Nail fungus leaves the nails brittle and discolored, which is very embarrassing and unpleasant. As per a research, almost 3 million citizens of United States are suffering from nail fungus. Spending a lot of time in warm and moist environment, keeping the foot covered or a nail injury are the main reasons for the development of fungus. However, people with diabetes, athletes foot, weak immune system, smoking habit are more prone to it.
Toe nail fungus is more common than fingernail fungus. It is because of the weak blood circulation which is why our immune system takes time to detect and fight the infection. Prolonged presence of feet in moist and dark environments supports fungi growth.
Commercial treatments like oral anti-fungal pills, creams, medicated nail polish and removers don’t provide any results. If left untreated, nail fungus may lead to cracking, splitting and even loss of nail. So, it is better to depend on natural solutions to treat nail fungus like apple cider vinegar. Use apple cider vinegar for nail fungus and say goodbye to the fungal infection.
How Effective is Apple Cider Vinegar for Toenail Fungus?
- Fungus thrives in alkaline environments. Apple cider vinegar increases the acidity and balances the pH levels.
- It contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties which fight off the bacteria or fungus causing the infection and prevent its recurrence.
- The mildly acidic nature prevents the infection from spreading.
- Therefore, it works as the best home remedy for nail fungus.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Cure Nail Fungus
Apple cider vinegar is completely safe for both kids and adults. The below mentioned methods using apple cider vinegar cure and prevent nail fungus without any side effects.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Direct Application
3. Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar
4. Apple Cider Vinegar with Rice Flour
5. Apple Cider Vinegar with Baking Soda
6. Apple Cider Vinegar with Epsom Salt
7. Apple Cider Vinegar with Listerine
8. Apple Cider Vinegar with Borax
9. Apple Cider Vinegar with Copper Sulfate
10. Apple Cider Vinegar Antibiotic Ointment
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
- Take a bowl enough to soak your feet or fingers.
- Combine equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water. Make sure the solution is enough to submerge your toes or fingers.
- Soak for 30 minutes and pat dry with a soft towel.
- Let the feet or fingers air dry completely to get rid of any leftover moisture.
- Massage the toes for a few minutes with a mixture of tea tree oil and any other carrier oil.
- Repeat the process not more than 4 times a day.
- For best results, use warm and cold water alternatively for soaking.
Things to Remember
- For effective vinegar treatment, trim your nails and file down the top surface to make it as thin as possible before soaking. This helps the vinegar to penetrate below the nail and work effectively.
- Never soak in the same solution twice: It is not advisable to use the same solution for multiple soaking. Once you have soaked, the water gets contaminated. Soaking in contaminated water doesn’t yield any results or slows down the healing process.
2. Direct Application of Apple Cider Vinegar for Nail Fungus
This process can be used after soaking or anytime in a day. As ACV is not diluted, it provides more effective results. So, do not dilute ACV for toenail fungus. If you cannot withstand direct ACV application, then dilute it with few drops.
- Pour few drops of apple cider vinegar directly on the infected nail.
- Let it dry completely.
- Repeat the application at least 2 times a day.
3. Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar
Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar for nail fungus provides strengthens your immune system which helps in fighting off the infection from inside.
- Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into 16oz of water.
- Drink the solution throughout the day.
- You can refrigerate the solution and drink a glass of it whenever you want.
Note: If you are not able to withstand the taste of apple cider vinegar then you can add 1 teaspoon of manuka honey for added taste.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar with Rice Flour
- Combine 2 – 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and enough rice flour (coarsely ground) to make a paste.
- Apply the paste on the infected nail and gently scrub to exfoliate accumulated dead skin.
- After scrubbing for few minutes, leave the application for another few minutes.
- Rinse off with water and dry the nail thoroughly.
- Repeat the process regularly.
- Optional: You can apply anti-fungal ointment.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar with Baking Soda
- Mix 1 cup apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water.
