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your situation.

Beyond your feet, these ingredients can enhance your overall personal care routine too. For example, baking soda mixed with olive oil or honey can act as a gentle exfoliant for hands and body. You can also prepare a natural mouth rinse by diluting baking soda in water to freshen breath, or add these to bathwater to soothe muscles and relieve stress.

However, people with very sensitive skin, open wounds, infections, or circulation problems such as diabetes should consult their doctor before trying this treatment. Overuse may also lead to drying out the skin, so balance is essential.

Have you ever tried soaking your feet with salt and baking soda? What was your experience? Share your thoughts or tips below—your stories might inspire someone else to give their feet the care they deserve!