An at-home foot soak is an easy way to relax and recharge after a long day. It also allows you to focus on your oft-neglected feet, which work hard all day.
These DIY foot soak recipes are simple enough to whip together at a moment’s notice, yet luxurious enough for you to feel as if you’ve indulged in a therapeutic spa treatment.
To make use of the foot soak ideas below, be sure to have these basics:
- Tub. For each soak, you’ll want a bathtub, a large, shallow washbasin, or foot tub.
- Towel. Have a towel, bath mat, or drying cloth nearby, too.
- Time. Soak for 15 to 60 minutes.
- Warm water. Have some additional hot water available to freshen up the water if you’re not using a bathtub.
- Cool water. Finish each foot soak with a cool water rinse.
This Epsom salt soak is a fantastic option for days when your feet are tender, uncomfortable, and asking for relief. Absorbed through the skin, the magnesium in Epsom salt promotes relaxation while relieving tension, pain, and inflammation.
Sore feet foot soak ingredients
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 5–20 drops essential oil of choice, such as peppermint, lavender, or rosemary (optional)
- 6 tsp. carrier oil (optional)
What to do
- Dissolve the salt in a tub of hot water.
- Blend the essential and carrier oils.
- Add the mixture to the bath.
For exfoliation
Soften up dry, dead skin with this recipe. The Epsom salt acts as a gentle exfoliant, plus it can help to treat fungal infections and prevent foot odor.
Exfoliating foot soak ingredients
- 1–3 fresh lemons
- 1–3 cups vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 3 cups Epsom salt
What to do
- Add vinegar to a tub of warm water.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice.
- Use the insides of the peels to gently clean toes and feet.
- Before adding the salt to the bath, rub it on your feet using light circular motions.
- After soaking your feet, use a pumice stone, exfoliating brush, or washcloth to gently remove excess dead skin.
For better circulation
Stimulate your blood circulation, relieve stagnation, and bring your body into balance with this invigorating foot soak.
According to research, essential oils can get your blood flowing, ease tension, and boost your mood, while the hot water helps to relieve inflammation.
Invigorating foot soak ingredients
- 1/2 cup ground or freshly grated ginger
- 5–20 drops essential oil of choice, such as lemon, lemongrass, or clary sage
- 6 tsp. carrier oil
What to do
- Add ginger to a bowl of boiling water.
- Slowly add it to the tub of water.
- Combine the essential and carrier oils before adding them to the bath.
To moisturize
Soft, smooth feet are within reach. The moisturizing properties of honey and coconut milk will leave you in for a sweet treat.
Moisturizing foot soak ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp. cinnamon powder
What to do
- Dissolve the honey and coconut in a small bowl of boiling water.
- Slowly add the mixture to the tub of water.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon powder into the water.
Detox foot soak
Aside from anecdotal evidence, there isn’t research to support many of the claims of detox foot soaks, even those that include detox ingredients.
However, if you’re set on cleansing your body, go ahead and give a foot soak a whirl since it most likely won’t cause harm. Keep it simple with these natural ingredients and avoid buying into expensive products that promise drastic results.
Since metal can reduce the effectiveness of bentonite clay, avoid using it to measure or mix the paste.
Detox foot soak ingredients
- 2 tbsp. bentonite clay
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
Steps for foot soak
- Mix the clay with the apple cider vinegar until you have a slightly thick consistency.
- Add more liquid or clay to get the right balance.
- Apply this paste to your feet for at least 10 minutes or until it’s completely dried.
- Dissolve the salt into the tub of hot water.
- As you soak your feet, allow the clay to naturally dissolve and come off your feet.
- Use an exfoliating brush, pumice stone, or washcloth to gently remove any excess.
For relaxation and aromatherapy
When your ultimate goal is to relax and unwind, this recipe is just the ticket. According to a 2018 study, adding essential oils to your soak may help to relieve stress and anxiety, and put you in a more positive state of mind.
Aromatherapy ingredients
- 2 tbsp. carrier oil
- 5–20 drops of essential oils of choice
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- 1/4 cup dried flowers, such as rose, chamomile, and lavender
Steps for foot soak
- Mix the carrier and essential oils in a large bowl.
- Add in the other ingredients to create a mixture.
- Slowly dissolve the mixture into the tub of hot water.
- If you have any leftover, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
The after-party
Afterward, follow up with your favorite moisturizer.
- To relieve soreness, use gentle thumb pressure as you slather on a thick layer of lotion, petroleum jelly, or oil.
- Wear socks to bed to retain the moisture.
- Elevate your feet for at least 20 minutes before drifting off to sleep.
Safety tips
Here are a few safety considerations to keep in mind:
- Ensure the water is the correct temperature before submerging your feet.
- Avoid foot soaks if you have any open sores, cuts, or ulcers on your feet.
- Don’t use a razor or scraper to remove dead skin.
- Use smaller amounts of the ingredients if you have very dry or sensitive skin.
- Talk to your doctor if you take any medications or have any health concerns.
The takeaway
Soak up all of the relaxing vibes in the comfort of your home with these DIY foot soaks. They’re a simple, enjoyable way to sit back, take a break from a world that’s always in motion, and give yourself the attention you deserve.
Last medically reviewed on December 17, 2019
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- 4 ways you can avoid stinky feet. (2019).
health.clevelandclinic.org/4-sure-fire-ways-you-can-avoid-stinky-feet/ - Ali B, et al. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. DOI:
10.1016/j.apjtb.2015.05.007 - Reynolds J, et al. (2018). Using aromatherapy in the clinical setting: Making sense of scents.
americannursetoday.com/aromatherapy-clinical-setting/ - Warm water works wonders on pain. (n.d.).
arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/tips/warm-water-therapy.php
