DIY Foot Scrubs – 20 Recipes To Pamper Your Tired Feet

Give your feet the much-deserved exfoliating therapy in the comfort of your home.

Medically reviewed by Vd. Babita Sharma, BAMS
Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA  • 

You have come to the right place if you are looking for the best DIY foot scrub recipes to soften and smoothen your feet. This article has prepared a list of quick and easy DIY foot scrubs. You can make one of these easy foot scrubs right in your kitchen.

Winter is a period when we should be extra gentle with our feet in terms of foot health. For example, our winter boots could often produce foot odor, and colder weather can aggravate various painful foot issues. So, be creative and prepare your DIY foot remedies from the comfort of your home to take extra care of your feet.

But, before we go any further, let’s try to figure out how a pleasant foot scrub or foot massage might aid you. Keep scrolling.

What Is A Foot Scrub?

A foot scrub involves exfoliating the skin on the soles of your feet with the help of specialized products, such as foot scrubs, DIY mixtures, or other home remedies. During a foot scrub, the practitioner uses gentle massage techniques with a scrub to revitalize one’s tired feet. These scrubs may often contain natural exfoliants such as salts, sugars, or pumice that help soften and rejuvenate your skin. Besides leaving your feet visibly smoother and silkier, it is also a wonderfully relaxing ritual. And it’s not just about pampering your feet – a good foot scrub can promote better blood circulation and provide relief from the muscle tension that accumulates after a long day on your feet.

A more detailed list of its benefits is given in the next section. Take a look!

Benefits Or Uses Of A Foot Scrub

  • Massaging your feet with a scrub boosts blood circulation, which helps relieve aches (1).
  • Massaging your feet relaxes your mind and body, thus relieving stress (1).
  • It exfoliates and removes calluses, dead skin cells, and dirt, making your feet look and feel amazing.
  • It soothes the foot pain and discomfort caused by walking or standing for long hours (1).

Your feet take a beating every day. So, why not shower them with some love? Here are some DIY recipes for amazing foot scrubs to use in your self-care routine.

20 Homemade DIY Foot Scrubs You Can Try

Before you jump to the recipes, here are a few tips that you need to keep in mind:

  • Do a patch test with the foot scrub to check for allergic reactions, especially if you are using essential oils.
  • Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes before using a scrub. This will enhance the massage experience.

Now, let’s check out the recipes.

1. Peppermint Foot Scrub With Epsom Salt

You Will Need
  • 1 cup Epsom salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil
  • 3-4 drops peppermint oil
Method
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a glass jar.
  2. Scrub your feet for 10 minutes with this mixture. Leave it on for another 10 minutes.
  3. Wash and follow up with a moisturizer.
How It Works

Peppermint oil relieves aches and pain (2). Coconut and olive oils soften the feet and moisturize them (3). This scrub is great for tired feet and is suited for all skin types.

Amanda, a blogger, shared her experience of using her homemade peppermint foot scrub for her feet in the blog. She said, “My feet felt smooth and hydrated when I was finished ().”

Caution

Do a patch test before using peppermint oil.

2. Coconut Oil And Salt Foot Scrub

DIY coconut oil foot scrub
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 cup salt (use Epsom or any bath salt)
  • ¼ cup of coconut oil
  • 3-4 drops of any essential oil
  • ¼ cup vitamin E oil (optional)
Method
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and store it in a jar. Keep it aside for a few days.
  2. Use the mixture to scrub your feet gently for at least 20 minutes.
How It Works

This is the best DIY foot scrub for cracked heels. It is safe for all skin types and rejuvenates your feet. Coconut oil is excellent for healing many skin conditions by keeping the skin moisturized. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and protects the skin barrier (4).

3. Brown Sugar And Olive Oil Exfoliating Foot Scrub

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 drops of essential oil (chamomile or peppermint)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
Method
  1. Combine the sugar, olive oil, and baking soda in a bowl.
  2. Add the essential oil and scrub your feet with the mixture.
  3. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes and then wash it off.
  4. Follow up with a moisturizer.
How It Works

This is the simplest of all DIY foot scrubs, but it does an amazing job of keeping your feet happy and moisturized. The sugar granules gently scrub the skin, and the essential oils comfort your feet.


protip_icon Did You Know?
Ancient Greeks used olive oil and Mediterranean salt to prepare a scrub for dry and sun-exposed skin.

4. DIY Coffee Ground Foot Scrub

Woman applying DIY coffee ground foot scrub
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons coffee grounds
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (coarse)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Method
  1. Mix all the ingredients and prepare a thick paste.
  2. Apply it all over your feet and massage for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Wash it off.
How It Works

This DIY homemade foot scrub enhances the texture of the skin on your feet. The coffee grounds are excellent for scrubbing your feet and removing dead skin cells. This softens the feet.

