I’m going to let you in on a little secret that we try to keep in the closet at the Bren Did homestead. Unfortunately, the secret has been leaking out every time we open the shoe closet door. The secret? Stinky feet!
This post uses affiliate links, see Policies and Disclosures for more information.
Fess up… there is some undesirable foot odor in your home too. Want to banish the smelly feet and destroy shoe foot odor? This easy No More Stinky Feet Spray is an all-natural way to quickly cure stinky feet and prevents smelly shoes.
Why Feet Smell
Foot odor is caused by warm, sweaty toes and the bacteria that love them. The bacteria grow in the warm, damp environment created by your feet in shoes and continue to grow and flourish in the closet.
Wham-o… overpowering stinky feet smell when you open the closet door or sniff the inside of your shoes.
Curing Stinky Feet
There is a simple, effective, all natural way to get rid of foot odor:
- Vodka and tea tree oil.
1) Vodka contains ethanol, a non-toxic antiseptic which kills bacteria.
- You can also using rubbing alcohol in this mix, which is isopropyl alcohol with some water and additives to make it smell and taste bad. I prefer using vodka due the synthetic fragrance chemicals contained in rubbing alcohol.
2) Tea tree oil is both antibacterial and antifungal according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Stinky Feet Spray Directions
To make the foot spray simply mix:
- ¼ cup (2 ounces) of Vodka (I buy the cheapest vodka available, 80 proof or more)
- 3 or 4 drops of Tea Tree Oil (This is the brand I use.)
- In a dark glass spray bottle (Use a dark glass container to prolong effectiveness and prevent plastic leaching.)
To use: spritz onto bottom of feet and in between toes, pat dry or air dry.
Stinky Feet Spray Cost
This solution costs about $0.72 for 2 ounces.
- $0.26 an ounce for Vodka (I buy the cheapest vodka available, $9 for a liter)
- $0.20 for Tea Tree Oil (this is the brand I use)
Cost Comparison
A similar natural alternative on Amazon costs $16.00 for 4 ounces. That’s $4.00 an ounce! You’re saving more than $5 by making your own and you know exactly what it contains.
Other Stinky Feet Solutions
- Use No More Stinky Feet Spray to deodorize shoes! It works great in sturdy waterproof shoes like Keens and Crocs.
- Make all-natural Cooling and Deodorizing Foot and Shoe Powder to deodorize more delicate shoes.
- Make all-natural Easy Cooling Foot and Leg Butter to soften feet and keep them smelling great.
Got extra vodka from making this recipe? Use it to clean!
- It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere window cleaner
- Lemon Infused Disinfecting Cleaner, perfect for cold and flu season!
I hope this natural foot odor cure keeps your feet smelling sweet.
Like my all-natural body care tutorials, sign up for my newsletter and never miss a thing!
Bren Did Newsletter Subscribers Get Access!
thebarak
When vodka dries up it leaves sticky sugar behind. So your alternate, the rubbing alcohol is a much better idea than using vodka.
Tessa
In your athlete’s foot post you mentioned that you spray the shoes with a mixture of vinegar/vodka/tea tree oil. Is the vinegar a necessary component or is this recipe sufficient? Before I stumbled on your site I was spraying my son’s work boots with straight vinegar. He hated how that smelled and was quite happy when I mixed up this new mixture yesterday; I added some lemon EO to mask the tea tree smell. But will it kill the germs in there? We also started treating his feet with the almond oil and tea tree oil last night.
Bren
You could use this recipe too. Just be careful to test so you do not damage shoes.
Tory
Hello can i use this formula with calamansi or lemon? Thanks a lot!
Bren
You can try adding other oils to the mix but tea tree is necessary to kill the bacteria that causes foot odor.
Jess
Bren –
can this foot spray be used to kill foot fungus in shoes from athlete’s foot. I’d rather use natural vs. lysol.
Anne P
What is the shelf life of this?
Bren
It lasts several months in a dark glass bottle or stainless steel spray bottle.
Melissa
So glad you wrote about this!! I cannot wait to try it. My boy’s shoes are the worst. Can you spray it tennis shoes as well?
Bren
Thanks Melissa! Yes, I use it in tennis shoes as well. I spray it in at night so they have a bit of time to air dry before being used again. I also use this diy deodorizing foot powder to sprinkle in smelly shoes if you prefer a non-liquid solution. It works equally well!
bridget
No. It’s not chemical-free. EVERYTHING IS MADE OF CHEMICALS.
Bren
You’re 100% correct Bridget, I should be more specific and say it is free of synthetic, man-made chemicals/substances.
Amanda
I am obsessed with this spray!!! I went to the nail salon yesterday and found out once polish was removed that I have fungus on my big toe. One half of my toe nail is living up. 🙁 so I used the powder and this spray to clean my shoes. I used the spray for my feet. Added a little backing soda to the spray. All I know is my feet feel so fresh!!!!! Like omg! I am applying tea tree oil a couple times a day to the infected toe, and I also sprayed my feet after the shower. And my feet are so fresh!!
Bren
I am so glad you like the spray, Amanda. It is a lifesaver for warm months when toes are on display! Have you tried Cooling Foot and Leg Butter? It’s heaven at night and keeps your feet so soft.
Debbie Rutherford
I don’t have vodka..so how do I make this with rubbing alcohol for now??
Bren
Just substitute rubbing alcohol for the vodka.
Patti
Does this affect your blood alcohol content?! oils rubbed on the feet reach the brain in less than a minute, crossing the blood-brain barrier. I would think this would affect BAC. What if someone gets a random drug test at work? I know it’s “only” a 1/4 cup; but, still…
Bren
Patti,
I am not sure of the affect on blood alcohol level. This foot spray is similar to cologne or perfume which is 10-40% alcohol. You should only use on spritz per foot not the entire solution.
Anita
This sounds that our youngest son needs this every time he come to our house and takes his shoes off the smell gets worse even if he’s wash them that day we all complain about the smell
Bren
I hope it works for you!