Listerine’s antiseptic, alcohol-based formula makes it useful for a lot more than gargling. Some of these uses are backed by the same properties that make it work as mouthwash; a couple of popular ones online are more myth than fact. Here’s an honest breakdown.
Why Listerine Works for More Than Your Mouth
The classic (original) formula contains alcohol and antiseptic essential oils, which is why it kills odor-causing bacteria and has a strong, functional scent. Those same properties are what make it useful in a few household and personal-care contexts beyond oral hygiene.
9 Uses Worth Trying
1. Freshening laundry
A small capful in the wash can help cut musty odors from towels or gym clothes, thanks to the antibacterial properties.
2. Deodorizing shoes
Wiping the inside of smelly shoes with a Listerine-soaked cloth helps reduce odor-causing bacteria overnight.
3. Cleaning eyeglasses
A drop on a soft cloth can cut through smudges and disinfect the frames — avoid the lenses if they have a special coating, since alcohol can damage certain lens treatments.
4. Repelling mosquitoes outdoors
Many people report the strong scent helps deter mosquitoes when sprayed around outdoor seating areas, though it’s not a registered insect repellent and shouldn’t replace one for serious mosquito exposure.
5. Cleaning household surfaces
Diluted Listerine can help disinfect small surfaces like countertops in a pinch, thanks to its alcohol content, though it’s not a substitute for a proper household disinfectant for regular cleaning.
6. Removing hairspray buildup from brushes
Soaking hairbrushes and combs in Listerine for a few minutes helps dissolve product residue.
7. Treating minor dandruff
Diluted with water and applied to the scalp before shampooing, the antiseptic properties may help with mild dandruff for some people. This isn’t a substitute for a medicated dandruff shampoo if the problem persists.
8. Deodorizing garbage cans
Wiping down the inside of a trash can with a Listerine-soaked cloth helps neutralize lingering odor between washes.
9. Freshening gym bags and lunch boxes
A quick wipe-down cuts through the accumulated odor in bags that don’t get washed regularly.
One Popular Claim That Doesn’t Hold Up
Listerine is often recommended online as a home remedy for toenail fungus. There’s no solid clinical evidence that it effectively treats fungal nail infections, and relying on it can delay proper treatment. Toenail fungus is a legitimate medical condition — see a doctor or podiatrist for an actual antifungal treatment plan if you suspect you have it, rather than a home remedy detour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Listerine safe to use on skin or scalp?
Diluted, for occasional use, it’s generally fine for most people, but full-strength Listerine can be irritating to skin due to the alcohol content. Patch-test first if you have sensitive skin.
Does it actually work as a household disinfectant?
It has some antiseptic effect from the alcohol content, but it’s not registered or tested as an EPA-approved household disinfectant, so use dedicated cleaning products for anything where germ-killing really matters, like after illness in the house.
Will Listerine damage fabric or surfaces?
The alcohol content can be harsh on some delicate fabrics or finished surfaces, so spot-test before using it on anything valuable.
Which Listerine formula works best for these uses?
The original, amber-colored formula has the highest alcohol content and is generally most effective for these household uses; some newer flavored or alcohol-free formulas won’t work as well for cleaning purposes.
The Bottom Line
Listerine’s alcohol and antiseptic properties make it a genuinely useful multi-purpose product around the house, from deodorizing to light cleaning. Skip the toenail fungus claim, though — that one needs real medical treatment, not mouthwash.
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