Mouthwash is commonly used by most people but people usually only use it for gargling. However, mouthwash can be used for so many more things than just gargling.
Listerine mouthwash is a great go-to option if you need a fresh breath, but this popular product can do so much more. Its antibacterial properties are ideal for many DIY remedies, and its strong smell is useful too. Here are 40+ awesome uses for Listerine (and mouthwash in general) that you will wish you knew sooner.
After reading this article, you’re going to want to keep mouthwash at home for so many more things than just rinsing your mouth.
1) Flea-Free Pets
Flea sprays can be expensive, but this cheap alternative works great. Mix Listerine with water or doggie shampoo, then give your dog a bath just like usual. Make sure your dog doesn’t have sensitive skin or open wounds.
2) Relieve Pain From Stings
Bee and wasp stings really hurt! Use Listerine to relieve the pain. It will numb the affected area while you work to get the stinger out.
3) Facial Cleanser
Listerine has powerful antiseptic properties, so it is a great product to use for fighting acne.
4) Clean Cuts
Listerine’s antibacterial properties make it great for cleaning cuts and scrapes. Simply pour it over the affected area, then rinse it out with water.
5) Cure The Itch
Believe it or not, Listerine can clear up an itch fast. Whether you suffer from allergies or poison ivy, dab some on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area.
6) Heal Bruises Faster
If you bruise easily, this tip is for you. Dab some Listerine onto a cotton ball and gently press it into the bruised area. This should increase blood flow, causing the bruise to heal faster than it would have.
7) Screen Cleaner
Just a little spray of this product will clean your screen flawlessly. You can clean your laptop, your TV, or any other screen in your life.
8) Clean Your Washing Machine
Add a cup of Listerine to a load of laundry (along with your regular detergent). The mouthwash will kill any germs on your clothing, and it will even clean your washing machine.
9) De-Odorize Your Trash
If your trash smells intolerable, soak some Listerine into a paper towel and throw it away. The smell will overpower that yucky trash smell.
10) Sanitize Your Bathroom
Listerine makes a great last-minute bathroom cleaner. Wipe down your mirrors, sinks, and countertops with a blend of Listerine and water.
11) Stop Toenail Fungus
Kill that nasty fungus by soaking your feet in a bath of Listerine. Mix a little with warm water, and soak for 20 minutes. Your fungus should clear up in no time.
12) Aftershave
If you’re out of aftershave, try Listerine. It will leave you feeling fresh and smelling clean.
13) Clean The Toilet
This substance sanitizes and deodorizes your toilet. Pour a little in, brush it around the bowl, and flush.
14) Protect Piercings
New body piercings are more likely than older ones to become infected, especially around the belly button. Dab some Listerine around the pierced area to help prevent it from becoming infected.
15) Toothbrush Cleaner
If you trust it to clean your mouth, you should trust it to clean your toothbrush. We may not think about it, but toothbrushes need to be cleaned regularly too.
16) Banish Dandruff
Say goodbye to dandruff. Massage the mouthwash into your scalp, then rinse it out with your usual shampoo.
17) Back-Up Deodorant
If you ran out of deodorant, don’t worry. You’re not out of luck just yet. Rub a little Listerine on your armpit to stop the smell.
18) Soothe Sore Throats
If you have a sore throat, try gargling with Listerine. It should help to heal it quickly. If the problem persists, contact your doctor.
19) Soothe Toothaches
If your tooth hurts, dab Listerine on the affected area. The active ingredients will help to numb it while you figure out the cause of the problem.
20) Treat Acne
Listerine can help to kill acne-causing bacteria. Soak a cotton ball in the mouthwash and dab it onto the skin. You should notice a difference within a couple of days.
21) Breath Freshener
You might usually rinse your mouth with Listerine after you brush your teeth, but you can also use it in the middle of the day to freshen up. Your breath will smell fantastic.
22) Purify Your Soil
Use mouthwash to get rid of the mildew and fungus that can grow around the soil of your plants. Mix together 1 part Listerine and 3 parts water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the topsoil of your plants once a week.
23) Remove Ticks
No one wants to be stuck with a tick. If you find one, simply place a paper towel that has been soaked in Listerine on the surface of the skin. It should let go after just a few seconds.
24) Clean Your Humidifier
You can use Listerine to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your humidifier. Simply use the mouthwash as a cleanser and rinse it out with water.
25) Shine Wall Decor
If you have metallic wall decor, you can shine it up with Listerine. Dilute the mouthwash with water, and use it to polish up your decorations.