- Soak the infected nail(s) in the mixture for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Remove from the solution and pat dry thoroughly.
- Now, Mix several tablespoons of baking soda into enough water to soak the nails.
- After drying the nail thoroughly, soak your nails in diluted baking soda.
- After 15 – 20 minutes, remove and pat dry thoroughly using a paper towel.
- Repeat this process 2 times in a day.
- Note: Apple cider vinegar will kill fungus and baking soda will inhibit future fungal growth.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar with Epsom Salt
Epsom salt gently exfoliates the skin and nail which helps the healing properties of apple cider vinegar to work more effectively and quickly.
- Combine 1/3 cup each of apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt and 2 cups of hot water.
- Stir well and soak your toes or fingers for 30 minutes.
- Repeat the process 1 – 2 times daily.
Note: The longer your soak, the better results you achieve.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar with Listerine
This process can be used daily for light to moderate symptoms like white spots on the nails and slight discoloration. It should be used 2 times a day for moderate symptoms like thickening of the nail, swelling of the surrounding skin, pain and dark discoloration.
- Fill a basin by adding equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and Listerine.
- Stir well and soak the nails for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Remove the nail(s) from the soak.
- Using a toothbrush, gently scrub the nails and surrounding skin.
- Dry the nail(s) completely.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar, Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Hot Water
- Add 2 tablespoons of Borax to hot water and let it dissolve.
- Now, add 1/4 cup each of apple cider vinegar, water and hydrogen peroxide (3%).
- Stir well and soak the nail(s) for 30 – 45 minutes.
- Remove from the solution, rinse off with water and pat dry thoroughly.
- Repeat the process daily until the infection is cleared.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar with Copper Sulfate
Copper sulfate contains antiseptic and antifungal properties which fight off the fungus on the nails.
- Combine 40ml apple cider vinegar and 20gms of copper sulfate.
- Mix well and pour the mixture into 1-liter spray bottle and fill it with water.
- Spray the solution on the affected nail(s).
- Let it dry completely.
- Repeat the process regularly.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar, Peroxide, Vicks and Antibiotic Ointment
- Clip the nail back a little in the affected area just enough to show a little bit of underlying skin.
- Combine 1 cap full of apple cider vinegar and peroxide.
- Dip a q-tip in the mixture and rub it on the affected area.
- Note: It may fizz a little bit but it reduces in few minutes.
- Repeat the application 3 times a day.
- During the day time, rub some antibiotic ointment.
- Reapply whenever your nails would get wet.
- At night, apply Vicks vapor rub and secure it with a Band-Aid. Make sure the band aid is not too tight.
- Repeat this process daily. You will see the results in few days.
Tips and Precautions:
- Use organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar that contains the Mother element for effective results.
- If the application of ACV or soaking in ACV is causing any unbearable irritation, dilute it with some water.
- Apple cider vinegar can wear away the enamel so it is advised to drink it using a straw.
- Including ACV in daily diet also helps to treat and prevent nail fungus.
- Sometimes the nail may fall off while using the remedies. But don’t worry; a new will grows very soon in its place.
- Continue application of ACV until a new grows out completely. This usually takes up to 2 months.
- Whenever you visit a salon for pedicure or manicure, make sure the staff uses only sterilized tools. Tools like emery boards, nail clippers can spread the nail fungus.
- Trim the infected nail regularly.
- Never use same towels to pat dry the affected nail. It is better to use paper towels.
- Wash your feet whenever come back from public places like locker rooms, showers, spas and swimming pools.
- It is better to use flip flops instead of shoes until the nail fungus is completely gone.
- Before wearing socks, make sure to apply some antifungal powder.
- Avoid sharing socks or shoes and wearing tight footwear.
- People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or any other systemic disease that restricts blood flow to feet should take some caution while attempting to kill the fungus.
- Avoid putting nail polish and artificial fingers as they create a moist environment which encourages the fungus.