5. Oatmeal Foot Scrub

DIY oatmeal foot scrub
Image: Shutterstock
You will Need
  • 2 tablespoons bath salt
  • 2 teaspoons oatmeal
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2-3 tablespoons water
Method
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and make a paste.
  2. Apply the paste to your feet and scrub for 10 minutes.
  3. Wash and follow it up with a moisturizer.
How It Works

Oatmeal has a coarse texture, which makes it a great exfoliator. It also softens the skin on your feet and soothes minor rashes and itches (5). Combining it with bath salt and baking soda enhances its exfoliating effect.

6. Lemon And Sugar Foot Scrub

You Will Need
  • ¼ cup of coconut oil
  • 2 cups sugar (granulated)
  • 9-10 drops lemon essential oil
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Method
  1. Mix the sugar, coconut oil, and lemon essential oil in a bowl.
  2. You may add lemon zest if you want (for additional scent and color).
  3. Apply the scrub to your feet and exfoliate.
How It Works

Lemon is a natural bleaching agent. Thus, it may help clear any blemishes from the skin. Sugar scrubs the dead skin cells off your feet. Coconut oil moisturizes your feet and makes them soft (3).

7. Honey And Sugar Foot Scrub

You Will Need
  • 1 cup bath salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (coarse)
  • 2 tablespoons raw honey
  • 7-8 drops lemon essential oil
  • 1 cup olive or coconut oil
Method
  1. Mix the sugar and bath salt in a bowl and add the olive/coconut oil to it.
  2. Add honey and mix well.
  3. Add the essential oil at the end so that it is evenly distributed.
  4. Apply the scrub to your feet and massage for 15 minutes.
  5. Leave it on for some time (a few minutes) and then wash it off.
How It Works

The smell of lemon is very rejuvenating, and the scrub feels great on the feet. Honey has antimicrobial properties, and it works wonders in making your feet skin soft (6).

8. Sugar And Milk Foot Scrub

You Will Need
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups lukewarm water (enough to soak your feet)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Method
  1. Pour the milk and water in a pedicure basin and soak your feet in it for 15 minutes.
  2. Mix the granulated sugar with oil.
  3. Remove your feet and scrub them thoroughly with the oil and sugar paste. Wash it off.
  4. Massage with coconut oil and put on your socks.
How It Works

The lactic acid in the milk breaks down the dead skin cells, and the scrub gently exfoliates your feet (7). Coconut oil moisturizes your feet and keeps them soft (3).

9. Baking Soda Foot Scrub

DIY baking soda foot scrub
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 3 tablespoons baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon water
Method
  1. Make a thick paste by mixing the baking soda and water.
  2. Apply it to your feet and massage for 10 minutes.
  3. Wash it off.
How It Works

This is another easy-to-prepare foot scrub for tired feet. Baking soda is said to have exfoliating properties and is commonly used for soothing minor rashes and itching.

Note: You can soak your feet in baking soda mixed with warm water and follow up with this foot scrub. Warm water helps relax tired muscles.

10. Tea Tree Oil And Mint Foot Scrub

You Will Need
  • 1 cup bath salt
  • 2-3 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Method
  1. Combine the sea salt and the oils in a bowl until you get a paste.
  2. Apply the paste on your feet and scrub for 10 minutes.
  3. Wash and follow up with a moisturizer.
How It Works

The essential oils soothe your feet and kill any bacteria and germs present on them (8). The salt acts as a scrub that removes dirt and dead skin cells from your feet.

Note: If you have cracked heels, the essential oils might sting a bit. But there is nothing to worry.

11. Lavender And Salt Foot Scrub Recipe

You Will Need
  • ½ teaspoon lavender essential oil
  • 1 cup bath salt (sea salt/kosher salt/Epsom salt)
  • 2 tablespoons lavender buds (optional)
  • ½ cup grapeseed oil
Method
  1. Add the salt to a bowl and mix well with the buds.
  2. Add the lavender and grapeseed oils to this and blend.
  3. Damp your feet and gently massage the scrub on them.
  4. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off.
How It Works

According to a study conducted on rats, lavender essential oil promotes collageni  XThe main protein in the body that is responsible for providing strength and structure to the skin, bones, and connective tissues. synthesis and wound healing (9). It also smells great and has a calming effect that induces relaxation.

