Baking Soda for Toenail Fungus – Ultimate Guide (2025)

The candida- toenail fungus, and similar fungal species all are capable of surviving in a slight acidic environment. What else can be better than the sodium bicarbonate or baking soda to get rid of nail fungus?

Keeping in view the nature of the candida and other toenail fungi that are very likely to proliferate in an acidic pH, many people think that the baking soda application in the form of paste, spray or through foot soak can help in treating and killing the toenail fungus. So, you would know the actual truth here.

Baking soda for nail fungus

This article is an complete guide for all those people who want the to know about the baking soda for toenail fungus treatment as a home remedy.

First thing that makes everybody consider baking soda as a treatment for toenail fungus is the availability, every other house has baking soda available in the kitchen stock.

Second, using baking soda is not quite harmful like other acids, as it is an alkaline treatment.

So, let us get in detail.

Why to use Baking Soda for Fungus on Nails?

Baking soda is in use to treat different skin issues. It is mainly because of the anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties of Sodium bicarbonate.

Why is that so? Did a doctor recommend it? Not really, but the results speak for itself.

baking soda for fungus on toenail

The following are some prominent benefits of using baking soda as a topical application for toenail fungus.

  • The Sodium bicarbonate in baking soda changes the pH of the toenail. This change in pH will then make the toenail’s skin an unfavorable spot for the toenail fungus to grow.
  • Not only this, baking soda is also a great exfoliator. The damage and dead skin cells need to be removed as soon as possible. If you will visit a doctor, they will also recommend some cleanser or exfoliating solution. As a home remedy baking soda will be a reliable remedy.
  • Fungus loves moisture. The more you keep it moist, by wearing damp socks or living in a humid environment, you need a drying solution to treat toenail fungus. Baking soda and Hydrogen peroxide are the two home remedies to absorb moisture. It will dry those infected cells, ultimately killing the fungus.

Home remedies for toenail fungus using baking soda

Applying baking soda for nail fungus is possible through different conventional methods, sometimes a paste/spray of baking soda with vinegar is used. You can pick any method you like.

So, below are these homes remedies.

Baking soda and Apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus

The baking soda when combined with apple cider vinegar creates a neutral solution.

apple cider vinegar and baking soda for toenail fungus

Now, as you know that the toenail fungus is only able to survive in an acidic environment, which is often created by the fungus itself.

  • Take a tablespoon of baking soda.
  • A half teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
  • A glass of water.
  • Now mix all these ingredients.
  • Get a cotton pad, dip it in the solution, and apply on the infected part.
  • Repeat this twice a day, let the solution sit on the toenail for almost 20 minutes.
  • Now clean it with a dry cloth.

Baking soda and vinegar for toenail fungus

There is no particular difference in apple cider vinegar and acetic acid when comes to the formation of a neutral compound.

Baking soda and vinegar for nail fungus

Mixing it with baking soda will give the neutral salt.

  • Take a tablespoon of baking soda, level it.
  • Mix a teaspoon of vinegar in it.
  • Let it sit for 10 minutes.
  • Add 1 ½ glass of water.
  • Soak cotton pads in it and apply on the infected toenail.
  • Clean it after 30 minutes.
  • Repeat this twice a day for fast results.

Baking soda and Hydrogen peroxide for toenail fungus

Hydrogen peroxide addition increase the capability of baking soda. If you have severe toenail fungus then trying it may help, but not in all cases.

hydrogen peroxide to cure toenail fungus
  • Take 1 tbsp of baking soda.
  • Take 1 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide.
  • Add two table spoons of water to make a thick paste.
  • Apply it on the infected toenail.

You can also soak your feet in tub after applying it.

Baking soda paste for toenail fungus

Fast results of any home remedy to kill toenail fungus comes through a concentrated use of the solution.

Making a paste of the baking soda for toenail fungus is also a type of concentrated treatment, this is often not recommended for people with sensitive skin.