- Reduce sugar intake as it encourages fungus growth.
- If the above remedies don’t work then please consult a doctor.
Have your tried ACV for treating nail fungus earlier? Do you know any other method that works better than the above mentioned? Have you tried using lavender oil to treat nail fungus? Share your experiences, suggestions and queries in the comments section below.
I have been soaking my fingernail in Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother for about one month. It appears it may be working. However, my fingernail is now stained. Is there anyway to avoid this?
We hope you diluted the apple cider vinegar before soaking your finger nail. If not, then dilute with water to avoid staining.
Hi there, your info is great and I am going g to start a treatment on my nails today with the apple cider vinegar/water/baking soda method. I am wondering Dering if I can reuse the vinegar and water mix or does it have to be fresh everyday? Thank you 🙂
Thanks for your appreciation. No, you cannot use the same mixture multiple times. You have to make a fresh batch every time. During the soaking, the mixture cleans your nails and removes the dead fungus which will be present in the water. If you soak again in the mixture, the fungus may attack again.
Thanks for your appreciation. No, you cannot use the same mixture multiple times. You have to make a fresh batch every time. During the soaking, the mixture cleans your nails and removes the dead fungus which will be present in the water. If you soak again in the mixture, the fungus may attack again. – This is not only not true, you’re contradicting yourself. If the fungus is dead, how is it going to attack anything? I’ve used apple cider vinegar and water for years, reusing the same mix usually 3 times, currently for 5 days (2x a day) because I’m on a bike trip. Perhaps it slows the improvement down, but I doubt it because I can’t imagine it would work better otherwise. In 2010 I researched extensively once finding out I had onychomychosis. This is the first time I’ve read not to reuse the solution, so I’d like to know where this comes from?
When you use the same mixture multiple time, the effectiveness will be reduced each time and the dead fungus increases in the mixture. So, it is better to use fresh mixture every time.
I have thin brittle nails. they break easily. Will acv help with growth and strengthen them? We are currently using acv on my moms toenail fungus.
Yes, soaking nails in apple cider vinegar solution helps to strengthen the brittle nails.
How long I keep using the spray vinegar for my toe?
You can continue using until the nail fungus clears away.
i wanna do the direct application, after that the acv dried do i need to rinse it?
You don’t have rinse off the ACV application. But if the smell of ACV is making you uncomfortable then rinse it off and pat dry until there is no moisture left.
I have experienced nail fungus (and candida) a numbr of times over the years. I have found that at the first sign of any fungus on my finger/toenails, I immediately start increasing my intake of fresh garlic –adding it raw to fresh juices daily usually brings it to a halt. The part of the nail affected will eventually grow out (I cut them frequently) and be replaced with normal nail. My favorite fresh juice is: 1/2 grapefruit, 1/2 lemon, 1 lg clove garlic, a chunk of fresh ginger and a couple tsps of extra virgin olive oil. I love grapefruit so find this very flavourful. I also try using apple cider, vinegar externally and internally, using an ACV drink (water/ACV) a couple times a day. Fungus problems almost always appear when I have deviated from my diet and end up eating too many sweets/breads. Getting back on track is key and increasing my coconut oil intake.
My mom swears by Listerine and the Internet swears by ACV so I chose to try the ACV-Listerine-lemon juice foot soak. I have a couple of questions:
– I’m using one cup of Listerine and one cup of the ACV. Is it also ONE cup of lemon juice??
– How often to you have to re-make the solution? If I’m soaking my feet twice a day for two months, that’s going to get pretty expensive. But I would imagine the lemon juice won’t keep.
Thanks for posting this and I hope to hear back.
Juice of 1 lemon should be fine. Remake the solution every time you soak your feet.
How long until i see results?
It is difficult to say the exact time because we exactly don’t know the level of infection. Continue using the methods regularly and apart from that keep the area dry for most of the time, avoid nail polishes and eat healthy to achieve good results.
why avoid nail polishes?
