How To Make a Listerine Foot Soak

Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by Martina McKeough

If you haven’t heard about the viral Listerine foot soak trend, let me fill you in on why everyone is suddenly using a popular mouthwash on their feet.

At first, mouthwash and foot soaks might seem like an odd combination, but someone had the idea to give it a try—and before long, it became a craze that everyone wanted to copy.

If you’re curious about how it works, here’s everything you need to know about this unexpected and unusual foot care trend.

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What Is a Listerine Foot Soak?

A Listerine foot soak is a DIY foot care treatment that uses a combination of Listerine mouthwash, vinegar, and water. The whole idea behind the soak it to get rid of foot odor and to help remove dead skin cells for softer feet.

People seem to believe that Listerine is a great home remedy for certain foot problems and becaue it has antifungal and antibacterial properties it has gone viral as a foot soak.

My view is that whilst is may be a relatively harmless home remedy to try it clearly isn’t goint to match more expensive or targeted foot care treatments.

The Benefits of Using a Listerine Foot Soak

Whilst there doesn’t appear to be any direct evidence of its benefits people seem to swear by Listerine foot soaks. They think is helps to soften calluses and dry skin and helps to refresh tired feet. Listerine’s ingredients in particular leave your feet feeling minty fresh just like it would your mouth.

They also claim that because it has antifungal properties it can help stop minor foot infections. As the mouthwash is relatively affordable and in many peoples bathrooms already its grown incredibly popular.

How Does a Listerine Foot Soak Work?

Listerine contains essential oils like thymol and eucalyptol, which have antifungal and antibacterial properties that help combat foot odor and minor infections.

The foot soak also uses vinegar which is acidic and softens dead skin and calluses, making exfoliation easier. When combined with warm water, the mixture of the solutions opens up the pores and loosens tough skin, allowing for a more effective foot scrub after soaking.

If you want to know more about using Vinegar in a foot soak you can read my article on why it is a popular foot care ingredient.

How To Make a Listerine Foot Soak At Home

Ingredients:

1 cup Listerine (any variety, though many prefer blue for the cooling effect)
1 cup white vinegar
2 cups warm water
Optional: 2-3 tablespoons of Epsom salt for extra soothing effects

Instructions:

Prepare the Foot Soak: In a large basin or tub, combine 1 cup of Listerine, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water. If you’re using Epsom salt, dissolve it in the mixture.
Soak Your Feet: Place your feet into the mixture and let them soak for 15-20 minutes. Relax during this time to give the soak a chance to work.
Scrub & Exfoliate: After soaking, gently scrub your feet with a pumice stone or foot rasp to remove dead skin and calluses. The Listerine and vinegar combination helps soften the skin, making exfoliation easier.
Rinse and Moisturize: Once done, rinse your feet with warm water and pat them dry. Finally apply a rich moisturizer or foot cream to lock in moisture.

How Often Should You Use a Listerine Foot Soak?

As with more foot care routines frequency will really depend on how bad your feet are.

If you’re dealing with dry, cracked heels or calluses, you can use the soak 2-3 times a week until the problem improves. For regular maintenance and odor control, once a week is usually enough.

Just remember if you get any irritation at all reduce the frequency and check in with your doctor or podiatrist for extra help.

Does This Type of Foot Soak Work?

Listerine foot soaks have garnered a lot of attention online, and while there isn’t a lot of scientific evidence backing it, many users swear by the results.

The combination of Listerine and vinegar softens rough skin and leaves feet smelling fresh. While it may not replace professional treatments for severe foot issues, it’s an effective and budget-friendly option for basic foot care at home.

Tips and Tricks

To maximize the benefits of a Listerine foot soak, make sure to soak your feet for at least 15-20 minutes to soften the skin fully.

For extra exfoliation, gently scrub your feet with a pumice stone or foot rasp after the soak.

Alsways follow up with a rich moisturizer or foot cream to lock in hydration, and wear socks overnight for even softer feet. Adding Epsom salts or essential oils can enhance the effects of the soak.

Are There Any Side Effects?

While Listerine foot soaks are generally safe, some individuals may experience irritation or dryness due to the alcohol and essential oils in Listerine.

If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to dilute the solution further or do a patch test before soaking. If you have open wounds, infections, or other foot conditions give it a miss or you could make your feet work.

Alternative Foot Soaks You Can Try

If you’re not a fan of Listerine or want to try something different, there are several alternative foot soaks you can experiment with. I have detailed recipes and ingredients for some great foot soaks for relaxation and stress reduction in one of my posts.

Epsom salt foot soaks have some amazing benefits and are popular for soothing tired feet and reducing inflammation. A baking soda foot soak can help exfoliate dead skin and neutralize foot odor, while a tea tree oil soak provides antifungal benefits. Choose the soak that best fits your foot care needs.

Finally Some Extra Info

Last but not least whilst you supposedly can use any type of listerine for your foot soak most people swear by the blue version because it has a cooling effect.

Having the feeling of fresh cool feet really does make a difference especially in the heat of summer.

So are you going to give a Listerine foot soak a try? If so let me know the results.

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