If someone told you that there’s a good reason to rub your armpits with the Listerine mouthwash, you’d think they are crazy. The idea does seem crazy if you ask us too, but it actually works to prevent body odor.
Before it became a mouthwash, Listerine was invented as a surgical antiseptic in 1879. Throughout history, it was used in different ways until the idea came for it to be branded a mouthwash sometime in the 1970s.
Listerine contains ingredients such as thyme, alcohol and eucalyptus, all of which have antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Due to this the product can be used in a variety of ways – you can use it to prevent body odor or kill nail fungal infections.
Here are 10 unexpected Listerine uses:
1. Prevents body odor
Soak a cotton ball in Listerine and dab it under your arms – this works just like your deodorant. It will destroy the bacteria on your underarms and prevent body odor. This is a great simple trick that will save you if you’ve went somewhere without your deodorant/
2. Destroys toenail fungus
If you’re suffering from a toenail fungal infection, simply soak your feet in a bowl of Listerine. This will defeat the fungi and disinfect your feet, preventing the infection from recurring again. If the infection is particularly bad, you can add a bit of vinegar as well.
3. Pour it down the toilet
Pour a bit of Listerine down the toilet bowl and scrub well with an old toothbrush to clean your toilet bowl and give it a nice shine and smell.
4. Relieves insect bites and stings
Dab some Listerine on the insect bites on your skin to relieve the irritation and help your skin recover. The same trick work if you’ve got a nasty poison oak or ivy rashes.
5. A powerful anti-dandruff remedy
If you’re suffering from dandruff and nothing removes it, Listerine is here to help. Wash your hair as usual, then pour a bit of Listerine on it, wrap with a towel or put a shower cap on and leave it to work for 20-30 minutes. Give your hair a final rinse with lukewarm water and you should notice the results after a few tries.
6. Rub some on your dog’s fur
Rubbing a bit of Listerine on your dog’s fur will prevent fleas from latching onto it. You can use it on its own or dilute it with a bit of water or your pet’s shampoo before using it.
7. Treats acne
Dab some Listerine on your face to treat acne and prevent other skin problems. People who have tried this trick say it works best if you use the mouthwash in the morning and just before going to bed.
8. Disinfects your toothbrush
Dip your toothbrush in Listerine for a few hours before brushing your teeth. This is a neat trick that will keep your toothbrush germ-free and disinfected
9. Spray some on your laptop or PC screens
Spray a bit of Listerine on your screens to clean the dirt and grime from them. Additionally, the mouthwash will leave a pleasant scent behind.
10. Put some in your trashcan
Garbage odor is especially bad – it can make your house reek and will linger even if you wash the trashcan. Luckily, Listerine can help in this case as well. Just soak a paper towel in the liquid and put it on the bottom of your trashcan to prevent any odor from coming out.
There you have it – fun ideas and ways for using Listerine which can make your life easier!