Nail polish can trap unwanted moisture and worsen the infection.
Good evening, I’m so grateful for this info. I have just started ingesting 1 tbsp of oacv with 80z of H2o every morning. I will just incorporate 2 more tbsp of oacv.. My question is, how long should I ingest oacv 3 times a day, to cure a slight nail fungus? Also, if you have any recommendation on more healthy usages for ocav. Many Thanks In Advance! Mechelle USVI
Repeat the process until you find relief from the nail fungus. It is difficult to tell the exact time as everyone is different. Apart from ingesting acv, try to soak your nails in diluted apple cider vinegar for quick results.
hey! how to make sure the infected area under the the toenail dries completly after the AVC soaking bath? thanks
It naturally dries in few hours. If you are unsure about it, take a tissue paper and dab around the toe nail and see if it still wet. If it is still wet let it dry for few more hours. Don’t wear shoes after doing acv soak for toenail as it builds the moisture and don’t let it dry completely. Make sure the toe nail gets enough air to dry.
Hi…is it 1 cup of each, and also the water temperature as well? Do I also rinse my feet after the treatment or just dry?
Yes, it is 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and water. Yes, you don’t have to rinse your feet, just pat dry them.
Should this be done — how many times a day?
It depends on the method you want to try. They are mentioned in the article in every individual method. On an average try at least 2 times a day.
With the baking soda and Apple cider vinegar, how many days or weeks do i continue to do it, its only on one fingernail. Also, will the stain on my fingernail go away? Other sites say that I have to let it grow out.? should I apply false nails after the stain is gone Or after I know the fungus is gone?
It is difficult to say the exact time as everyone is different. So continue using the process until you get relief from it. The stain on fingernail will go away. You don’t have to apply false nail after the stain clears.
I have just started today soaking my toes in acv. I used full strength not diluted. Is that ok. I am also only soaking my toes , should I submerge my whole foot?
If undiluted version is not causing any irritation, redness or burning sensation then you can. You can soak your toes or complete foot as per your convenience.
I want to bath or shower after my ACV soak. How long should I wait to bath or shower after my 30 minute foot soak. I hate the way it smells so I always wanna bath or shower afterwards
You can take a bath after an hour. Yet it is better to stay as long as possible so you can do the foot soak at night and take a bath in the morning.
What is the importance of borax? And what effect does it have on fungus in the foot soak combination?
Being excellent fungicide borax is helpful in treating nail fungus. When you soak your feet in borax solution, it kills the fungus.
Oh my gosh i wish i found this earlier! I was using the chemist stuff for almost a year and the nail kept growing back infected. I’ve been using the ACV epson salt foot bath once a day and ACV straight on the nail twice a day and in 4 weeks i have new uninfected nail growing! Thanks for the awesome idea ?
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Should I use new solution of acv and water mix each time I soak my toes, or can I reuse the solution several times ? It’s convenient to keep the mix in a small container with a lid…
Yes, you have to use new solution every time. Don’t use the same solution every time as the solution will be contaminated with the infection.
Is it ok to do multiple remedies at the same time? For example drink ACV and soak my toes.
Yes, you can.
I have been applying acv for about a month under infected nail with a brush. Is this a good method? Should I use new, fresh acv every time? Thanks!
Yes, apple cider vinegar works well for treating nail fungus. You have to use new, fresh acv every time. If apple cider vinegar is not working then you can try different mentioned in this article – http://homeremediesforlife.com/nail-fungus/
I just paid more than $18 for a tiny tube to treat toenail fungus. Wish I
had seen this site first. Will try the ACV method and thanks.
Which type of cup to use to measure the
You can use general measuring cup.
i have fungal infection under my fingernails but it did not start in the tip infection begins at my fingernail. can acv penetrate when I soak my fingernails?
Yes, soaking helps the acv to penetrate to the nail bed and deal with the fungus. Make sure you don’t use the same solution every time. Change the acv solution every time you soak your nails.
