This post is by Bernie Carr, apartmentprepper.com
Most households have mouthwash in their medicine cabinets so I thought it would be interesting to find emergency uses for this common item. These uses are only for alcohol-based, sugar free mouthwash, such as Original Listerine.
Itch Relief
I had a really itchy mosquito bite that was really bothering me. I ran out of itch spray, so I reached for a Q-tip, dipped it in Listerine and dabbed it on the bite. Instant relief!
Rashes
Because it stops itch, mouthwash can also help with rashes caused by poison ivy or poison oak. It can also help clear up some of the redness and inflammation.
Anti-bacterial spray
Mouthwash can be used as anti-bacterial cleanser for your hands, or even small cuts and scrapes if you have nothing else.
Anti-fungal remedy
Mouthwash can be used to as a remedy for nail fungus and athlete’s foot. For athlete’s foot, mix equal parts of water and mouthwash and soak the feet for a few minutes. For stubborn nail fungus, mix mouthwash and vinegar and apply to the area.
Deodorant
Because of the cleansing properties, it can be used as an underarm deodorant substitute, but don’t do it after shaving!
It can also help with foot odor, by spraying it directly on the feet.
Dandruff
Moisten a cotton ball with mouthwash, dab on the scalp to relieve dandruff.
Facial cleansing
You can use mouthwash as an emergency facial cleanser – just a small amount on a cotton ball will remove dirt and grime.
You don’t need the name brand mouthwashes, you can stock up at the dollar store, as long as the mouthwash is sugar free and alcohol based. If you have other uses that I missed, please share!
© Apartment Prepper 2013
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Great ideas! We grew up using Listerine original and never thought about using it for rash and itch relief. The poison ivy remedy will be especially useful around here… Thanks Bernie!!
really good to know
I never thought of such uses of mouthwash. Hoping that this long lasting mouthwash works exactly with same efficiency in other uses as well.
Wow.. I got some more reasons to buy mouthwash online. Now even I can purchase them in large quantities as I am gonna use them not only as mouthwash but also as Anti-bacterial spray, Facial cleanser, Anti-fungal remedy etc.
These are all great ideas. In a pinch, I have also used mouthwash to disinfect the grimy spots around the faucet. Pour a bit over the area, scrub around with a cotton swab or old toothbrush dedicated for cleaning.