9 Ways to Use Mouthwash For More Than Minty Fresh Breath

By Jess Catcher September 17, 2019

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Judging by its name, most of us think mouthwash is only good at washing, well, our mouths. But the ingredients in your average rinse might include some benefits for the rest of your body and your home, too. Considering recent studies showing how certain ingredients in mouthwash can mess with your blood pressure, it’s good to know you don’t have to waste an entire bottle that might already be sitting in your bathroom.

Whether you’re looking to soothe pains or clean something in a pinch, there’s a good chance mouthwash can help you get the job done.

Take a look at all the ways you can use mouthwash to make your life better!

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Relieve Itches

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According to the People’s Pharmacy, if your mouthwash includes herbal ingredients like thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, and methyl salicylate, there’s a good chance you can use it soothe the itch from bug bites and other skin irritants. You can soak a cotton ball and dab it on the itchy surface.
Rinse Away Dandruff

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Celebrity hairstylist Daven Mayeda told InStyle that those same ingredients that soothe itchy skin can help treat minor dandruff. He also recommended using mouthwash with tea tree, which is especially good at getting rid of flakes. You can rinse your hair with the mouthwash or add some of the minty fresh liquid to your shampoo (with a one to one balance). Whichever way you go, make sure to rub it onto your scalp before rinsing away.
Soothe Foot Fungus

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This might not cure your fungal woes like athlete's foot entirely, but will hopefully soothe symptoms before you can get your hands on stronger medication or get advice from your doctor. According to Healthline, all you need to do is soak your feet in a mixture of one part mouthwash and two parts warm water. You can also try using white vinegar instead of water if you want more acid working against the fungus. Those with sensitive skin, however, should test a patch before dipping their feet all the way in.
Get Rid of Ticks

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Another People’s Pharmacy tip claims that once you’ve removed a tick safely (click here for tips on safe removal), you should douse the bug with some mouthwash to make sure it actually kicks the bucket before you toss it away.
Calm Sore Throats

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According to Livestrong, antiseptic mouthwash can be beneficial in treating sore throats. Their advice: “Pour about two tablespoons into a glass, then pour it into your mouth. Tilt back your head as you exhale, gargling the mouthwash for 20 to 30 seconds. Spit out the mouthwash.” This can also help with coughing!
Refresh Your Laundry Machine

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You don’t want something that’s supposed to keep your clothes clean to smell musty. According to Lifehacker, you can run an empty load with a cup of mouthwash rather than detergent to give it a good cleanse. Just be careful about any that might use artificial colors.
Deodorize Your Sink Disposal

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The experts at S&D Plumbing say, “If it is safe for the mouth, it is safe for your kitchen.” They recommend pouring mouthwash down the drain — they don’t recommend a specific amount, but try a cup at a time — then follow with warm water from the tap. You can do this on a regular basis to avoid any smells building up or just when you notice it getting particularly stinky.
Make Your Toilet Sparkle

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The alcohol in most mouthwash brands can help make your toilet bowl shine again when you’re out of more powerful cleaner. In fact, Apartment Therapy recommends making it part of your morning bathroom routine while sitting on the throne — swish it around in your mouth for dental hygiene, then after flushing, spit directly into the bowl and give it a wipe with your toilet brush. Pearly whites all around!
Remove Dish Stains

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Coffee mugs can get stubborn brown stains over time, but you can make them as good as new by letting them soak in mouthwash for a few minutes. You just have to make sure to pour in enough of the mouthwash to cover the stain. This also works on white plates or bowls that pick up the color of spices like turmeric and paprika.