Thanks for your great tips. For four years, I have had a stubborn case of toenail fungus on one of my big toenails and my “pinky” toenail. I have been soaking my feet in ACV, Epsom salts and water once a day at night for a month. In the morning, I have applied an Epsom salt rub gel ( found online) to all of my toe nails infected or not. Due to cheapness on my part ;), I’ve used the soaking solution three days in a row, and have gotten excellent results! Tjanks to your great tip, I finally have healthy toenails growing!! Thank you!!
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I spend a lot of time in hot, sweaty work boots, and recently had some athletes foot itchiness between my smallest toe and the next one over, on both feet. I took a small, pea-sized sad of tissue paper, soaked it in organic ACV, jammed that between the affected toes and out my shoes and socks on. A few hours later it began to burn, so I took them out. Over the course of the next 2 days, the skin peeled and there was some bleeding, and then it healed, and after that single treatment the athletes foot has never come back. I’ve used no other products on my feet. I’ve worked many long days subsequently and not a sign of the problem returning.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I have the fungus on my toes right food only. Also in my hair. My husband has it on his chest & private parts. How can we use acv for that?
Add 1 – 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to your bathtub and soak for 20 minutes to treat the infection on private parts. Apart from the private parts, you can apply apple cider vinegar directly on the infection and leave it to dry completely. Follow the routine for few days to know whether it is helping or not.
Does it matter how much of the solution that you use? I am thinking about doing the acv mixed with baking soda trick and I just want to make sure that I don’t screw it up
It doesn’t matter until the solution is causing any irritation or burning sensation.
Like is it bad if I use more than one cup?
If it is not causing any skin irritation or burning sensation then you can use more than a cup.
I have toenail fungus that my previous doctor just laughed at. She told me to use bleach and water. That never helped. I have tried creams and everything you can think of. Nothing has worked. My fungus has since gotten worse.
I bought some organic acv with the mother, i soak a cotton ball with it and duct tape it to my toenails. It was fine for a few nights and then last night i woke up with severe burning of my toenail.
I wont give up, this is my last hope before i just have the infected nails removed. I have not seen any improvement as of yet. ACV and duct tape did however remove the wart I had on my finger.
I have had severe toenail fungus on both of my big toes for years and its spreading to my other toes,i’d luv to wear peep toe shoes and sandals but am too embarrased by my ugly toes.I am going to try some of these solutions,I will keep u posted as to how well they are working for me,thnx so much for these tips
For about a year all the sudden my left hand fingernails one by one started getting thick,yellow and just ugly.Its very embarrassing.I had tried all kinds of home remedies,topical creams,antifungal creams and nothings works.This is my last resort before seeking medical help.Can i just soak in strait vinegar instead of mixing with oothe stuff?Would that speed up process without dilution of any kind.Thanx?
Undiluted apple cider vinegar can cause burning sensation. If it isn’t causing any then you can try it. Undiluted ones may provide a little more effectiveness than diluted one.
Does it have to be ACV with the Mother to be effective?
Yes, for effective results it has to be ACV with mother element in it.
What if I use 50%water 25%acv with the mother will I still get good fast results..cause act with the mother could be costly using multiple cups(tubing enough for feet) 2 times a day
Yes, you can.
I used tea tree oil a few days ago on the nails of both big toes. Within 24 hours both toes became very itchy and has continued to be very itchy but yesterday i developed small blisters on both toes. I’m wondering if I should wait before trying the apple cider treatment. I don’t want to irritate it more, but I don’t know, maybe this is the normal healing process. I’ve heard so many good things about tea tree oil so I don’t know if this reaction is normal or not.
The itching and blisters might have caused as you may be allergic to tea tree oil. Wait for some time until the blisters and itching reduces before trying the ACV treatment.
