Listerine mouthwash has been a staple on bathroom shelves for decades, but most people still use it for one thing and one thing only – freshening their breath. Which is a shame, because this blue antiseptic potion is a treasure trove of hidden superpowers. Half-joking, half-seriously: If Listerine were a person, it would be that all-purpose friend who knows how to do everything – from clearing fungus to disinfecting razors – and still smells like menthol.
The truth is that it has Listerine strong antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties, which extend far beyond your tongue and gums. Thanks to the content alcohol, eucalyptol, menthol, thymol and methyl salicylate, this product offers a whole host of practical (and surprisingly effective) solutions to everyday annoyances that drive us crazy. Below, we reveal 7 of the most fascinating – and proven – tricks that will make you look at Listerine in a very different light.
Welcome to the world of alternative wonders where Listerine plays a starring role
1. Against foot fungus: a home foot spa with a little horror
If you're one of those who loves open-toed shoes but also struggles with unwanted fungus between your toes or on your nails, then this trick will change your life - or at least your toes. Listerine works antifungal, so it works great as an ingredient for a foot bath.
Ingridients:
- 1 cup Listerine (original, not fruit-colored)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
Preparation process:
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl or basin and soak your feet in it for 15-20 minutes. Repeat the process every day for at least a week. The fungus won't know what hit them, and your feet will be soft and fresh, like you just left the salon.
2. Pimples and Listerine: A duel that acne loses
If you feel like your face has decided to play a teenage drama even though you've long since graduated, then you need a weapon that works quickly and locally. Listerine proves to be the right one for acne antiseptic blow, because of the alcohol and menthol content dries out a pimple, while reducing bacterial infection.
Usage is simple: soak a cotton swab in Listerine and apply it directly to the pimple, best in the evening, before bed. Although the feeling is not the most pleasant (it burns!), the result is often worth the small sacrifice.
3. Disinfect razors and tweezers without a lab
Personal care tools are often overlooked when it comes to hygiene. However, if you don't want your razor to become a breeding ground for bacteria, treat it to a good cleaning every now and then. a bath in ListerineDue to its high alcohol and essential oil content, it will act as a natural disinfectant.
Simply dip a razor or tweezers in a jar of Listerine for a few minutes, then dry it thoroughly. Not only will you reduce the chance of skin irritation, but you will also extend the life of the tool.
4. Your shoes – finally odor-free and with a hint of menthol
If you have shoes that give off an odor that would make even your dog turn their head away, Listerine is your best ally. Instead of hiding them under the bed or stocking them with baking soda, treat them to something more effective.
Mix Listerine and water in a 1:1 ratio and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the inside of your shoes, let it dry, and enjoy the smell of victory – or rather menthol. Or you can use a cotton ball soaked in Listerine and wipe the inside of your shoes with it. The bacteria that cause the unpleasant odor will quickly leave the ship.
5. Mosquitoes? Listerine doesn't like them – at least temporarily
If mosquitoes are having a party around your ankles this summer, Listerine can serve as a temporary solution. Because fresh smell and alcohol content Insects aren't exactly thrilled with your scent. It's easy to use – use a cotton ball to apply Listerine to exposed areas of skin, especially around your ankles and wrists.
True, the effect is not long-lasting like with specialized repellents, but for an evening walk or a picnic on the terrace it will be quite enough. Plus, you will smell like menthol, not like chemicals from a military survival kit.
6. The toilet will smell like you just did oral hygiene
If you want to avoid chemical toilet fresheners and prefer something more natural (and a little more unusual), then Listerine is a great alternative. Pour a few capfuls of Listerine into the sink., leave for a few minutes and then rinse. The smell will be fresh, and the antibacterial effect will also ensure that there are fewer bacteria.
An extra trick: you can also pour some Listerine into the toilet brush holder - this way you will also disinfect that hidden corner of the bathroom that we all like to ignore.
7. Goodbye dandruff? Yes, Listerine can do that too
Although it sounds like an urban legend, Listerine really works as well natural help with dandruff – thanks to its antifungal properties that target the fungus associated with dandruff. But be careful – this method is not for everyone.
Before washing your hair, gently massage Listerine into your scalp, leave on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly and follow up with shampoo. If you have sensitive skin, try a smaller dose first and never use the colored, scented versions. This is therapy, not a cocktail.
Conclusion:
Listerine is the MacGyver of beauty products – it not only freshens your breath, but it can solve a host of everyday problems, from bad breath to stubborn fungus. And while some of the tricks are a bit unusual, many of them really work. Next time you’re in the bathroom, take a fresh look at your bottle of Listerine – it might not just be your mouthwash, but the hidden hero of your home.