Baking soda paste for nail fungus

The best thing about making the baking soda paste is its quick and easy recipe. You do not have to add any extra ingredient only baking soda and water to dilute.

  • Take two tablespoon of baking soda.
  • Mix it with water until you get a thick paste.
  • Make sure that you have used warm water.
  • Apply the paste on your toenail.
  • Leave it for 15 minutes.
  • Clean your feet with Lukewarm water after 30 minutes.
  • Repeat this process four or five times a day initially.

Borax and baking soda for toenail fungus

Borax also known as the boric acid powder, is an effective naturally occurring anti-fungal compound.

When combined with baking soda it can do wonders and reinforce the fungus killing properties of the baking soda.

Borax and baking soda for nail fungus

You can also make a foot soak, but that will be a more acidic solution, so it is better to apply it only on the infected spot in the form of paste.

  • Take a tablespoon of borax powder and baking soda.
  • Mix them together.
  • Add a few drops of water, until it becomes a thick paste. The water should be lukewarm.
  • Apply it with a Q-tip on the infected area.
  • Let it stay for 15 minutes.
  • Remove with warm water.
  • Repeat this twice a day.

Baking soda foot soak for toenail fungus

Baking soda foot soak is also an effective remedy for nail fungi. You do not need any extra ingredients, only water, and baking soda is enough.

For some people who are annoyed by the irritating bad odor of the toenail fungus, there are some essential oils to add.

The best ones are peppermint oil, and lavender oil mixed in the baking soda foot soak.

  • Take 1 liter of warm water in a tub, the tub must be cleansed properly.
  • Add a tbsp of baking soda in it.
  • Soak your feet in baking soda foot soak for 20 minutes.
  • Repeat this for three to four days a week.

Side effects of baking soda

Baking soda is a concentrated solution so it will have some severe side-effects on the skin of the user.

Sometimes, it will be completely fine but for a few people it can be equal to risking their skin.

  • Baking soda is drying and can make your skin rough.
  • Inflammation.
  • Increased itchiness.
  • Bruises around the nail.

Case study of Baking soda and toenail fungus

Believing anything without a proof is not possible. That is why we are here to help you get the real results.

As I was also suspicious of the use of baking soda for toenail fungus, although it has properties to fix the fungus, I asked one of my physician friends who works in a hospital to recommend it to a patient.

After careful research and consultation with researchers’ fellows, we allowed two patients to apply baking soda mixed with apple cider vinegar to treat toenail fungus.

And below is the image of how it was looking that time.

before baking soda for nail fungus

For the first 5 weeks, the people under observation applied the baking soda paste with apple cider vinegar thrice a day. Their skin got really dry, around the toenail.

They experienced a burning sensation initially, but it was recovered by using a mix of oregano and tea tree oil too.

After the 7th week as there was no further improvement only the skin around the nail fungus was becoming rough. As it is obvious, these home remedies gonna take a lot of time to fix the fungus completely.

The results were coming good, but very slow, also some other symptoms that were not so damaging, but don’t look good too like the rough skin around the nail and irritation.

So, the doctors including me, prescribed them the probiotic supplement named Urgent fungus destroyer from the Phytage labs to add in. This was to aid the external or topical treatment for toenail fungus.

After the 9th week of including the Fungus destroyer to the entire treatment the patients observed some difference. Within 11 weeks it was completely recovered.

And below are the results that the above patient got.

after baking soda for nail fungus results

The probiotics source, such as the Urgent fungus destroyer or any other that the physician recommends can help to treat toenail fungus with baking soda as an external killer.

Why so?

Because it is specifically made to kill the fungus and so, all the things and ingredients that are required and essential to kill or treat the fungus is included in this.


Best Baking Soda for Nail Fungus- Reviews

The following are some popular brands selling pure baking soda that can also be used for toenail fungus and so, are our personal recommendations if you want to go for it.

Pure’s food grade Baking Soda

This is an aluminum and cruelty free baking soda. You can have it in food items, baking, for bath bomb creation, and for different skin care uses.

