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Athletes Foot Fungus Listerine Soak Causes & Best Treatment

Athletes’ Foot Fungus Listerine Soak: Discover how to properly use Listerine as a home remedy to help combat athlete’s foot.

 

This simple yet effective soak method harnesses the antifungal and antibacterial properties of Listerine to reduce itching, burning, and odor while targeting the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. We’ll guide you through the best soaking techniques, how often to use it, and tips for combining Listerine with other proven remedies for faster relief and healthier feet.

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Athlete's Foot Fungus (BEST Home Remedies & Treatment Video)

  • This video reviews our favorite home remedies & home treatment options.
  • Always check with your podiatrist before trying any of these!

Athlete’s foot fungus home remedies & treatment options:

We will show you how to get rid of Athlete’s foot fungus fast!

  • This guide will show you athlete’s foot fungus home remedy and home treatment options.
  • These include powders, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, Listerine, and Vick’s vapor rub. These are scientifically proven treatment options to get rid of your severe athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and bad athlete’s foot.
  • So even if it is between the toes, the top of the foot, in a mocassin distribution, or on your heel. 
  • So get rid of your foot fungus!

Listerine Foot Soak Remedy

Pros:

  • + Easy to use method.
  • + Double use for a readily available home product.
  • + Readily available in most homes.
  • + Also works on the toenails.
  • + Can be applied as a topical without having to soak.
  • + Very high success rate.
  • + Not very irritating to the skin.
  • + Based on medically proven ingredients.
  • + Nice smell.
Athletes Foot Fungus Listerine Soak: Causes & Best Treatment 2019
An athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus living on dead, dry skin on your foot. The Listerine soak functions by flaking off your dry skin and killing the fungus. 15-20 minutes should more than do it! Listerine is full of antibacterial and antifungal medication.

Cons:

  • – It is not as potent as some of the other home remedies.
  • – It can be difficult and annoying to apply every night.
  • – Can become expensive.
  • – Costs about $10 for a 1.5 L jug of Listerine.
  • – No specific medical trials for using it.
Athlete's Foot Home Treatment & Remedy
The athlete’s foot is most common on the bottom of the foot, the heel, and in between the toes. 

What Causes Athletes Foot Fungus?

Athlete’s foot fungus is due to a superficial infection of the skin by fungus!

If you want to learn more about the causes of fungus:

What Do I Need?

  • 1 cup of Listerine.
  • 2 cups of warm water.
  • Footbath.
  • Just Listerine if using the topical method.

Do Listerine Foot Soaks Work For Foot Fungus?

  • Listerine contains the ingredients Camphor, Thymol, and Menthol, which have all been shown to fight against toenail & foot fungus in research studies.
  • The ingredients within Listerine then slowly eliminate the fungal cells found in your superficial skin.
  • The toenail fungus takes a few weeks or months to disappear, depending on your severity and health factors.
  • You must do this for at least 6 weeks to 3 months to eradicate the fungus from your nails. The nails then need 6-9 months to grow out.
  • Athlete’s foot fungus takes about 30 days to be replaced by healthy new skin.
  • The foot fungus is usually killed before this, but the dead skin still needs to be replaced.

Foot Fungus Home Treatment Options:

  • Consider these products as well for your foot fungus.
  • These may not be at home, but they can work even better!

Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Best Shower Body Wash
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Lotrimin Medicated Deodorant Powder Spray with Miconazole Nitrate 2%, 4.6 oz (Pack of 3)
Purely Northwest Tea Tree Body Wash for Men and Women – Natural Tea Tree Oil Body Cleanser for Odor, Skin Irritations, Hydrating Shower Gel for Sensitive Skin, Gentle and Refreshing Body Wash
Epsom Salt Tea Tree Foot Soak-Toenail Repair, Softens Thick Calluses & Corns, Stubborn Foot Odor, Athletes Foot Burning & Itching, Damaged Discolored Nails: Purely Northwest USA 16 ounces/1Lb
Foot Soaking Bath Basin - Large Size for Soaking Feet, Best Pedicure at Home Spa Treatment - Callus, Fungus and Dead Skin Remover, Enjoy Hot Water Foot Massager, Scrubbing in This Tub/Bucket - Gray
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Great cost effective shower wash.
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Not much downsides, it’s a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Lotrimin Medicated Deodorant Powder Spray with Miconazole Nitrate 2%, 4.6 oz (Pack of 3)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Pros:
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Cons:
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Shower Body Wash
Purely Northwest Tea Tree Body Wash for Men and Women – Natural Tea Tree Oil Body Cleanser for Odor, Skin Irritations, Hydrating Shower Gel for Sensitive Skin, Gentle and Refreshing Body Wash
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great cost effective shower wash.
Pros:
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Cons:
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Epsom Salt Tea Tree Foot Soak-Toenail Repair, Softens Thick Calluses & Corns, Stubborn Foot Odor, Athletes Foot Burning & Itching, Damaged Discolored Nails: Purely Northwest USA 16 ounces/1Lb
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
Pros:
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Foot Soaking Bath Basin - Large Size for Soaking Feet, Best Pedicure at Home Spa Treatment - Callus, Fungus and Dead Skin Remover, Enjoy Hot Water Foot Massager, Scrubbing in This Tub/Bucket - Gray
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
Not much downsides, it’s a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

