Listerine is a brand of antiseptic mouthwash product promoted with the slogan, “Kills germs that cause bad breath”. Inspired by Louis Pasteur’s ideas on microbial infection, the English doctor Joseph Lister demonstrated in 1865 that use of carbolic acid on surgical dressings would significantly reduce rates of post-surgical infection. Lister’s work, in turn, inspired St. Louis-based doctor Joseph Lawrence to develop an alcohol-based formula for a surgical antiseptic which included eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol (Its exact composition is a commercial secret). Lawrence named his antiseptic “Listerine” in honor of Lister.[
Although Listerine was formulated as a surgical antiseptic it has historically been used for all sorts of things. In fact, it wasn’t actually marketed for bad breath until the 1970s! If you’ve got a stash of Listerine sitting in your bathroom closet, check out some of the cool, unconventional ways that you can use it—and maybe save yourself a few bucks! Here are some surprising alternative uses for everyone’s favorite mouthwash.
A 30-minute soak in Listerine and white vinegar can rid your feet of toenail fungus. Rinse, scrub, and repeat once or twice a day and you should see the infection clear right up.
Did you know Listerine can also fight acne? It’s true. Don’t blow your budget on expensive acne treatments when you can apply Listerine morning and night instead.
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