Locations:
Search IconSearch

3 At Home Wart Remedies (That Actually Work!)

You’ll be surprised which weird remedies actually make a difference

Duct tape used for wart removal

A wart can seemingly come out of nowhere and your first instinct might be to do a Google search to find some quick and easy home remedies. Instead of finding something simple, you find weird ideas like using pineapple juice, bleach, baking powder, basil, apple cider vinegar or even toothpaste on your wart.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Then come the instructions like rubbing the wart with the inside of a banana peel, burning your wart with a hot match or poking it with a needle. (Hint: don’t do any of these!)

But what actually works?

Dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD, shares three wart home remedies that actually work and tips for reducing your risk of getting them.

1. Sandpaper and duct tape

A combination of sandpaper and duct tape is one wart removal remedy that is more likely to work than others, so get ready to head to your local hardware store.

“Keep the wart covered with duct tape 24 hours a day,” says Dr. Piliang. “If the tape falls off, you need to quickly replace it. The skin underneath will become wet, pale and wrinkled, and warts dislike that. Keep it on for two to three weeks, and if the wart looks smaller, then continue using the duct tape until it goes away.”

Once the wart is white and soft, you can gently rub it with sandpaper to remove the outer layer. Then, replace the duct tape and repeat every few days or once a week. Throw away the sandpaper after each use.

The use of duct tape may not work for everyone, but because it’s safe and easy to do at home, it’s worth the effort, she adds.

2. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a cold treatment that is used to treat arthritis, muscle pain, inflammation and skin lesions. Cryotherapy can be used to freeze off a wart using liquid nitrogen and can only be performed by a doctor.

Advertisement

“Since cryotherapy may require multiple sessions to be effective, I suggest following cryotherapy with a salicylic acid treatment when the area heals,” says Dr. Piliang.

Talk to your doctor to schedule a cryotherapy session for your wart.

3. Double up on products

To help boost results, Dr. Piliang suggests combining duct tape with over-the-counter wart treatments.

“It’s always reasonable to try over-the-counter options like salicylic acid gel, liquid or pads,” Dr. Piliang says. “You can also use salicylic acid and then cover the area with duct tape.”

After removing the duct tape covering the wart, soak the area in water. Then, exfoliate with a pumice stone, emery board or fine-grade sandpaper. Not only is sandpaper inexpensive, you can also cut it into small pieces and throw them away after each use.

Over-the-counter products must be used daily and might require weeks or even months of treatment to go away completely. When choosing salicylic acid, keep in mind that higher percentages (20 to 40%) are most effective.

4. Reduce your risk of getting warts

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can spread to other areas on your body. It can also be passed from person to person.

“Be very careful when shaving,” says Dr. Piliang. “If you have a wart, shaving over it can spread it to other areas.”

To prevent warts from spreading, don’t pick or scratch at them. Don’t touch someone else’s wart. Don’t be barefoot in public showers and locker rooms and keep foot warts as dry as possible. Since HPV thrives in humid environments, it’s crucial to frequently wash items such as towels and clothing that come in contact with the wart to prevent spread.

Common in children of all ages, warts often go away in a few months, with or without treatment. Adults are more likely to need treatment to get rid of warts. It might take repeated treatments over the course of several months, but don’t give up — getting rid of warts will keep the virus from spreading.

If you’ve tried endless home remedies for a few months and haven’t seen results, it’s time ​to go see a doctor.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Woman wrapped in blanket on couch, holding hot beverage, hand on sore throat
These 8 Sore Throat Home Remedies Actually Work

From hot showers to hot tea, there are many ways to relieve sore throat inflammation and pain at home

Clean sheets hanging out of dryer
August 15, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets

You’re sharing your sheets with dust mites, bacteria and lots of dead skin, so you’ll want to keep your bedding fresh

Many pimples on a forehead
August 14, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
How To Avoid Sweat Pimples Year-Round

Wear light, breathable clothing, shower after you exercise and change your sheets regularly

Hand holding laundry detergent cap in front of open dryer with towels in it
August 8, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Are You Allergic to Your Laundry Detergent?

You may notice itching, redness and swelling after wearing or using laundered items

Man with shaving cream on face, about to shave beard
August 5, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Learn How To Get a Smooth Shave Every Time

Soften your skin with warm water and shaving cream before shaving with the grain of the hair

Person with sore throat, standing in their bathroom at home
July 30, 2025/Primary Care
How To Heal a Sore Throat After Throwing Up

Forceful vomiting and stomach acid in your esophagus can cause a sore throat that lasts days or even weeks

Hands parting hair at top of head, showing gray hairs growing in
July 25, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
What Causes Gray Hair?

Age is the most likely reason for typical graying, but premature graying may be caused by stress, diet, smoking or autoimmune disease

Person in bathroom, applying cosmetic to face with makeup brush
July 17, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Does Powder Sunscreen Work?

The convenient option is good for touch-ups, but it shouldn’t replace your traditional sunscreen

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad