Homemade Antifungal Foot Powder

Do you struggle with stinky, smelly feet? Or does someone in your family have the problem and the odor from their shoes makes you want to gag?

This effective homemade antifungal foot powder can reduce the stench from sweaty shoes and moisture on your feet. The naturally antibacterial ingredients work to control Athletes Foot, as well as every day stinky shoes.

We have tested this talc-free powder against one of our favorite natural foot powders and have been very happy with it! Not only is it great for foot odor, but it really soothes sweaty, hot feet.

My DIY foot powder is made in small batches so that the active ingredients don’t lose their power. The recipe does not use a stabilizer to keep the powder from clumping, but I have not experienced any clumping of the dry ingredients at all.

If you live in a humid or wet environment, the dry powder might start to clump. However, you could just give it a good shake or stir to break up any clumps and use as normal.

FAQs

Is This an Antifungal Foot Powder?

Many of the ingredients in this foot powder are natural anti-fungals, which mean they could kill fungus such as Athlete’s Foot.

Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. It is more common when feet are sweaty and in tight fitting shoes.

Can This Powder Be Used in Shoes?

Yes! Use this odor-killing foot powder in stinky shoes before or after wearing. It is great for:

Running sneakers
Hiking boots
Work boots
Dance shoes
Hockey shoes

The powder can also be used directly on your feet.

Can I Substitute Cornstarch for Arrowroot Powder?

Arrowroot is a great substitution for cornstarch. It works in the same way to thicken a product and to absorb moisture. Arrowroot is often preferable for anyone with corn allergies or sensitivity. It is made from a tropical plant and is all natural.

Many cornstarch brands use genetically modified ingredients, which are called GMOs. They could also be heavily processed with unwanted chemicals.

If you would like to use cornstarch instead of arrowroot, look for a Non-GMO cornstarch that is as pure as possible.

Why Do I Need to Use Zinc Oxide?

Zinc oxide is great for controlling foot odor. Zinc is a natural antibacterial that kills the bacteria that thrive on sweat and cause smelly feet. Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral found in nature. It is present in every cell in our body.

For more than 100 years, zinc oxide has been used in medicated foot powders. It is also a common ingredient in baby ointments, powders and creams. Zinc oxide

Why Do I Need to Use Lemon Peel?

Lemon is naturally antibacterial and can kill odor-causing microbes. Dried lemon peel is used in this foot powder because it is a dry mixture without any liquids. Lemon juice would be used in a wet foot soak in the same way. The lemon peel also adds a fresh scent that deodorizes stinky feet and shoes.

What Does the Cinnamon Do in the Foot Powder?

Cinnamon is a well known antimicrobial ingredient and can kill bacteria. It also has a fresh, spicy scent to get rid of odors. Use a powdered cinnamon that you would find in the spice aisle.

You might also like my wellness foot bath recipe that uses cinnamon sticks.

Can I Use a Different Type of Essential Oil?

Lavender is well known for its beneficial properties of being an antifungal and antibacterial. It also smells wonderful and will help cover and eliminate smells. However, for a less floral scent you can substitute other essential oils that have the same antibacterial properties, such as tea tree, lemon, or grapefruit essential oils.

DIY Foot Powder Recipe For Smelly Shoes

This recipe makes around 1/4 cup or 2 ounces of powder. Depending on how often you use the powder, this batch should last about 2 months.

Supplies

2 Tablespoons Arrowroot Powder
1 Tablespoon Zinc Oxide Powder
1 Tablespoon Baking Soda (ideally aluminum free, like this one)
2 Teaspoons Lemon Peel Powder
½ Teaspoon Powdered Cinnamon
4 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Directions

Mix all of the ingredients together until completely smooth. You can mix in a bowl with a spoon. Or you can mix with a mortar and pestle for the smoothest consistency.

Add the mixture to a jar with an airtight lid. (We add a small amount to a shaker jar when we’ll be using it for easy application.)

To use, shake a bit of the foot powder on your feet and in between your toes and rub it in. You can also shake the powder into your shoes before or after wearing.