Alternate Uses for Mouthwash That May Help You Save

Mouthwash has a lot of uses beyond oral care. Here are a dozen household uses and home remedies to try.
by Miranda Jackson

In the late 1800s, an exciting discovery opened doors for mouthwash, which has become an important part of oral hygiene. At first, mouthwash was made as a strong disinfectant for surgical use. But soon, dentists realized its benefits in fighting bad breath and oral infections.

Today, mouthwash plays a key role in good dental hygiene, but a quick online search shows it has many other uses that people have discovered. Some of these uses may even help you cut costs.

12 Alternate Uses for Mouthwash

Most modern mouthwashes contain a mix of antiseptics and antifungals, such as eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate and thymol. These powerful ingredients, which fight oral bacteria, apparently have abilities that go beyond caring for teeth.

1. Revitalize Nail Health

Mouthwash has antifungal properties that can combat nail fungus. To create a strong treatment, mix equal parts mouthwash and white vinegar. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to the infected nail. Consistency is key, so try to apply the treatment two to three times daily for optimal results.

2. Freshen Your Laundry

Have you ever struggled with a load of laundry that just can’t seem to get rid of those pesky odors? According to Appletree Dental, mouthwash is a surprising solution for eliminating nasty smells. Simply add a capful of sugar-free, alcohol-based mouthwash to the offending load. Your clothes will come out smelling fresh and clean.

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3. Care for Houseplants and Cut Flowers

Some greenthumbs recommend mixing one part mouthwash with three parts water in a spray bottle and spraying it on plant leaves to help kill mildew and fungus. Also, mix two tablespoons of mouthwash with a gallon of water and use this solution to fill flower vases. The mouthwash’s antibacterial properties will help slow down decay, keeping your flowers fresh for longer.

4. Banish Dandruff

Mix equal parts mouthwash and water, and after shampooing, apply it to your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse. This simple routine can combat the fungal causes of dandruff, leaving your scalp flake-free and feeling refreshed.

5. Prevent Body Odor

In a pinch, you can use mouthwash as a deodorant. Its antiseptic properties can help prevent body odor. Soak a cotton ball in mouthwash and dab it under your arms.

6. Care for New Piercings

Mouthwash is a great choice for aftercare following a new piercing due to its antibacterial qualities. Gently dab a cotton ball soaked in sugar-free mouthwash onto the pierced area to help prevent infections and promote healing.

7. Clean Your Toothbrush

Your toothbrush can be home to millions of bacteria, including harmful ones. To tackle bacteria, just soak your toothbrush in a cup of mouthwash for about 10 minutes, then rinse it with water.

8. Freshen Toilets

If you run out of toilet cleaner, pour a cup of mouthwash into the toilet bowl and let it sit for about an hour. Then, scrub the bowl with a toilet brush. The antibacterial properties in the mouthwash will help get rid of germs and leave a refreshing scent.

9. Care for Minor Wounds and Blisters

If you don’t have antiseptic ointment on hand, mouthwash can be a good substitute for treating small cuts, scrapes and blisters. Apply a little mouthwash to the affected area to help disinfect the wound and aid healing. However, be sure to seek medical help for more serious injuries.

10. Soothe Bug Bites and Poison Ivy

Mouthwash can help ease the itchy discomfort of bug bites and poison ivy. Soak a cotton ball in mouthwash and apply it to the affected to reduce inflammation and provide relief from the constant itch.
Some people say applying mouthwash to a bruise can help it fade faster.

11. Sanitize Hands

When traditional hand sanitizers aren’t available, mouthwash can be a handy substitute. Just put a little mouthwash on your hands and rub them together, letting the antiseptic properties do their job. This is especially helpful when you’re in a hurry and need to disinfect your hands quickly.

12. Control Pests

Mouthwash can be a helpful tool in keeping unwanted pests out of your home. Dilute mouthwash in a spray bottle to create a solution that may help keep ants, mice and mosquitoes away. The strong, minty smell is an effective way to repel these unwanted visitors.

Reviewed January 2025

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