15 Uses Of Mouthwash That Has Nothing To Do With Your Teeth

Whenever you open the list of etiquettes that one must follow, one of the few things that usually pops up is maintaining a fresh breath. And after reading this, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Mouthwash (of course!). But beyond helping you leave a good impression, there is something about mouthwash that you might not be aware of.

All these days we were under the impression that Listerine or other mouthwashes were created to kill the germs in our mouth and freshen our breath. Isn’t it? But not anymore! Because, apart from swishing, gargling, and spitting it out, there is a lot more that you can do with a bottle of mouthwash.

Are you wondering how does this make sense? Then here is the answer – the most active ingredients in most of the mouthwashes include methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, thymol, and menthol. All these ingredients are powerful antifungal and antiseptics, and this is why you are not supposed to swallow it. Because of its antifungal properties, it can be used in many other ways. Mentioned below are a few unusual yet extraordinary uses of mouthwash.

1. You have tried all possible medications and home remedies to get rid of dandruff yet those stubborn white flakes refuse to go away from your scalp? I understand how frustrating it is. But I guess you missed out this easy hack to get rid of those annoying flakes. Did you know you can use mouthwash to get rid of this problem? Yes, you read that right. You can fight dandruff by using mouthwash. All you have to do is after shampooing your hair, gently massage mouthwash to your scalp and then rinse it out with water followed by conditioner. Try this once a week, and you will notice the result within 4-5 uses.

2. Mouthwash is an excellent treatment for lice as well. Applying it to your scalp and hair prevents the lice from spreading. To use it in lice treatment, soak your hair in mouthwash for a while and then cover your hair with a shower cap. Keep it that way for an hour and then wash your hair as you normally do. Repeat this twice a week.

3. If you are running out of Dettol or an antiseptic solution, you can use mouthwash to clean cuts or wounds. Its bacteria-killing properties will help in cleaning the wound properly while preventing the region from any further infection.

4. Do you have nail fungus? Try treating it with mouthwash. Make a 50-50 solution of a mouthwash and apple cider vinegar. Take a cotton ball, soak it in this solution and then dab over the affected area. Repeat it thrice a day. Though it will take a bit longer to heal completely as nail fungus is stubborn, it will indeed show results in 15 days.

5. Running out of deodorant? Make your own deodorant by using mouthwash as a substitute to deodorant. Its antibacterial properties will help to keep the sweat and odor away. But if you have recently shaved your armpits, think twice before using it because this alcohol-based solution might create a burning sensation.

6. You can even use mouthwash as a hand sanitizer. Transfer it to a small bottle and then use it to freshen your hands whenever required (but make sure it is a sugar-free and alcohol-based formula otherwise you will end up creating a mess around you).

7. We often use mouthwash to freshen our breath after eating onions or garlic but did you know you can even use mouthwash to get rid of garlic odor from your hands. All you have to do is pour some liquid into your hands, rub it and then let it air-dry. The odor will be gone soon.

8. For a relaxing foot bath, pour some mouthwash to warm water and soak your feet in this water for some time. Your feet will remain fresh all day long and if you have athlete’s foot or any other fungal-related issues, soaking your foot in this solution is very helpful.

9. You can also use mouthwash to clean your computer screens or other LED screens.

10. We all know that mouthwash is used to clean our mouth, but along with it, you can also clean your toothbrush using mouthwash. Pour mouthwash in a cup and then soak your toothbrush in that glass for some time. Take it out and then wash the toothbrush with plain water. It will kill all the bacteria present in it.

11. You can even use mouthwash as a laundry sanitizer. The same way it removes bacteria from our mouth, it removes bacteria from the clothes as well. To use it as a laundry sanitizer, add a cup of mouthwash to the regular cycle of laundry. It will kill the germs and remove odor, especially from stinky jeans or socks.

12. You can use mouthwash as a toilet cleaner. Pour 2-3 cups of mouthwash to the toilet bowl and let it sit for half an hour. Clean it with a toilet brush and then wash it off with water. It will act as a disinfectant.

13. It can also be used as a treatment for bruise. Take some mouthwash and rub it over the bruise. It is very helpful in reducing its appearance.

15. If you got a new piercing done, you should know that after-piercing care is crucial because the area is open to infection. The mouthwash can be used as an appropriate disinfectant in such situations. Apply a little bit of mouthwash over the pierced area, and it will heal soon.

15. If you have a poison ivy irritation, you can treat it using mouthwash. Take a cotton ball, soak it in mouthwash and then dab this cotton ball over the affected area. The pain and inflammation will be gone soon.

NOTE: Use only sugar-free and alcohol-based mouthwash if you wish to use it for the above-mentioned purposes.

Do you know of any other benefits of mouthwash? Do share them with us in the comments section below. We hope you enjoyed reading the article.

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Author

Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

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