One of the toiletries present in every bath cabinet is the oh-so-loyal mouthwash. However, did you know that a mouthwash need not only be used for oral hygiene? Well, it’s time to grab the mouthwash from the bathroom and let it work its magic on things other than your mouth. Here are 12 alternative uses of mouthwash that will make you gasp in wonder!
1. Soothes Itchy Skin
Be it an allergic reaction to the pollutants present all around us or a mosquito bite, skin irritation and itchiness is something we often experience. The next time you want to soothe your skin from the irritation, don’t go for over-the-counter ointments. Just apply some mouthwash over the affected area and obtain instant relief from the itchiness and irritation!
2. Cleans Toothbrush
Most of us are paranoid about the cleanliness of our toothbrushes. We place it in a toothbrush case and wash it thoroughly before and after use. But what if we told you that you only need to dip your toothbrush in a bowl of mouthwash to get rid of all the dust and germs? Before using your toothbrush, just immerse it in a bowl of mouthwash for 30 seconds and you’ll never have to worry about it again.
3. Removes Unpleasant Odors
Ever so often, we forget to throw out the trash, which results in an unpleasant stench around the house. If you’ve been guilty of this, consider the mouthwash your best friend. Just pour some mouthwash into a spray bottle and spray the liquid around the trashcan. For better results, add a mixture of borax and baking soda to the mouthwash.
4. Sterilizes The Washing Machine
Thanks to our hectic lifestyle, most of us don’t get any time to do our household chores, including cleaning our washing machine. But constant use of the machine can lead to an accumulation of germs and bacteria on its edges. To clean and sterilize your washing machine, just add a small amount of mouthwash to your detergent the next time you do laundry.1
5. Removes Stubborn Stains
We all have those stains on our kitchen surfaces that refuse to go no matter what you do. To remove these stubborn stains, add a few drops of mouthwash to your sanitizer and scrub away. Mouthwashes also clean toilet seats and bowls. You can use it to effectively clean window panes and glass surfaces.
6. Makes You Dandruff-Free
Even if you’re washing your hair often and keeping it clean, sometimes you just can’t avoid those white flakes – especially if you have a dry scalp. To get rid of dandruff, massage your scalp with a very small quantity (2–3 drops should do the trick) of mouthwash. After about 2 minutes, immediately wash your hair and scalp with a mild shampoo.
7. Acts As A Disinfectant
Whenever you (or your kids) have a cut or a wound, it’s important to treat it with a disinfectant. Did you know that mouthwash – thanks to its alcohol content – is an effective disinfectant?2 Just pour a few drops on a cotton ball and dab it against the cut. This removes the germs sitting on the wound and prevents further infections. Moreover, mouthwash also treats bug bites and inflammation caused due to poison ivy.
8. Makes Your Flowers Live Longer
Due to its antibacterial properties, mouthwash can help preserve houseplants. It removes germs and enhances the lifespan of the plants and especially, the flowers. However, if your mouthwash is too strong, you might want to dilute it with a glass of water before spraying it on the plant.
9. Treats Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is more common than you’d expect. A mouthwash can effectively cure fungal infections like athlete’s foot. To treat it, soak your feet in a tub of warm water, which has been mixed with a glass of mouthwash. You can also apply mouthwash directly on your toenail, but remember to wash it off within 5 minutes.
10. Reduces Underarm Odor
Yes, mouthwash can act as a supplement to your deodorant! Its ingredients have antibacterial properties, which kill the odor-causing bacteria in your underarms. To get rid of the underarm odor, apply some mouthwash on your underarm before using your deodorant.
11. Removes Garlic Smell From Hands
If you’ve been cooking with herbs that have a particularly strong stench, you can remove the smell by using mouthwash. Pour some mouthwash directly onto your hands to get rid of the smell.
12. Sanitizes Your Hands
If you’ve run out of sanitizer, you can wash your hands with mouthwash instead. It not only sanitizes and cleans your hands but also leaves behind a minty smell. However, use mouthwash on your hands only if you don’t have sensitive skin.
It’s important to be careful while using mouthwash. To make sure that you don’t develop any allergic reactions, test it before use. Also, note that most of these hacks work best if your mouthwash is sugar-free. Now, isn’t mouthwash an effective life hack for pretty much every household issue? We definitely think so!
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