If mouthwash doesn't suit your taste, it's easy to leave it unused. Especially mouthwashes with high alcohol content can be quite irritating. Such products often end up as useless items on bathroom shelves or in drawers. However, mouthwash is not limited to rinsing the mouth. Its range of uses is broad, from odor removal to cleaning.
Effective for Bacteria Removal on Smartphone Screens, Doorknobs, Remote Controls, etc.
Leftover mouthwash can be used for bacteria removal. Mouthwash contains alcohol and chlorhexidine, which act as disinfectants to suppress bacteria. By lightly dampening a dry towel with mouthwash and wiping the smartphone screen, you can effectively eliminate bacteria.
The smartphone screen, which is used daily, collects facial oils, hand greases, and cosmetics, creating a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive, with about 25,000 bacteria per square inch.
Wiping keyboards, tablets, doorknobs, and remote controls can also provide a sterilizing effect. For hard-to-reach areas, cotton swabs can be used.
Similarly, mouthwash can be used on toothbrushes. Toothbrushes, often kept in humid bathrooms, are a good breeding ground for bacteria. Pour enough mouthwash to submerge the toothbrush into a cup, soak the bristle part for about a minute, then rinse with water and let it dry to suppress bacterial growth.
Mouthwash is Also Effective for Bathroom Cleaning
Mouthwash is useful for cleaning bathrooms as well. Pour a small amount of mouthwash around the sink, where water stains easily form, and leave it for about 30 minutes before wiping it down; the alcohol and antibacterial components will break down the contaminants. The same goes for toilets. Pour about 1/4 cup of mouthwash into the toilet, wait for 30 minutes to an hour, and then lightly scrub with a brush for cleaning and deodorizing effects. The advantage is that it cleans effectively with minimal effort.
Mouthwash is also effective in suppressing odors from trash cans. Trash cans filled with various waste can inevitably emit foul odors. To prevent this, lay down newspaper or paper towels at the bottom of the trash can and then apply mouthwash. Fill a spray bottle with mouthwash and spray a small amount.
However, be careful not to over-spray the mouthwash on the newspaper, as excess moisture can actually worsen the odor. Note that this method is only a temporary fix. It does not eliminate the root cause of the smell, so it is necessary to regularly empty and clean the trash can.
Using mouthwash to repel insects is also well-known. Mix water and mouthwash in a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle and spray it on screens or windowsills to keep insects away. Insects like fruit flies tend to avoid the smell of mouthwash. However, avoid spraying this liquid directly on pets' skin, as the alcohol content can irritate their skin.
