Did you know you can use your mouthwash for more than just oral care? Its antiseptic and antifungal properties make it helpful for a handful of things you do every day. Here are some unusual uses for the mouthwash that are sure to surprise you!
What Is It About Mouthwash?
You can use whatever you have, but in some instances, it is good (and sometimes necessary) to use mouthwash that has less color (to avoid staining) and is sugar-free.
You may need to check out the label on your mouthwash before you use it. It is the antiseptic and antifungal qualities that make it possible to have these unusual uses.
Mouthwash was originally promoted as a germicide and surgical antiseptic in about 1881. It wasn’t until years later in 1895 that it was pushed towards dentists to be used as a mouthwash. Because of the antiseptic qualities it still has, mouthwash, while intended simply for oral care, can be used, in a pinch, for other unusual things.
For some of these unusual uses, you may need cotton balls, paper towels, or measuring spoons/cups.
1. Prevent Dandruff
The anti-fungal properties of mouthwash can be helpful in preventing dandruff.
Premix some mouthwash and water. You can make it more diluted or stronger if you have bad dandruff.
First, wash and rinse your hair as you normally would. Once your shampoo and conditioner are all washed out, take a mixture of mouthwash and water and pour it onto your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes. Then rinse it out of your hair.
If you tip your head forward (which I ended up doing) make sure your eyes are closed! It will get all over you and I advise keeping it out of your eyes.
Note: If you have very dry hair, be careful using this as it can further dry out your hair.
2. Treat Nail Fungus, Athletes Foot, and Foot Soak
Mouthwash can be used to help treat nail fungus, athlete’s foot, or just as a nice foot soak.
For nail fungus, use a 50/50 mouthwash and vinegar on a cotton ball. Apply it to your toenails 2 – 3 times per day. It could take a few weeks to see any results.
For athlete’s foot, just use straight mouthwash on a use a cotton ball. Apply 2 times a day. You should hopefully see results in a few days.
For just a refreshing feel, you can soak your feet in a mixture of mouthwash and water. I didn’t find any specific ratios on the internet, but I would start with less and add more as works for you.
3. Facial Astringent and After-Piercing Care
It would be good to have sugar-free mouthwash for these uses.
You can use a cotton ball to apply mouthwash to piercings to help prevent infection. You should use alcohol-free and use for oral piercings.
Use a cotton ball or paper towel to apply to your face for a very refreshing feeling. Rinse your face with water after applying mouthwash.
4. Clean Toothbrush
Unsurprisingly, mouthwash can be helpful in disinfecting your toothbrush. You can simply rinse your toothbrush with some outwash, dunk it, or put it in a container of mouthwash overnight.
5. Sanitize Laundry
Use about a cup of mouthwash instead of laundry detergent when you’re in a pinch. You should use a more colorless and sugar-free mouthwash for this.
6. Freshen Garbage
Put some mouthwash on a cotton ball or a paper towel and put it in your garbage to help keep it fresh. If you throw a lot of compostable things in there, though, we’re not sure how well it will work.
7. Reduce Body Odor
Use a cotton ball to apply mouthwash on your armpit to use for deodorant. It seemed to work okay, but you shouldn’t use it if you are going to be exercising.
8. Clean and Freshen Toilet
Pour one cup of mouthwash into your toilet and let it sit for an hour. After it has sat for a while, use a toilet brush to scrub your toilet as normal.
9. Clean Wounds and Heal Blisters
If you have a cut or scrape that needs some extra treatment and you don’t have any antibiotic ointment, mouthwash will do in a pinch. Just apply some mouthwash to your cut (you could use a Q-tip or cotton ball to apply it), dry it, and use a bandage as needed.
Use a cotton ball to apply mouthwash to blisters daily. This should help numb the pain and help with healing.
10. Sooth Bug Bites and Poison Ivy
Use a cotton ball with mouthwash and apply it to bug bites and poison ivy. It should help relieve inflammation and itchiness.
11. Treat Bruises
If you bruise a lot, try applying mouthwash to your bruise using a cotton ball. It should help diminish the appearance of bruises.
12. Hand Sanitizer and Get Rid of Garlic Smell
In a pinch, put some mouthwash right on your hands and rub it in as best you can to use it as a sanitizer. You can also rub it on your hands to get rid of strong smells like garlic.
13. Keep Flowers Fresher and Help Houseplants
Mix about 2 tablespoons of mouthwash per gallon of water in cut flowers to help them stay fresh longer. If you have the special food that florists give out, use that, but if not, this should do in a pinch. You should also sugar-free mouthwash for this.
You can also mix 1 part mouthwash with 3 parts water in a spray bottle to spray on plants around the home. It should help kill mildew and fungus that can form on the leaves.
14. Other Uses
Spray 1 cup of water with 3 tablespoons of mouthwash on areas that your cat tends to pee that you don’t want them to. The minty smell should deter them from repeating this.
Mix 2 cups of water with 1/2 cup of mouthwash and use it to scrub tiles using a sponge to get them clean and shiny.
Keep your dehumidifier from getting mildewy when not in use. Put in some water and a few tablespoons of mouthwash to deter anything from growing and gross smells.