~ Fantastic Uses for Mouthwash in the Home ~

[MysteRy]

Fantastic Uses for Mouthwash in the Home

Mouthwash is created with the purpose of keeping our breath fresh, while also cleansing our mouth from germs and bacteria. But apparently, I was missing out on a multitude of other alternative uses when I assumed this was its only purpose. Because it contains alcohol and essential oils, it can practically be a multi-purpose tool for the home. Here is a list of reasons why you should bring your mouthwash out of the bathroom and use it as an alternative to other expensive household products.



Health & Beauty

Hand sanitizer and deodorizer: If you've just been chopping garlic and can't get rid of the smell, simply apply some mouthwash to your hands. Let it dry for some time before rinsing your hands. This should be effective since mouthwash was actually made to fight odors.

Deodorant: Ran out of deodorant? Use mouthwash as a quick fix. Apply it to a ball of cotton wool and dab it on your underarms to reduce the odor of sweat.

Piercing after-care: Use mouthwash instead of a saline solution after you've got a new piercing, dabbing the area with a few drops to prevent infections.

Treat cuts and scrapes: Apply some mouthwash to your cuts or scrapes before wrapping them in a bandage. This will act as an antiseptic, preventing infections. It has also been said that mouthwash can even prevent a bruise from forming by applying it to the affected area.

Keep dandruff at bay: Our scalp contains antimicrobial compounds that contribute to the formation of dandruff. Mouthwash does a pretty good job at killing them though - just apply 1 tablespoon of clear mouthwash to the scalp after washing your hair with shampoo, massage it, and then condition it as usual.

Cure blisters: Reach out for some mouthwash when you have a blister. Dab it with a few drops once a day to see it vanish in no time. This can both numb the pain and speed the healing process.
Relieve Poison Ivy inflammation: Mouthwash can help relieve inflammation and itchiness brought about by Poison Ivy. Applying mouthwash to the affected area will ease the pain, and help it dry faster.

Facial astringent: Surprisingly enough, you may also use mouthwash for facial care, as it can act as a toner. Pour some onto a piece of cotton wool and use it to wipe your face after cleansing it.

Treat Athlete's foot: Athlete's foot can be quite an annoyance for some. Applying mouthwash to it every day is an easy way to reduce its symptoms.

Fight nail fungus: If you suffer from nail fungus and your nails are developing a yellow tinge, make a 50/50 combination of mouthwash and white vinegar to treat it. Apply the mixture to your nails either by using it with a piece of cotton wool 2-3 times a day, or by soaking your nails in it for 15 minutes 3-4 times a week.



Home & Cleaning

Disinfect your toothbrush: Your toothbrush contains the perfect conditions for germs to live and grow. Dunk it into a glass of mouthwash every now and then to keep germs away as much as possible.

Clean the toilet: You could use expensive toilet cleaning products to make your toilet spotless, or you could use mouthwash. Pour 1 cup in the toilet bowl and leave it for 30 minutes. Then, using a toilet brush, clean the toilet.

Sanitize laundry: When you're doing the laundry, you may want to add 1 cup of mouthwash to your load, and wash as usual. This will help make the washing more effective, eliminating any traces of odor-causing bacteria from the fabric's fibers. 

Polish tiles: If your tiles are losing their shine, reach for your mouthwash. Make a mixture of 2 cups water and 1/2 cup mouthwash, and using a sponge, wipe the tiles - this will help clean away bacteria and dirt found on the surface of the tiles.

Keep humidifiers clean: Add 1 or 2 spoonfuls of mouthwash with the water when cleaning your humidifier, so the next time you switch it on, you'll prevent bacteria from spreading.

Glass cleaner: Mouthwash is probably the best alternative to glass cleaning products. It is just as effective, and will leave your glass smelling minty clean. 

Prevent cat pee: Use mouthwash in areas where your cat may likely pee, such as a rug or carpet. Combine 1 cup of water and 3 tablespoons of clear mouthwash and spray it in the area (be mindful that colored mouthwash may leave a stain) The minty smell should keep your cat away.

Save plants: Indoor plants are prone to getting sick with fungus or mildew. It would help to spray them with a mixture of 1 part mouthwash and 3 parts water to avoid this from happening.

Keep flowers fresh: Save your bouquet of flowers from wilting quickly by using mouthwash here too. When you place your flowers in a vase, pour some mouthwash in the water to prolong their freshness (the recommended amount is 2 tablespoons per gallon).