The brand name “Listerine” most often brings to mind the image of mouthwash. Readers may be surprised to learn that it can be so much more! In fact, Listerine was originally invented in 1879 to be used as a surgical antiseptic. For almost a century, consumers used the product for various purposes before it was ever marketed as a bad breath remedy. Ingredients such as thyme, eucalyptus, and alcohol help Listerine to fight odors and skin ailments, repel fleas on pets, and be a powerful household cleaner.
Simply soaking a cotton ball with Listerine can result in several money-saving benefits. For example, for an effective deodorant without the potentially harmful chemicals, soak a cotton ball with Listerine and dab it under the arms. Or, dab it on insect bites, poison ivy, or poison oak to relieve the itch. In the same way, Listerine can also be used on the face as an acne treatment.
In the case of toenail fungus, a half-hour soak in a foot bath of Listerine can help. For a particularly bad case of fungus, mix in a little white vinegar to make it even more effective.
It may come as a surprise to learn that Listerine was once sold a dandruff treatment. Wet the hair with Listerine, massage it into the scalp, wrap the hair in a towel, let it sit for a while, then rinse.
There are also lots of ways to use Listerine around the home. Since it fights bad breath germs in the mouth, it can do the same for toothbrushes. Fill a small glass, soak for a couple of hours, and soon the toothbrush will be clean and disinfected.
The disinfection capabilities of this product cannot be underestimated! Listerine can also be used as a toilet cleaner. Just pour it in the bowl, lightly scrub with a toilet brush, and the toilet will be left clean, shiny, and smelling minty fresh.
Save money and avoid exposing pets to harsh chemicals when fighting fleas with Listerine. It can be diluted with water and directly sprayed on pets or mixed with shampoo in the bath.
Electronic screens get grimy over time, and Listerine can make them pristine and fingerprint-free again. Just pour some in a spray bottle and spray on television and computer screens. The result will be clean and fresh-smelling gadgets!
Use Listerine in the kitchen to prevent garbage odors by soaking a paper towel and tossing it into the garbage can before throwing anything away. It will go to work to absorb any odors that may arise.
With so many uses for Listerine, it might just pay to keep a bottle or two around. Try some of these tips and discover how Listerine might change your life. Wouldn’t it be great if one product could actually do the job of ten?