5 Unusual Uses for Listerine Around the Home and Garden
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Did you know Listerine started out as a surgical disinfectant in the 1800s?
These days it’s best known as a mouthwash, but its germ-fighting power makes it useful far beyond the bathroom sink.
From freshening up laundry to repelling garden pests, here are five unusual ways to put Listerine to work around your home and garden
Table of contents
1. Deodorize trash cans
If your kitchen bin isn’t smelling too great, Listerine can help. Simply mix equal parts Listerine and water, then spray or wipe down the inside of your trash can. Its antiseptic properties help kill odor-causing bacteria, leaving behind a cleaner, fresher scent.
2. Disinfect bathroom surfaces
Listerine’s germ-fighting power makes it handy for quick bathroom clean-ups. Use it to wipe down countertops, faucets, and even toilet seats.
While it won’t replace a heavy-duty disinfectant for deep cleaning, it’s great for everyday touch-ups and leaves behind a minty freshness.
3. Freshen up laundry
If damp towels or gym clothes smell musty, add about half a cup of Listerine (the clear, original formula works best) to the rinse cycle. It helps neutralize odors and acts as a mild antibacterial boost to your wash.
4. Repel garden pests
You can use Listerine as a simple pest deterrent. Mix a solution of one part Listerine to three parts water and spray it lightly on plants (avoid delicate leaves). Its strong scent can help repel mosquitoes, flies, and even rabbits.
5. Soothe itchy bug bites
If you forgot to use repellent and ended up with itchy bites, dabbing a little Listerine on the affected area can help reduce itch and irritation. The menthol and alcohol provide a cooling effect while its antiseptic properties keep the skin clean.
Final thoughts
While Listerine was never originally intended as a multi-purpose cleaner, its unique formula has made it a handy tool for freshening and disinfecting in creative ways.
Keep in mind that these uses work best with the clear formulas rather than the colored varieties, which may stain surfaces. Always do a patch test first.
Let us know which of these hacks is your favorite in the comments down below.
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Listerine is far too expensive to use for most of these suggestions. There have to to be other solutions that are just as good and not as expensive.
Most of my father's male relatives were bald. For years I watched him rub Listerine into his scalp and he always swore that's why he maintained a full head of hair.