Because I like to be prepared for any situation, my medicine cabinet is absolutely overflowing with all kinds of natural and drugstore products.
And while I’ve used several of these bathroom items for surprising health and household hacks — like my ever-useful container of VapoRub — I never thought that my bottle of Listerine was anything more than simple mouthwash… until now.
There are actually quite a few unexpected alternatives uses for Listerine. I can use it as an underarm deodorant, toenail fungus remover, and flea repellent for my dog. I never knew how helpful this mouthwash could really be.
Scroll through this exclusive list below to see how many unbelievably creative ways there are to utilize ordinary Listerine. I’m definitely going to be trying them out myself!
Which of these surprising uses of Listerine will you be trying out at home? How else have you used this versatile mouthwash to improve your life? Let us know in the comments.
Why Listerine?
You may only use Listerine as a mouthwash, but its inventors had so much more in mind.
The Krazy Coupon Lady writes: “Did you know Listerine, which was formulated in 1879, was originally developed as a surgical antiseptic and, historically, has been used for all sorts of things? It actually wasn’t marketed for bad breath until the 1970s!”
And with so many helpful ingredients in Listerine — such as thyme, eucalyptus, and alcohol — it’s no wonder this product is being used in so many creative ways.
Keep scrolling to see just how many surprising ways there are for you to use Listerine in your life!
Surprising Use #1: Rub It Under Your Arms
Have you ever found yourself without deodorant at a very inopportune moment?
Well, Listerine is great for fighting underarm odors whenever you are in a pinch!
Simply pour some Listerine onto a cotton ball and gently dab it under your arms.
Surprising Use #2: Soak Your Feet In It
According to Top 10 Home Remedies, Listerine can be great for getting rid of toenail fungus.
Simply make yourself a Listerine foot bath and allow your toes to soak for half an hour.
Some even recommend mixing in a little bit of white vinegar for, particularly bad cases.
Surprising Use #3: Pour It Down The Toilet
It might seem like you are throwing money down the toilet, but Listerine can actually clean and deodorize your bowl.
All you have to do is pour a little in and use your toilet brush to give things a light scrub.
The Examiner writes, “Not only will it clean your toilet, but it will also give it a great shine and a good smell.”
Surprising Use #4: Dab It On Your Itches
As weird as it sounds, dabbing Listerine on your itchy bug bites can give you some much-needed relief.
Dental hygienist Carrie Ibbetson writes, “Listerine is my go-to source for stopping bug bites from itching like crazy.”
She also recommends using it for itchy reactions to poison ivy or poison oak!
Surprising Use #5: Wet Your Hair With It
Surprisingly, Listerine was once marketed as a way to get rid of dandruff!
Though it never became quite popular enough for this use, many (such as Mommysavers.com) suggest giving it a try.
Simply massage some Listerine onto the scalp, wrap your hair in a towel, and wash it out after you’ve allowed it to do its work!
Surprising Use #6: Rub It On Your Dog
Many pet owners skip expensive flea sprays and products, instead opting for a little bit of Listerine.
This flea-fighting method is a surprising alternative to sometimes harsh chemicals.
According to the Krazy Coupon Lady, try “mixing it with shampoo in a bath or diluting it with water and using it as a spray.”
Surprising Use #7: Put It On Your Face
Many will use this mouthwash as a way to battle acne!
One happy Listerine user writes in the Seattle Times: “I have tried all types of antibiotics and topical prescriptions on the market.
“Nothing has worked as well as applying Listerine morning and night.”
Surprising Use #8: Stick Your Toothbrush In It
Just as Listerine is able to battle germs in your mouth, it can take care of the yucky germs on your toothbrush as well.
Fill your nightstand glass with a little bit of the mouthwash and let your toothbrush soak.
A couple of hours should be more than enough to do the trick!
Surprising Use #9: Spray It On Your Screen
People might think you are crazy to spray Listerine onto your computer or television screen, but it is a great way to clean things off.
Spray some on and use a soft cloth to wipe away fingerprints and unwanted gunk.
An added bonus will be the minty smell, as opposed to the “chemical smell” often accompanying normal cleaning products.
Surprising Use #10: Toss It In The Trash
Powerful garbage can odor can make your kitchen smell absolutely terrible.
But before you throw any garbage in the bag, put a Listerine-soaked paper towel in the very bottom.
This will keep things smelling fresh and minty!
These unexpected uses of Listerine may seem strange, but if they can make your life better or easier, why not give them a try?
Which of these incredible ideas worked for you? Can you think of any other uses for Listerine? Let us know in the comments.
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