Listerine Foot Soak: Does It Work And Are There Any Benefits Of Using It?

Yes, it sounds weird. Many of you might have heard of (or used) Listerine as a foot soak. Some of you may be wondering how a product recommended for the mouth is used for feet. Does it even work? You can find the answers to all these questions right here, along with some DIY Listerine foot soak recipes. Keep scrolling!

Listerine Foot Soak: Does It Work?

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Listerine is an antiseptic mouthwash meant for maintaining oral hygiene. However, people also use it as a foot soak! It is usually used for treating calluses, dry skin, and toenail fungus. That may sound whacky, but it’s true! While there is plenty of evidence that supports its effectiveness in preventing oral issues, no scientific research has been done to examine Listerine’s effectiveness in healing foot-related issues.

However, many bloggers claim that Listerine has done wonders for their feet. Therefore, the benefits of Listerine foot soak are primarily based on anecdotal evidence.

Moreover, people also use ingredients, such as Epsom salt and essential oils, along with Listerine, which may add to the benefits of such foot soaks.

Here’s how it may help:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Listerine contains antiseptic ingredients, such as methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, menthol, and thymol that have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. They may help keep your foot clean and prevent inflammation.

2. Softens Skin

When you soak your feet in Listerine, it softens the dead skin cells, making it easier for you to remove them using a loofah or pumice stone. Thus, you can easily remove calluses, prevent cracked heels, and make your foot feel soft.

3. May Help Prevent Infections

Many women who had toenail infection found Listerine foot soak beneficial. They claimed it helped heal the infection. It is also claimed to heal athlete’s foot.

4. May Help Relieve Pain

People who have used Listerine foot soak also claim that it helps ease muscle pain and soreness in the feet. Its ingredients, especially methyl salicylate, may be helpful in relieving aching and tired feet.

The advocates of Listerine foot soak also claim it is an effective remedy for dry skin. If your feet are dry, you can try soaking them in Listerine!

However, you need to be careful before using a Listerine foot soak. Here are a few things you need to consider before going ahead.

Things To Consider Before Using Listerine Foot Soak

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• Avoid going for a Listerine foot soak if you have open wounds or sensitive skin because it contains ingredients that may irritate your skin. Some people experience a burning sensation inside the mouth when they use Listerine. You will feel the same on your skin if you are not cautious while using it.
• Avoid using Listerine foot soak if you are allergic to menthol, thymol, eucalyptus, and methyl salicylate. These are the active ingredients in Listerine and may cause allergic reactions.
• Avoid Listerine foot soak if you are allergic to aspirin because methyl salicylate is chemically similar to aspirin.
• Avoid using Listerine in case you are allergic to Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

Note: Listerine foot soak is not an alternative treatment for infections and rashes on your feet. It is not a medicine. Always consult a doctor and get your feet checked in case of any skin infection, swelling, bleeding, pus, or any other signs of infection.

Here are a few DIY Listerine foot soak recipes that you can try out at home.

DIY Listerine Foot Soak Recipes

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1. Listerine And Vinegar Foot Soak

Honey has antibacterial properties (1). When mixed with vinegar and Listerine, it increases the effectiveness of this foot soak.

You Will Need

• ½ cup Listerine
• ½ cup vinegar
• 2-3 tablespoons honey
• A tub filled with warm water (about 3 liters)

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients in warm water.
2. Soak your feet for 15 minutes.
3. Scrub your feet with a pumice stone.
4. Rinse your feet and pat them dry.

2. Listerine And Lemon/Lime Juice Foot Soak

Citrus extracts have an antimicrobial effect (2). Therefore, adding citrus juice to your foot soak can increase its effectiveness.

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup Listerine
• 1 tablespoon citrus juice (lemon or lime)
• A tub filled with warm water (about 3 liters)

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients in warm water.
2. Soak your feet for 15 minutes.
3. Scrub them with a pumice stone or loofah.
4. Rinse your feet with water and pat them dry.

3. Listerine And Chamomile Tea Foot Soak

Chamomile helps to soften calluses and soothe your skin (3).

You Will Need

• 1 cup Listerine
• 1 cup chamomile tea (brewed)
• 1 tub of warm water

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients in warm water.
2. Soak your feet for 15 minutes or more.
3. Scrub your feet with a pumice stone or loofah.
4. Pat them dry with a towel.

4. Listerine And Epsom Salt Foot Soak

Epsom salt (also known as bathing salt or magnesium sulfate) is often used in soaks to soothe the skin and treat minor irritation. Though this is a popular remedy, there is no study that proves the transepidermal absorption of magnesium.

You Will Need

• 1 cup Listerine
• A tub of warm water
• 1 cup Epsom salt

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients in warm water.
2. Soak your feet for 15 minutes or more.
3. Scrub your feet with a pumice stone or loofah to remove the dead skin.
4. Pat your feet dry.

5. Listerine Foot Soak

You can also soak your feet in a solution of Listerine and warm water. It can soothe your tired feet and soften your skin.

You Will Need

• 1 cup Listerine
• A tub of warm water

Method

1. Mix the Listerine in water.
2. Soak your feet in it for 15 minutes or more.
3. Scrub your feet with a pumice stone or loofah.
4. Pat them dry with a towel.

Intriguing, right? If you haven’t tried a Listerine foot soak yet, you may give it a try. Do you have any more questions about Listerine foot soak? Leave them in the comments section below, and we will get back to you!

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