Remember To Treat Your Toenail Fungus!

Toenail fungus is a reservoir for fungus to re-infect your foot. If you have toenail fungus, remember to treat it as well!

  • Remember that if you continue having toenail fungus, it will reinfect your foot once more.
  • Follow our complete toenail fungus treatment guide!

The Complete Toenail Fungus Treatment Guide!

Other Related Nail Problems:

See if any of these other problems apply to your situation!

  1. Toenail Fungus
  2. Very Long Toenails
  3. Ingrown Toenail
  4. Toenail Falling Off
  5. Black Streaks Under The Nails
  6. White Patches On Toenails
  7. Black Spot Under The Toenail
  8. Red Spot Under The Toenail
  9. Toenail Coming Off The Nail Bed
  10. Toenail Psoriasis 
Athlete's foot fungus mocassin distribution and bottom of the heel
This is the moccasin distribution of foot fungus on the bottom of the foot. This can lead to significant pain and swelling.

Best Shoes For Toenail Injuries:

  • The key to prevent toenail ripping and lifting is to have good supportive shoes.
  • If you have a good supportive shoe that keeps pressure off your toes in your toenails, there will be no lifting and cracking to allow bacteria and fungus to get in.
  • This almost seems counter-intuitive, but when people make a switch to perfect supportive shoes that fit properly, their toenail problems almost always get better over the next few months or a year.
  • Your current nail is already likely destroyed, especially with joggers toe, but let the new nail growing healthy without new damage.
  • Click the following link for our most recommended shoes. Try to focus on shoes with mesh and room around the big toe and also the smaller toes.

Best Podiatrist Recommended Shoes

Athlete's Foot Fungus Listerine Soak: Trusted Foot & Ankle Solutions

Step into knowledge — before you step into treatment.

Why Choose Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell and Bloomfield Hills?

Our expert approach to treating white toenails combines modern podiatric care, precision, and long-term solutions designed to restore your nails’ natural health, strength, and appearance. White toenails can develop from fungal infections, repeated trauma, or other underlying conditions, and our team focuses on addressing the true cause rather than just the surface symptoms. Using advanced diagnostic tools, effective treatment methods, and personalized care plans, we work to clear the discoloration, relieve any associated discomfort, and help prevent future recurrence. Patients across Southeast Michigan trust us not only for our medical expertise but also for our emphasis on education—giving you the knowledge and guidance you need to choose the treatment path that’s right for you. With our specialized care for white toenails, you can move forward with healthier-looking nails, improved confidence, and greater comfort in every step.

listerine foot soak for fungus

Frequently Asked Questions About Athlete’s Foot Fungus Listerine Soak

A Listerine soak involves immersing your feet in a mixture of Listerine mouthwash, often combined with vinegar or warm water, to help reduce fungal growth.

Listerine contains antiseptic ingredients like menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus oil that may have antifungal properties, but its effectiveness can vary from person to person.

Many people try it daily or several times a week, but consistency is key for potential results. Always monitor your skin for irritation.

Mix equal parts Listerine and warm water, or combine one part Listerine with one part vinegar and two parts warm water, then soak your feet for 15–30 minutes.

Some people may experience dryness, skin irritation, or a burning sensation. If symptoms worsen, stop use and consult a podiatrist.

A soak alone may not completely cure fungal infections. Prescription antifungal creams or oral medications may be needed for persistent or severe cases.

 If your symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, worsen, or spread to toenails, it’s best to see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

First Steps Out of Bed Shouldn't Feel
Like Stepping on Glass.

If you're wincing with your first few steps every morning, or dreading a night out because you know your feet won't cooperate — you already know how much foot pain quietly steals from you.

🌅

The Morning Dread

You brace yourself before your feet hit the floor. The sharp heel pain that greets you every single morning.

