Bet you never thought about these 10 uses for mouthwash

  • Lists uses of mouthwash
  • March 10, 2013
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  • Both kittens and pups will go on your rug some time. Unless you take immediate steps to get that odor out of that carpet, it will become the return spot for further bathroom breaks. Remedy: Spray the spot with a solution of 1 cup water and 3 Tablespoons of clear mouthwash (unless you want to stain your carpet). The minty scent ill be too sensitive for your pet's nose and the area will be avoided.
  • Ever get a blister from new shoes? No matter if it is on your heel or toe, it hurts. Treatment: Moisten a cotton ball with mouthwash and gently dab the affected area once a day until the blister is gone. The menthol in the mouthwash temporarily numbs the pain while its antiseptic thymol speeds the healing.
  • If your nails start to take on a yellowish tinge (and its not your new color of nail polish), soak them in a solution of equal parts of mouthwash and white vinegar for 15 minutes. Repeat 3 times a week until symptoms disappear. The eucalyptol in the mouthwash combined with the acidic compounds in the vinegar work together to help kill the fungus.
  • Can't wear dark clothes because of those irritating dandruff flakes that decorate them in ways you hate? Remedy: Massage 1 Tablespoon of clear mouthwash into your scalp for 30 seconds after washing it. Then condition as usual. The antimicrobial compounds kill the fungus that causes the flakes to form. (Note: Unless it is Weird Hair Day, don't use colored mouthwash to avoid tinting of hair.)
  • If, like me, you do not have a green thumb, try this. Fill a spray bottle with a solution of one part mouthwash and three parts water. Spray the struggling houseplants once a week. The blend of antimicrobial compounds will destroy the fungus which is harming your plant.
  • Tile looking a bit dingy no matter what you do? Try this: combine 2 cups water and 1/2 cup mouthwash in a bucket, then saturate a sponge in the solution and wipe the tiles. The thymol and menthol kills the germs while the alcohol helps make the dingy surfaces shine.
  • The next time you or a loved one have a run-in with something tougher than your body, dab the affected area with a cotton ball soaked in mouthwash. It contains an essential oil, eucalyptol, that stimulates blood flow to the area, dissipating the cluster or red blood cells so they won't leave a mark.
  • I must admit I don't have to use this one because I don't handle garlic. However, for those of you who do, try this - Use a cotton ball to apply mouthwash to clean the skin, let it dry, then rinse. The natural odor fighters in the rinse will instantly neutralize garlic's sulfur compounds.
  • Due to the dry indoor heat most of us use, humidifiers have to work overtime. When it is not in use, however, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that can be released back into the air when the humidifier is turned back on. Remedy: After cleaning the machine, pour in water, add a spoonful or two of mouthwash. Its antimicrobial compounds will prevent harmful microorganisms from forming.
  • Is some of your laundry a little smellier than others? Are socks a particular problem? Remedy: Add 1 cup of clear mouthwash to the detergent compartment of your washing machine, then launder as usual. The alcohol and antibacterial essential oils will kill any odor-causing bacteria lurking in the fabric's fibers.
Prolong the life of a humidifier
Photo: fotosearch

Prolong the life of a humidifier

Due to the dry indoor heat most of us use, humidifiers have to work overtime. When it is not in use, however, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that can be released back into the air when the humidifier is turned back on. Remedy: After cleaning the machine, pour in water, add a spoonful or two of mouthwash. Its antimicrobial compounds will prevent harmful microorganisms from forming.

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, Suffolk Public Schools Examiner

Janice Holland is a retired public school educator having served her hometown of Suffolk, VA as as the assistant superintendent for administrative services; an elementary principal; a high school assistant principal; and, as a high school mathematics teacher. Since retiring, Janice has worked as...