10 brilliant uses for mouthwash

1. Break the pet - pee cycle - Fluffy just 'went' on your rug and you know she'll return to the spot for future bathroom breaks if you don't get all the odor out now. The fix: spritz the spot with a solution of 1 cup water and 3 tablespoons of clear mouthwash. The minty scent will be too intense for Kitty's sensitive nose, so she'll stay away from that area. 

2. Heal a blister in half the time - Ouch. Those cute new shoes left a blister on your heel. To treat it, moisten a cotton ball with mouthwash and gently dab the affected area once a day until the blister disappears. The rinse's menthol will temporarily numb the pain while its powerful antiseptic thymol will seep healing by a couple of days.

3. Eradicate nail fungus - If your nails start to take on a yellowish tinge, try soaking them in a solution of equal parts mouthwash and white vinegar for 15 minutes. Repeat three times a week or until symptoms subside. An antifungal compound in the mouthwash (eucalyptol) and the acidic compounds in the vinegar work together to help kill fungus.

4. Outsmart dandruff - An effective stand-in when you are out of dandruff shampoo: after washing your hair, massage 1 tablespoon of clear mouthwash into your scalp for 30 seconds, then condition hair as usual. Mouthwash's antimicrobial compounds kill the fungus that causes flakes to form.

5. Rescue a struggling houseplant - The easy Rx for an ailing indoor plant: Fill a spray bottle with a solution of one part mouthwash and three parts water and spritz the greenery once a week. The blend of antimicrobial compounds will destroy the fungus - without harming the plant - in about a week.

6. Get tile gleaming in a pinch - Simply combine 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of mouthwash in a bucket, then saturate a sponge in the solution and wipe the tiles. Mouthwash's thymol and menthol kill germs while the alcohol helps make dingy surfaces shine.

7. Prevent a bang from becoming a bruise - The next time you have a run-in with a piece of furniture, dab the affected area with a cotton ball soaked in mouthwash. the bathroom staple contains essential oils (such as eucalyptol) that stimulate blood flow to the area, dissipating the cluster of red blood cells so they won't leave a mark.

 

8. Deodorize "garlic" hands - You know the gang will flip for the garlic sauce wings you made for your big party, but now you need to get the strong smell off your hands. Do this: Use a cotton ball to apply mouthwash to clean skin, let dry, then rinse. The natural odor fighters in the rinse will instantly neutralize garlic's sulfur compounds.

9. Keep a humidifier from going bad - Your humidifier has been working overtime. but when the appliance isn't in use the stagnant moist environment within the machine is a breeding ground for bacteria that can be released into the air once the humidifier kicks back on. The fix: After cleaning our the machine pour in water, then add a spoonful or two of mouthwash. Its antimicrobial compounds will prevent harmful microorganisms from forming so you can breathe easy.

10. Make laundry smell extra fresh - When you have some clothes that smell less than fresh (like socks that were worn for a day of running around the mall) add 1 cup of clear mouthwash to the detergent compartment of your washing machine, then launder as usual. Mouthwash's alcohol and antibacterial essential oils will kill any odor-causing bacteria lurking in the fabric's fibers.

And the BEST use for your mouthwash.... Rinsing your mouth –  It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush.  Alcohol-free mouthwash is always the best option. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you. 


Make a dental appointment for your health.

Reference: First for Women magazine