A foot soak is a great way to soothe sore feet at the end of a long day, prepare your feet for callus removal or ease muscle cramps in your feet and ankles. Foot soaks are available in many health and beauty stores, but you can save money by making your own with ingredients found right inside your bathroom or kitchen. Making your own foot soak also enables you to customize the ingredients to suit your mood or specific foot ailment.
Step 1
Fill a deep basin about half full with warm water. Avoid using hot water, which can cause skin dryness and irritation. Leave enough room at the top of the basin for adding hot water during your soak if the water becomes cold.
Step 2
Dissolve about 1/2 cup of Epsom salt in hot water. Mix the solution well, and then pour it into the basin of water. Use a large plastic spoon or your hand to mix the solution into your foot soak to prevent hot spots in the water. Epsom salt is a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate that offers several benefits when used in a foot soak. The Epsom Salt Council states that magnesium sulfate improves muscle function, reduces inflammation, eases pain and cramps and helps flush toxins from the body.
Step 3
Lay a towel on the floor, and place the basin of water on top of it. The towel will catch any minor spills and prevent your floor from becoming wet.
Step 4
Add baking soda, honey or essential oils, such as tea tree or peppermint, to your foot soak. Baking soda and honey will help soothe dry skin. Tea tree oil is beneficial if you suffer from athlete's foot or toenail fungus, and peppermint oil is refreshing and helps improve circulation to tired feet.
Step 5
Wash your feet with soap and warm water to remove any dirt or debris before placing them in the basin. This will ensure the water in your foot soak remains as clean as possible.
Step 6
Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes or until the water turns cold. Add an additional cup of hot water as needed to warm the water. Do not leave your feet in the soak for longer than 30 minutes. Doing so can worsen dry skin.
Step 7
Use a pumice stone on rough or callused areas to remove hardened, thick skin. Rub your skin in circular motions using gentle pressure. Rinse the pumice stone periodically to remove dead skin flakes.
Step 8
Dry your feet thoroughly with a clean towel, and then apply an oil-based moisturizing ointment to your skin. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics states that oil-based moisturizers seal water inside the stratum corneum layer of the skin, softening and hydrating the skin to prevent flaking, itching and cracking.
Things You'll Need
- Deep basin or large pot
- Epsom salt
- Two clean towels
- Baking soda
- Honey
- Essential oils
- Pumice stone
- Oil-based moisturizer
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