Skip your pre-sandals pedicure with this genius baking-soda hack

The sudden arrival of seasonal warm weather (and the welcome influx of vitamin D) can leave the best of us unprepared for sandal season. Haven’t had time to get a pedicure to give your toes and feet some seriously needed attention before they make their annual fresh-air debut? Not to worry, since there’s a genius (and nearly free!) at-home hack that’ll get you out of socks ASAP. And, bonus: It involves a certain kitchen rockstar ingredient: baking soda.

Simply mix baking soda, lemon juice, and toothpaste together, and scrub your toenails with the concoction using a toothbrush.

Following the brutal winter months (or as a result of having constantly painted nails), you might end up with toenails that are discolored and flaking, nail artist Madeline Poole told Vogue. But she adds that you can whip up a DIY baking-soda concoction (which conveniently doubles as a tooth-whitening remedy) to get your feet ready for public viewing.

Get your toes in shape with the step by step guide below.

DIY baking soda pedicure

1. Mix baking soda, lemon juice, and toothpaste

2. Remove all nail polish

3. Gently buff your toenails

4. Rub the baking soda cocktail into your nails with a toothbrush

Your digits should look cleaner and brighter after a few minutes of care. But, pro tip: Use a different toothbrush than the one you use on your teeth.

While you have your box of the white powder out, you might as well whip yourself up a glass of inflammation-battling baking-soda water or use it in your face mask.