Surprising uses of mouthwash beyond oral care
Mouthwash, originally introduced as a surgical antiseptic, was later marketed for dental hygiene.
However, its powerful antiseptic properties make it useful for many purposes beyond freshening breath.
Here are some unexpected ways to use mouthwash in daily life:
Dandruff Treatment
Mouthwash’s antifungal ingredients can help reduce dandruff. Mix equal parts of mouthwash and water, apply it to your scalp after shampooing, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Avoid using it if you have dry hair, as it may cause further dryness.
Treat Foot Issues
For nail fungus, apply a mixture of 50% mouthwash and 50% vinegar to the affected nails 2-3 times daily for a few weeks. For athlete’s foot, apply undiluted mouthwash to the affected area twice a day. You can also soak your feet in mouthwash and water for a refreshing effect.
Skin and Piercing Care
Mouthwash can act as an astringent. Dab it onto your skin with a cotton ball for a refreshing feel, then rinse. It also helps prevent infection in piercings, but use alcohol-free versions for oral piercings.
Toothbrush Sanitizer
Rinse your toothbrush with mouthwash or soak it overnight to kill germs and bacteria.
Laundry Disinfectant
In emergencies, replace detergent with one cup of mouthwash when washing clothes. Use a clear, sugar-free variety to avoid stains.
Deodorize Garbage Bins
Dampen a paper towel with mouthwash and place it at the bottom of your trash bin to control odours.
Natural Deodorant
Apply mouthwash to your underarms using a cotton ball. While it helps control odour, it may not be effective for heavy sweating.
Toilet Cleaner
Pour one cup of mouthwash into the toilet, let it sit for an hour, then scrub with a brush.
First Aid for Cuts and Blisters
Dab mouthwash on minor cuts, blisters, and bug bites to help disinfect and reduce itching.
Freshen Flowers and Houseplants
Add two tablespoons of mouthwash per gallon of water for cut flowers to extend their freshness. Spray diluted mouthwash on houseplants to prevent mildew.
With its antiseptic properties, mouthwash proves to be more than just an oral care product!
Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)
Image Published on April 07, 2017
Image Reference:
https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1385296