26) De-Odorize Your Garbage Disposal
Sometimes food sticks in our garbage disposals and rots. Get rid of the bad smell and break up the old food by pouring 1/2 cup of Listerine down your garbage disposal.
27) Protect Blisters
A blister is no fun, but an infected one is a lot worse. Dab Listerine onto the surface to prevent the blister from becoming infected.
28) Stop The Spread of Lice
Listerine can help to prevent lice from spreading. Soak your hair in the mouthwash then cover it with a shower cap for about 2 hours. Afterward, wash and rinse your hair like you usually do.
29) On-The-Go Phone Cleaner
Pour a little Listerine into a travel-sized bottle and keep a soft cloth handy. Now you can wipe off your phone wherever you are.
30) Soothe Bug Bites
Pour some Listerine onto a cotton ball then dab it on your skin. It should soothe the itching quickly.
31) Clean Glass
This product is perfect for cleaning glass. Pour a little Listerine onto a soft cloth and wipe it onto your windows. They will look shiny and clear.
32) Clean Kitchen Mold
Get rid of mold the second you spot it. Soak a cloth or sponge in Listerine and scrub away at the area.
33) Get The Smell Off
Sometimes when we work with strong smells, like a fresh cut onion, we just can’t get the smell of our hands with soap and water. Wash your hands with Listerine to eliminate the odor.
34) De-Odorize Your Feet
Foot odor can be caused by bacteria. Add a few drops of Listerine to a tub of warm water an soak your feet for about 30 minutes. This should kill the bad bacteria on your feet.
35) Clean Cast Iron
Clean your cast iron pots and pans with a product that won’t strip away the coating. Mix a bit of sea salt with a few drops of Listerine, then rub it into your cookware. When it is all scrubbed, rinse with water.
36) Kill Bad Bacteria
Bacteria can grow in the folds of our skin, like in our armpits. To kill of this bacteria, soak a cotton ball in Listerine and dab it onto the skin.
37) Make Flowers Last Longer
You can extend the life of your vase-held flowers by adding Listerine to the water. Add at a ratio of 2 tablespoons of mouthwash per gallon of water.
38) Scrub The Floors
This powerful mouthwash makes an excellent floor cleaner. Add a cup of Listerine to a bucket of water and start scrubbing. Your floors will look amazing.
39) Rid Your Home of Bugs
Listerine works great at getting rid of bugs and flies, and its smell prevents them from coming back. Pour some of the mouthwash into a spray bottle and spray it into the air. Your home will smell super fresh.
40) Stop Coughing
Gargle with Listerine to stop a coughing fit. The mouthwash helps by breaking up bacteria in the respiratory system.
41) Prevent Colds
Gargling with Listerine daily can help to reduce the severity and frequency of colds. Gargle after you brush your teeth in the morning and night.
42) Cure Athlete’s Foot
Mix together equal parts of Listerine and white vinegar. Soak your foot for about 30 minutes, then wash it off with soap and water. Repeat this process 2-3 times per week.
43) Treat Jock Itch
Listerine will soothe the itching and attack the fungus that caused the infection. Soak a cotton ball in Listerine and rub it gently on the skin. Allow it to air dry, then rinse it off. Repeat this process 2-3 times daily for a few months.
44) Whiten Your Nails
45) Restore Dry Heels
Listerine makes a powerful ingredient for foot soaks that can soften the heels and release dead skin. Soak your feet for about 20 minutes for the maximum effect.
46) Repel Mosquitoes
Sprinkle Listerine around the base of picnic tables, patios, or pools. The strong smell will ward off the mosquitoes so you can enjoy your evening in peace.
47) Treat Mosquito Bites
If you’ve already been bitten, you can use Listerine to treat the bite. Eucalyptus oil, a primary ingredient in the mouthwash, has powerful medicinal effects that will help to heal the bite.
48) Yoga Mat Cleaner
It is a good idea to clean your yoga mat after each use. Mix together Listerine and water, and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray your mat after each flow to keep it nice and clean.
49) Emergency Wet Wipes
Instead of keeping wet wipes in the car, keep some tissues and a travel-sized bottle of Listerine. Whenever you need a quick clean, soak the tissue in Listerine and sanitize away.
50) Clean Retainers
If you wear a retainer or Invisalign, it is a good idea to clean it every day. Soak the retainer in a Listerine solution for a couple minutes, and it will be good as new.