If you read this article, you will want to have a mouthwash at home to use as more than just a mouth rinse.
Listerine mouthwash a great if you need fresh breath, in fact, but this popular product is capable of so much more. Its antibacterial properties are ideal for many DIY remedies, while its strong odor also comes in handy.
Check out 14 surprising uses for Listerine you wish you’d known about sooner.
1. Against acne
Wet a cotton pad with Listerine and apply on pimples. Let it dry and do not remove it, at least within the first two hours. You can do this process twice a day, in the morning and at night until you notice improvement. Then you can do it only once a day.
2. To get rid of dandruff
Apply enough Listerine on the scalp, massage it for a moment and wrap the hair with a plastic cap for a period of 15 to 30 minutes, according to your own taste and then wash the hair in the usual way. You can repeat this procedure twice a week until you see improvement.
3. To grow hair
This product stimulates blood circulation and keeps the scalp healthy, so it helps stimulate hair growth. Apply some Listerine on the scalp and massage gently for about 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water and wash your hair as usual. You can do this about twice a week.
4. Foot fungus
Soak several cotton pads with equal parts Listerine and white vinegar and place them on the affected areas. Leave them on for about 30 minutes. You can repeat two or three times a week.
5. As a deodorant
If you ever run out of deodorant, dip a cotton ball in some Listerine and rub it under your armpits to kill germs and prevent odor.
6. For insect bites
If you ever get bitten by an insect, place a cotton ball soaked in Listerine and leave it there for about 10 minutes; do not rinse.
7. For black and blue bruises
If you have a bruise, make it go away faster by using Listerine; it helps speed up the process by increasing blood flow to the affected area. Wet a piece of napkin with listerine and place it over the bruise. Repeat this process two or three times a day and you will get rid of the bruise quickly.
8. For sore throats
When you feel a sore throat starting, rinse with Listerine. Three or four gargles is enough. Repeat this operation every hour, this way you will keep the opportunistic bacteria at bay.
9. Disinfect your toothbrush
Just as it fights germs in your mouth, it does the same for your toothbrush. Pour some listerine into a narrow glass – enough to cover the bristles of the toothbrush – and let it soak for a couple of hours.
10. Toothache
If you have a toothache, place a cotton swab soaked in Listerine to numb the sore area, and at the same time hygiene.
11. Shaving lotion
Soak a cotton ball with Listerine and rub over the shaved area. This will help close the pores and keep the skin disinfected.
12. To relieve psoriasis
Soak a cotton ball in Listerine and apply it to the areas of skin with psoriasis. Let it dry. Do not rinse. If you notice irritation, itching, discomfort or any allergic reaction, discontinue use. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, discontinue use.
13. Fight fleas in your dog
Commercial flea products are generally expensive and contain strong chemicals; if you find fleas on your dog, Listerine is a great ally. You can dilute it in one part water and one part Listerine, pour it in a spray bottle and apply it on your dog’s skin. The first time, you can leave it for a couple of hours and then bathe him and check if he no longer has fleas; in case they still have some, you can reapply it the next day and repeat the procedure.
14. Clean the computer screen
Wet a cloth with some Listerine and wipe your computer screen, you will avoid absorbing chemicals while cleaning it and the result is the same.