6 Genius Uses for Mouthwash Around the House

Mouthwash is one of the most versatile yet underrated household items. From cleaning your home to freshening up laundry, there are plenty of uses for mouthwash beyond the typical mouth rinse routine. According to the Smithsonian Natural Museum of American History, Listerine mouthwash was originally branded as a surgical antiseptic, deodorant and dandruff solution. From day one, we knew mouthwash could be used for so much more.

It’s time we tap into this product’s fullest potential, including these genius uses for mouthwash around the house.

Unexpected Ways to Use Mouthwash

1. Freshen Up Your Laundry

After spending a hot day outside doing yard work, add mouthwash into your washing machine with your soiled clothes for fresher, better-smelling laundry. Between a half cup and a full cup should do the trick depending on how many items you’re washing.

When you remove your clothes, they’ll smell fresh with no lingering musty odor. For best results, be sure to use a nearly color-free mouthwash that’s alcohol-based.

2. Alleviate Poison Ivy-Induced Itchiness

If you recently encountered poison ivy and need a quick fix to reduce itchiness, apply mouthwash to the irritated area to promote faster healing. It dries out the area and reduces inflammation. Best of all, you probably already have some on hand.

3. Clean Your Toilet

There’s nothing better than an homemade cleaner with ingredients you likely already have in your cabinet. Simply add a cup of mouthwash into your toilet and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then quickly give it a scrub with your toilet brush and flush for sparkling clean results.

4. Give Your Flowers a Boost

If you love fresh-cut flowers around your home but dislike how quickly they fade, mouthwash can keep them looking beautiful longer. This is a terrific little-known use for mouthwash; it slows decomposition and controls the bacteria. The ratio is simple: One cap of mouthwash per quart of water.

5. Treat Fungal Infections

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can mouthwash be used as an antiseptic?” you’ll be thrilled to learn the answer is a resounding yes. Because it features alcohol and additional antiseptic ingredients, it can effectively treat fungal infections.

Soak a cotton ball in equal parts mouthwash and white vinegar, then blot the area. Repeat two to three times daily. Pro tip: If you don’t have bacitracin, dab mouthwash on blisters or cuts for cleanliness.

6. Make a Homemade Mosquito Repellent

You might be surprised to learn that mouthwash and beer will ward off insects. To keep bugs at bag around your yard, combine a bottle of mouthwash with three cups of Epson salt and three 12-ounce bottles of beer. Mix until the Epson salt has dissolved and transfer to a spray bottle. Spray around the yard and you will can say bye-bye to insects for 2-3 months.

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