Whether at home, out and about, or traveling, I like to be prepared for nearly any situation or mishap. Most of us have a medicine cabinet full of health related products and cabinets with cleaning items for every conceivable use. Like many women, I carry a large purse with my wallet, phone, beauty products, and much more – who knows what could happen while I’m out! But the truth is, my cleaning cabinet is cluttered, my purse hurts my shoulder much of the time, and the checked baggage fees on my over-stuffed suitcase are becoming more expensive each time I travel.
So, in an effort to become more organized, carry less stuff, and empty out those cluttered cabinets, I’m on a quest for life and household hacks, especially for simple products that have multiple uses. There are plenty of great ideas out there. For instance, vinegar is a wonderful multi-purpose cleaner and deodorizer. Also, Listerine is a fantastic and relatively inexpensive solution for tons of everyday issues. Not only does it help with dental hygiene and fresh breath, it can help clean your computer screen, work as a deodorant when you’re out, and even keep fleas off your dog.
Check out this list of unexpected and genius uses of Listerine!
You may be surprised to learn that Listerine was developed more than 100 years ago, and uses essential oils (eucalyptus, thyme, and menthol) as the basis for its active ingredients. I never noticed before that the bottle actually says ‘Antiseptic’ on the label. It is, in fact, a powerful antiseptic agent, which is why it has so many unique uses.
1. Deodorant Substitute
Nothing is worse than getting ready to leave the house in the morning only to realize that you’re out of deodorant. Or, sometimes your preferred brand just doesn’t hold up when you’re out. Using a cotton ball, just dab some Listerine under your arms to eliminate any odor.
2. Antiseptic Foot Soak
Toenail fungus is a common problem that’s notoriously difficult to treat, and many of the expensive medicines don’t even work. Soak your foot in a Listerine bath for 30 minutes for an easy, effective treatment.
3. Toilet Cleaner
Listerine is an excellent toilet cleaner and deodorizer. Use it like you would and other cleaning liquid and give it a quick scrub with a brush for a shiny, fresh smelling bowl.
4. Skin Soother
Surprisingly, Listerine’s antiseptic is great for soothing itchy skin, especially from bug bites. Just rub some on the bite with a cotton ball for instant relief.
5. Dandruff Treatment
For flaky scalps massage some Listerine on your scalp, wrap in a towel for a few minutes, and then wash your hair like normal for flake free results. It smells so much better than dandruff shampoo!
6. Fido Flea Treatment
You love your pup, but many of the flea treatments are expensive and filled with dangerous chemicals. Listerine works as a flea treatment either as a flea bath or diluted in a flea spray. Your furry best friend will smell better, too!
7. Acne Treatment
I have a collection of bottles of cleansers, creams, and more, all to help keep my skin clear. But, applying Listerine twice a day may work just as well as all those expensive creams and antibiotics.
8. Clean Your Toothbrush
You use your toothbrush to clean your teeth and help rid your mouth or germs, but some of those germs are bound to stay on your toothbrush. Soak your toothbrush in Listerine for a few hours to keep it clean.
9. Clean That Filthy Screen
Most of us have several screens in our homes, and they all seem to have dust and fingerprints on them. A bit of Listerine on a soft cloth is a quick, easy way to clean those screens.
10. Eliminate Trash Can Odors
A trash can is one of the smelliest things in our homes, but placing a Listerine soaked paper towel in the bottom of the trash can go a long way in fighting odors.
Do you use Listerine in a unique way? Let us know and don’t forget to share these great tricks with your family and friends!