👟

The Shoe Problem

Nothing fits comfortably anymore. You've given up heels, your favorite sneakers, and any shoe that looks professional.

😔

The Cancelled Plans

The trip you said no to. The walk you cut short. The grandkids you can't keep up with anymore.

💊

The Painkiller Cycle

Ibuprofen at breakfast. Ice packs at night. Temporary relief — but the pain is always back by morning.

The Life You're Putting on Hold
Is Getting Further Away Every Day.

Chronic foot pain doesn't just hurt — it quietly erodes the experiences that make life worth living. Here's what our patients tell us they've given up:

  • "I used to play 18 holes on Sundays. Now I can't make it past the 3rd hole."
  • 🏃"I signed up for a 5K with my daughter. I had to drop out before race day."
  • 💃"I haven't danced at a family event in three years. The pain just isn't worth it."
  • 🧸"I can't chase my grandkids around the yard. They don't understand why grandma always has to sit."
  • 🧳"We cancelled our trip to Europe. I knew I couldn't walk cobblestones for a week."
  • 💼"I'm on my feet all day for work. By noon, I'm counting the hours until I can sit down."

"If any of this sounds familiar — you don't have to keep living this way."

Advanced Treatment That Actually
Addresses the Root Cause.

At Balance Foot & Ankle, we don't just mask the pain. We diagnose exactly what's driving it — then use the most modern, minimally invasive treatments available to fix it, permanently.

🔴

MLS Laser Therapy

FDA-cleared dual-wavelength laser that penetrates deep tissue to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing at the cellular level. No surgery, no downtime. Patients often feel relief after the very first session.

Learn how it works →

EPAT Shockwave Therapy

Non-invasive acoustic wave technology that triggers your body's own healing response — breaking up scar tissue and stimulating collagen production. 80%+ success rate for chronic plantar fasciitis.

See patient results →
🔬

Minimally Invasive Surgery

When conservative treatments aren't enough, our MIS techniques use pencil-thin instruments through micro-incisions. Faster recovery, less scarring, and back on your feet in days — not months.

Explore procedures →
👟

Custom Orthotics

3D-scanned to your exact foot anatomy. Not the generic insoles from the drugstore — precision-engineered supports that correct the biomechanical issues causing your pain from the ground up.

How orthotics help →
💉

Regenerative Injections

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses your body's own growth factors to heal damaged tendons and ligaments from the inside out. A powerful alternative to cortisone that promotes lasting recovery.

About regenerative care →
🦷

Toenail & Skin Conditions

Laser toenail fungus treatment, ingrown nail correction, wart removal, corn and callus care — all handled in our comfortable clinic setting with same-day appointments available.

View all conditions →

Getting Back on Your Feet Is Simpler Than You Think.

We know starting with a new doctor can feel overwhelming. So we've made the path from pain to recovery as clear as three steps.

1

Book Your Appointment

Online in 60 seconds, or call us. Same-day slots are available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills.

2

We Diagnose the Real Problem

Digital X-rays, gait analysis, and Dr. Tom's 15+ years of expertise — we find exactly what's causing your pain.

3

You Get Your Life Back

A personalised treatment plan that works around your schedule and goals — not a generic protocol.

Why Over 1 Million People Trust Dr. Tom

Dr. Tom doesn't just treat patients in the clinic — he's Michigan's most-watched podiatrist online, with a YouTube channel that has helped over a million people understand their foot health. That depth of knowledge comes to every appointment.

1M+
YouTube Views Educating Patients Worldwide
15+
Years of Board-Certified Podiatric Practice
4.9★
Average Google Review Rating (400+ Reviews)
2
Convenient Locations — Howell & Bloomfield Hills

Real Patients. Real Recoveries.

★★★★★
"After years of plantar fasciitis, Dr. Tom had me pain-free in three laser sessions. I genuinely cried when I walked to my mailbox without limping for the first time. Cannot recommend enough."
— Sarah K., Bloomfield Hills
★★★★★
"I was terrified of foot surgery. Dr. Tom explained the minimally invasive procedure step by step. Six weeks later, I walked my daughter down the aisle. Best decision I ever made."
— Robert M., Howell
★★★★★
"Same-day appointment, thorough diagnosis, and a treatment plan that actually worked. I'd been to two other podiatrists before. Wish I'd found Dr. Tom first. Already back on the golf course."
— Jim P., West Bloomfield

You've Waited Long Enough.
Same-Day Appointments Are Available.

Don't let another morning start with that sharp, grinding pain. Our team is ready to see you — often today.

Book My Appointment Now →

Or call us directly: (810) 206-1402