How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Nail Fungus

Maybe you’ve experienced it…

The most common type of fungal infection…. nail fungus.


It loves to grow in dark, warm, moist environments, affecting both toenails and fingernails.

It will start out as yellow or white spots on one or more of the nails, and if left untreated, results in further discoloration, pain, and the crumbling of toenail and fingernail edges.

Before heading to the doctor or drug store for an expensive over the counter drug, consider trying apple cider vinegar… which is widely accepted as the most effective solution.

Here is what you need to learn about apple cider vinegar and how it can help treat your nail fungus.

Why is Apple Cider Vinegar So Effective on Nail Fungus?

As with many of our physical ailments, a fungal infection is caused by a pH balance is out of wack.

Fungus thrives when the surrounding skin by a nail becomes more alkaline. Apple cider vinegar increases acidity, thereby balancing the skin’s pH level and killing the fungus.

It is also antibacterial so ACV is excellent at fighting the germs, bacteria, and other micro-organisms that cause nail fungus.

Apple Cider Vinegar also contains anti-fungal and anti-viral properties that will prevent future fungal infections.

The acidity of the apple cider vinegar will also relieve pain and itching that is often associated with fungal infections.

Curing Nail Fungus with Apple Cider Vinegar

Below are a few methods for curing nail fungus. All of these methods are safe for both adults and children and they have no side effects.

Although fungus is usually a problem on toenails, it can also infect fingernails. These methods can be used to cure and prevent fungal infections for both toenails and fingernails.

When purchasing apple cider vinegar, I recommend that you purchase Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar because it is raw, unfiltered and contains the “mother”. The “mother of vinegar” is the enzymes that contain all of the beneficial properties needed for natural healing. Most commercial brands remove the “mother”, so be sure to purchase one that does not.

ACV Treatment for Fingernails

Soaking with Apple Cider Vinegar and Water

  1. Combine equal parts (1:1) apple cider vinegar and water.
  2. Soak the infected fingernail(s) in the mixture for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove fingernail(s) from the solution and dry completely.
  4. Repeat daily for 4 weeks.

Exfoliate with Apple Cider Vinegar and Rice Flour

  1. Make a paste with 2-3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar and rice flour.
  2. Apply this paste to the infected fingernail(s) and gently scrub to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells.
  3. Leave the paste on for a few minutes, then wash it off and dry the fingernail(s).
  4. Repeat regularly for the best results.

Soak & Exfoliate Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

  1. Combine 1 cup apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water.
  2. Soak the infected fingernail(s) for 10-15 minutes, then remove and pat dry.
  3. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste.
  4. Soak the infected fingernail(s) in the paste for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Remove, wash away the paste, and pat dry.
  6. Repeat twice daily.

Apple cider vinegar will kill fungus bacteria and the baking soda prevent future growth.

Apple Cider Vinegar with Cotton Swab

  1. Dip a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar.
  2. Apply as if you were painting your nails to the infected fingernail(s) and let it dry.
  3. Repeat 3-4 times daily.

The apple cider vinegar will go under the nail and kill the fungal infection.

Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of warm water.
  2. Drink 3 times daily.

ACV Treatment for Toenails

Soaking with Apple Cider Vinegar and Water

  1. Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Be sure you have enough liquid to submerge your toes.
  2. Soak your toes for 30 minutes.
  3. Thoroughly dry feet.
  4. Massage the toes for a few minutes with tea tree oil mixed with your choice of carrier oil.
  5. Repeat this process 1-4 times daily, but do not exceed 4 times a day.

For the best results, alternate between warm and cold-water foot baths.

Soaking with Apple Cider Vinegar and Epsom Salt

  1. Mix 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup of Epsom salt, and 2 cups of hot water. Stir well.
  2. Soak toes in the solution for 30 minutes.
  3. Repeat 1-2 times daily.

The longer you soak your toes, the better your results will be.

Soak with Apple Cider Vinegar and Listerine

  1. Combine Listerine, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar in a basin and stir well.
  2. Soak toes in the solution for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Remove foot from the bath, scrub toes gently for a few minutes, then dry completely.
  4. Repeat 1-2 times daily.

Listerine’s antiseptic properties will kill fungus, bacteria, and germs.

No-Soak Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment

  1. Pour a few drops of apple cider vinegar directly onto the affected toenail(s).
  2. Let it dry and leave it on.
  3. Repeat twice daily.

You can also use this in conjunction with the foot baths.

Drink Apple Cider Vinegar with Manuka Honey

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with 1 teaspoon manuka honey.
  2. Add this to a glass of warm filtered water and mix well.
  3. Drink to kill bacteria from the inside.

Have you tried any of the above methods for curing nail fungus? Share your experience in the comments!