12. Rosemary And Peppermint Foot Scrub

You Will Need
  • ½ teaspoon rosemary (or use 2-3 drops rosemary essential oil)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup bath salt (sea salt, Epsom or kosher salts)
  • 2-3 drops peppermint oil
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Method
  1. Add the salt to a large bowl and mix well with coconut and olive oils.
  2. Add the peppermint oil and rosemary. Mix well.
  3. If it’s too dry, add more coconut and olive oils.
  4. Store in a glass jar.
How It Works

If you have dry skin, try this homemade scrub. Peppermint oil helps in relieving aches and pain while the coconut oil moisturizes your feet (2), (3). Rosemary adds a woody aroma to the scrub which is equally relaxing. This foot scrub is ideal for pampering your tired feet after a long day.

13.Strawberry And Sugar Foot Scrub

You Will Need
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (don’t use fine sugar)
  • 2 strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Method
  1. Mash the strawberries and mix the sugar in it.
  2. Add the olive oil and mix well.
  3. Apply the scrub to your feet and wait for 20 minutes before washing.
How It Works

This foot scrub looks delicious and has a sweet aroma that is invigorating. It is suitable for all skin types and is best for those who have sensitive skin. Sugar gently exfoliates the skin. Olive oil keeps your feet moisturized (3).

14. Honey And Camphor Foot Scrub

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2-3 drops camphor essential oil
  • 1 cup bath salt
Method
  1. Mix the bath salt and honey in a bowl.
  2. Add the essential oil to this and blend well.
  3. Apply the paste to your feet and gently massage for 10 minutes.
  4. Leave it on for some time.
  5. Soak your feet in warm water with bath salt.
  6. Pat dry and apply moisturizer.
How It Works

This DIY foot scrub is excellent for rough skin and suits all skin types. A study conducted on rats found that camphor oil has wound-healing and antiwrinkle properties (10). Honey makes your feet soft (6).

15. Homemade Magnesium Salt Foot Scrub

Woman applying DIY magnesium salt foot scrub
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 cup magnesium salt (you may use Epsom salt, a form of Magnesium)
  • 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap
  • ¼ cup coconut or almond oil
  • 9-10 drops essential oil (you may use any)
Method
  1. Mix all the ingredients, except the essential oil, in a bowl.
  2. Add the essential oil and mix well.
  3. Scrub your feet with the mixture for 10 minutes and then wash with water.
How It Works

This foot scrub is best for those who are suffering from skin issues on the feet. Magnesium is believed to be absorbed by the skin when applied topically, there is no conclusive research that proves this. It helps soothe inflammatory skin issues and protects the skin barrier (11). This scrub may be helpful in soothing skin conditions such as psoriasisi  XA chronic skin disease in which skin cells build up to form inflamed rashes and scaly patches on the skin. and eczemai  XA chronic skin condition that causes inflamed, itchy, and cracked skin and is fairly common in children. .

16. Pineapple And Yogurt Foot Scrub

You Will Need
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple
  • ½ cup sugar (coarse)
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt
Method
  1. Mix the sugar and yogurt in a bowl and then add the pineapple to it.
  2. Massage the scrub on your feet for 10 minutes. Leave it on for another 10 minutes.
  3. Wash with lukewarm water.
How It Works

Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and may help exfoliate dead skin cells, though this has not been scientifically proven. Yogurt can brighten the skin and improve its texture (12).

protip_icon Trivia
Due to the presence of lactic acid, it is believed that Greeks used yogurt to dissolve dead skin cells and tighten skin pores.

17. Sugar And Vanilla Foot Scrub

You Will Need
  • 1 vanilla bean pod (extract the seeds)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup coconut oil (unrefined)
Method
  1. Whisk the coconut oil until it’s a bit fluffy.
  2. Add the sugar and vanilla seeds to it and mix.
  3. Apply the mixture to your feet and scrub for 10 minutes.
  4. Leave it on for another 10 minutes and then wash it off.
How It Works

This is a very basic scrub that can thoroughly cleanse the foot skin by removing dirt and dead skin cells. The vanilla gives it a nice fragrance, and coconut oil moisturizes and softens the skin (3).

18. Apple, Orange, And Sugar Scrub

You Will Need
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup coconut oil (unrefined)
  • 2-3 drops orange essential oil
  • 2-3 drops apple essential oil
Method
  1. Combine the sugar and coconut oil in a bowl.
  2. Add the essential oils and mix well.
  3. Massage the scrub all over your feet for 5 minutes and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Wash your feet and apply cream or moisturizer.
How It Works

Any citrus smell is known to rejuvenate your senses. This foot scrub not only makes your feet smell great but also rejuvenates them.