One more thing, if it does not suit your skin, you can get your money back.

Pures food grade Baking Soda for the nail fungus

Pros

  • Safe product.
  • 100% organic.
  • Multipurpose use.

Cons

  • Concentrated solutions can be harmful.

Prescribed for life’s baking soda

It is a convenient to use, 100% natural baking soda. You can have it for different purposes. It is safe to eat and drink as well.

Prescribed for life baking soda for toenail fungus treatment

Pros

  • Contains no fillers.
  • Aluminum free.
  • Removes different kinds of fungus.
  • Control odors.

Cons

  • It is a bit expensive.

Alternative cum addon to baking soda to treat toenail fungus

External treatment for toenail fungus is often not very fast. Claiming them ineffective will be wrong altogether, for some people home remedies for baking soda to treat toenail fungus work wonders.

phytage urgent fungus destroyer

However, if someone cannot take risks of having toenail fungus for an extended period, as it has the potential to spread, then using some other effective treatment is necessary.

One of them is the Urgent fungus destroyer from Phytage labs which we have also reviewed in detail here.

The Urgent fungus destroyer is a probiotic. The reason why one must go for an internal treatment to treat toenail fungus is the effectiveness.

This is one of the most effective otc medicines/supplement to treat the nail fungus which has all natural ingredients and is completely safe to use.

It will cure the toenail fungus by improving the condition of your body. It will reinforce the immune system, creating a lot of antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.


FAQs

Below are some of the frequently asked questions related to the baking soda and toenail fungus.

Is baking soda good for toenail fungus?

Surprisingly, yes, it is. The research done so far about the effectiveness of baking soda changes the pH of the toenail.

Making it an unfavorable condition for the fungus to grow. In a nutshell, baking soda is one of the best home remedies for toenail fungus treatment.

Do you rinse baking soda and borax of feet after application for nail fungus?

No if both these ingredients are used in a foot soak then you do not have to use it as a paste. You do not need to rinse the feet.

However, if you are using a paste of baking soda or borax powder to treat toenail fungus then it is compulsory to rinse off your feet.

Will red vinegar and baking soda treat toe nail fungus?

The red vinegar is a common kitchen staple, and just like the apple cider vinegar and baking soda solution it will treat toenail fungus.

The mixture of acid and base will create salt, which will neutralize the acidic environment of the toenail leading to a cure.

It will be a slow process, but continuous application can bear results.

Is lemon juice and baking soda good to get rid nail fungus?

Lemon juice is always a great antioxidant for the skin. Application of excess lemon juice can harm the skin.

However, if you mix lemon juice with baking soda, it will also turn into a neutral salt. Lemon juice is pure citric acid.

Applying that mixture on your infected toenail will make the toenail vanish within a few months after regular application.

Can baking soda and castor oil kill toenail fungus?

Castor oil, just like other essential oils is a great treatment for skin infections.

You can make a mixture or a foot soak of castor oil and baking soda or Epsom salt to treat toenail fungus. Such foot soaks are effective only when done regularly.

All you have to do is take a tablespoon of castor oil, 1 tablespoon of baking soda or Epsom salt, 3 parts of water fill the tub as much as you want.

Now soak your feet in this foot soak for almost 30 minutes.

If you have more questions then you can also refer to our Toenail fungus Questions page.

Conclusion

So, we hope that all those people who were still worried or wanted to know if baking soda good for toenail fungus or not must have got the answers to their questions.

Yes, baking soda is a good treatment for toenail fungus, it is a reliable remedy. The only issue with baking soda to treat nail fungus is the time.

It takes almost more than 3-4 months to cure toenail fungus with baking soda depending upon the level of fungus. Moreover, using baking soda as a home remedy to treat toenail fungus asks for an effort.

No one likes to take out time from the busy routine.

The best way to cure the toenail fungus and speed up this home remedy is to add probiotics, such as Urgent fungus destroyer in the diet.