Hi, I have a small amount of fungus left on my pinky toes, but can’t seem to completely get rid of it. I’ve been treating for 2 years with essential oils and ACV. It most likely is from wearing climbing shoes for hours at a time. Please provide a recipe to spray inside my climbing shoes, I have multiple chemical sensitivities and am allergic to the store sprays. Also, should I keep doing the ACV before and after climbing or should I do vicks before climbing? Thanks.
Combine equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water. Spray the solution on inside the shoes before wearing them. Apart from that make sure to sanitize the shoes regularly. Leave them to dry under the sun as the heat may kill the bacteria or fungus present in it. It is better to keep doing the ACV or Vicks until the infection completely clears.
I”m a diabetic and wondering if it’s safe to soak my feet in acv for toe nail fungus. Would you suggest diluting the vinegar with water in this situation? Thanks!
Yes, it is safe to soak and drink acv mixture for diabetic people so try out the remedies without any fear.
Instead of apple cider vinegar, does regular vinegar work? My doctor recommended the 50/50 vinegar/water bath for my severe nail fungus on both feet. I am doing this for about two months now and some of my nails fell off and new ones are growing. The new ones don’t seem to be very healthy looking, but I guess, it can take months to see result. Cost is a big deal for me due to my limited income.
Thank you.
Yes, regular vinegar is also helpful in treating the nail fungus. It contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties which fight off the infection and restore the skin’s pH.
The fungus on my left big toenail got so bad the and broke off. Now when it grows it’s thin and brittle still and continues to break off. Will ACV help a new non infected nail grow? I’ve been battling this with toe mail fungus drops from the store and nothing seems to help.
Yes, by following the ACV process regularly you can get rid of the infection. Once the infection clears, a new healthy nail will grow.
Should I go see a foot doctor for my nail fungus or try ace treatment first. My nail is about 1/3black. I might be wasting my money if I see foot doctor first?
First try ACV treatment for at least a week. If you are not able to see any improvement then you can visit a foot doctor.
im using ACV (american garden) over two months. the growth of fungus under control but the affected area remaining as same. what can i do to cure completely.?
Continue the method for another few months. Apart from that eat foods that helps to fight off the infection from inside and strengthen the immune system. Foods rich in antibacterial and immune strengthening properties include garlic, apple cider vinegar, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables and broccoli.
Went to the doctor and got pills and candid b cream for fungus in my right big toe and it doesn’t work, so I just started using Acv hopefully it will get rid of the fungus. Sorry I didn’t start using Acv before I went to the doc. Will let you know if it work.
Will this ACV treatment cause healthy nails to fall off?
Nope, if the nail is healthy then they will not fall off.
Can I use ACV that does not contain the Mother? Is it effective just not as effective? I can get ACV by the gallon, but only in small bottles with the Mother and it’s 4x the cost.
ACV which doesn’t contain mother element is not effective treating nail fungus. Because the mother element contain most of ACV’s nutritional and beneficial properties.
I have read that each time you do a foot soak with ACV, you should trim your nails and clean out the gunk, Won’t the ACV burn the skin?
If diluted properly then apple cider vinegar doesn’t burn the skin. If it is causing any burning sensation add some water to dilute it further.
And if I mix a little baking soda with one drop of ACV like in paste form and apply on the nails , is it okay?
Yes, it is ok. Try it regularly and share your experience.
You list 10 different solutions to remedy the toe fungus issue. Are they listed in order of effectiveness with number 1 being the best solution ???
Nope, they are not listed as per efficacy because all of them are equally effective in treating nail fungus. You can choose any one as per your convenience and try it regularly.
What does the mother element mean what is it?
The “mother” is a colony of beneficial bacteria, minerals and trace elements that helps create vinegar through a secondary fermentation process.
I started with ACV a few days ago and there seems to be an improvement! I’m thrilled. Can I take 8 oz. water with one teaspoon of ACV a day or in two days? Thanks for your kind answer.
Yes, you can.