The next time you are in the health and beauty aisle of your local grocery or discount store, consider picking up a large bottle of antiseptic mouthwash. Not only can mouthwash freshen your breath, it has several household uses as well. Keep mouthwash out of the reach of children; most brands contain alcohol, fluoride or both, and these can be harmful if swallowed.
Part of an Oral Hygiene Regimen
Good dental hygiene consists of seeing your dentist regularly, brushing after each meal and flossing daily. While these measures prevent the majority of gum disease and cavities, you may prefer to use mouthwash in addition to brushing and flossing each day. Family Gentle Dental Care lists some advantages to using mouthwash regularly. They include fresher breath, improved gum health and less bacteria in the mouth. Mouthwashes that contain fluoride are better than regular antiseptic mouthwashes at reducing cavity-forming bacteria. Some disadvantages to using mouthwash include the possibility of developing ulcers in the mouth, a burning sensation and over-drying the mucous membranes.
Kill Fungus
According to Reader's Digest, sugar-free antiseptic mouthwash can kill the fungus associated with athlete's foot and toenail fungus. Apply with a cotton ball a few times a day. One caveat is that it will sting, so be prepared. Reader's Digest suggests consulting with a physician if athlete's foot does not improve within a few days, or toenail fungus within a few months.
Use mouthwash to kill fungus and mold that grows on your houseplants as well. Diva Moms recommends mixing one part mouthwash with three parts water. Put this in a spray bottle, and spray on the affected foliage weekly.
Deodorant
Use a cotton ball to apply mouthwash to your armpits after a shower to kill odor-causing bacteria, recommends Reader's Digest. You can do this instead of using chemical or natural deodorants. This method will not prevent perspiration, however. Use this method only on days that you do not shave, as applying the alcohol-based mouthwash to freshly-shaven skin can cause irritation.
Deodorize your hands after cooking with odorous foods like onions and garlic. Rinse them with mouthwash or rub with a mouthwash-dampened cotton ball, then rinse well.
Deodorize things around your house as well. Pour alcohol-based mouthwash in the toilet bowl and let it sit for about a half hour. Swish with your toilet brush, then flush. This will both deodorize your toilet and leave it disinfected and clean, says Reader's Digest. Add a cup of mouthwash to a stinky load of laundry to kill germs and remove odors, suggests Diva Moms.