19. Peach And Sugar Scrub

You Will Need
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2-3 drops peach essential oil
Method
  1. Combine the sugar and olive oil in a bowl.
  2. Add the peach essential oil drops and mix well.
  3. Apply the mixture to your feet and scrub for 10 minutes.
  4. Let it sit for another 15-20 minutes and then wash it off.
  5. Follow it up with a moisturizer.
How It Works

This scrub looks (and smells) delicious and is easy to prepare. Peach oil smells great. Olive oil moisturizes the skin of your feet (3). Granulated sugar is an excellent exfoliant that helps keep your skin clean and soft.

20. Sugar And Pumpkin Pie Spice Foot Scrub

You Will Need
  •  ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (add more if needed)
Method
  1. Mix the sugars in a bowl. Blend well and add coconut oil.
  2. Add all the spices and mix well.
  3. Scrub your feet with the mixture for 10-15 minutes and then wash.
How It Works

Pumpkin spice smells extremely refreshing and makes your feet smell great! Coconut oil softens and smoothens your feet (3). The two types of sugar exfoliate and clean your feet thoroughly.

Infographic: Easiest DIY Foot Scrubs

Your feet require regular scrubbing and moisturization to keep them soft and supple, especially during winter. Why not extend your beauty care regime to your feet? DIY foot scrubs are the best way to exfoliate your feet and get the feeling of a foot spa in the comfort of your own home.

Check out the infographic below to know the easiest DIY foot scrub recipes to make.

easiest diy foot scrubs (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Cold and harsh winters can bring out bad foot odor and exacerbate foot aches. A relaxing and gentle foot massage is the perfect way to stimulate blood circulation in your feet and exfoliate dead skin and dirt. With simple ingredients from your pantry such as coffee, brown sugar, olive oil, honey, or lemon, you can make your own foot scrub at home. Whenever you need a foot massage, you can simply make any one of these DIY foot scrubs at home and skip that trip to your salon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long these DIY foot scrubs last?

Since these foot scrubs are natural and do not contain any preservatives, they won’t last long. If you are storing them, make sure to use them within 3 weeks or a month (maximum).

What’s the best time to use a foot scrub?

The best time to use a scrub is when you are taking a shower. You can also use it after coming back from work and before hitting the bed. Your feet can soak the maximum effects of the moisturization.

Can these foot scrubs be given as gifts?

Of course! Store the scrub in an airtight glass jar and decorate it before presenting it to someone.

How often should someone use foot scrubs?

Twice a week is fine.

Can these scrubs be used on the face?

Absolutely not! These are extremely harsh on the facial skin. But, you can use them on your hands.

Can scrubbing harm the skin?

These are made of natural ingredients and hence will not harm your skin. But, if you use them excessively (more than twice in a week), they might scrape the skin.

What happens when you soak your feet in vinegar?

Soaking your feet in vinegar helps neutralize the odor-causing bacteria, fungi, and other microbes thanks to vinegar’s antibacterial properties. You can make a vinegar foot soak by simply adding 1 part of vinegar to 2 parts of water.

What kind of foot scrub do nail salons use?

Nail salons mostly use foot scrubs infused with natural ingredients, relaxing botanicals, and essential oils. They also include micro scrubs like apricot granules, pumice, and alumina.

What is a sugar pedicure?

It is a pedicure procedure that uses a sugar scrub to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells from feet. It is often used by those who have cracked or dead skin in and around the nails or at the back of the feet.

Key Takeaways

  • Get rid of mal-odor, dead skin cells, and impurities while boosting your blood flow with the best DIY foot scrubs.
  • These recipes can be adjusted and tailored as per an individual’s needs, skin type, issues, and requirements.
  • They are easy to prepare and are cheaper than the commercial varieties.
  • Apply these scrubs once weekly to effectively exfoliate your feet.
diy foot scrub

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to make a DIY foot scrub at home! Get soft, smooth feet with this easy and affordable homemade foot scrub shown in this video. Check it out now!

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Massage therapies, Western Journal of Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1071543/
  2. Peppermint Oil, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil
  3. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
  4. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
  5. Colloidal oatmeal: history, chemistry and clinical properties, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17373175
  6. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24305429
  7. The roles of pH and concentration in lactic acid-induced stimulation of epidermal turnover, Dermatologic Surgery, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9648571
  8. Antimicrobial Properties of Plant Essential Oils against Human Pathogens and Their Mode of Action: An Updated Review, Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5206475/
  9. Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4880962/
  10. Camphor Induces Proliferative and Anti-senescence Activities in Human Primary Dermal Fibroblasts and Inhibits UV-Induced Wrinkle Formation in Mouse Skin., Phytotherapy Research, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26458283
  11. Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin, International Journal of Dermatology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15689218
  12. Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP), Journal of Cosmetic Science, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22152494
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