50 uses for listerine

Daniel Parker

4 min read

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26-02-2025

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Listerine, that familiar amber liquid, isn't just for swishing after brushing. This potent antiseptic has a surprising number of uses beyond oral hygiene. While we always recommend checking with a doctor or professional before using Listerine for anything other than its intended purpose, its powerful antimicrobial properties have led to many creative applications. Let's dive into 50 unexpected ways to use this versatile household item!

Around the House: Cleaning and Disinfecting

Listerine's antiseptic power makes it a surprisingly effective cleaning agent throughout your home.

Bathroom Cleaning:

1. Toilet bowl cleaner: Pour in a cup, let it sit, and scrub for a sparkling clean bowl. (Avoid colored toilets).
2. Countertop disinfectant: Spray a diluted solution on counters to kill germs.
3. Shower cleaner: Spray on mildew and grime, let it sit, then scrub.
4. Sink deodorizer: Pour a small amount down the drain to eliminate unpleasant odors.
5. Mirror cleaner: Spray a diluted solution and wipe clean for streak-free shine.

Kitchen Cleaning:

6. Cutting board sanitizer: Rinse your cutting boards with a diluted solution to eliminate bacteria.
7. Garbage disposal deodorizer: Pour a cup down the disposal to freshen its scent.
8. Fruit and vegetable wash: Dilute a small amount in water to wash produce (rinse thoroughly afterward).
9. Dishwashing aid: Add a few drops to your dishwater for extra cleaning power (not in dishwasher).

Other Household Uses:

10. Floor cleaner: Dilute heavily and use on hard floors (test in an inconspicuous area first).
11. Pet stain remover: Apply to pet stains and blot to lift and deodorize. (Test on a hidden area first).
12. Laundry stain remover: Pre-treat stains before washing (test on a hidden area first).
13. Mold and mildew remover: Spray on affected areas and scrub. (Always test first).
14. Furniture polish: Mix a small amount with water and use to polish wood (test on a hidden area first).
15. Air freshener: Pour a small amount into a shallow dish to freshen a room (use sparingly).

Beauty and Personal Care: Unexpected Applications

Listerine's antimicrobial properties make it surprisingly useful in personal care routines (Always perform a patch test before full application to avoid irritation):

16. Foot soak: Soothe sore, aching feet by soaking them in a Listerine and water solution.
17. Acne treatment: Dab on blemishes to help dry them out (spot treatment only).
18. Nail fungus treatment: Soak nails in a diluted solution (consult a doctor first).
19. Hair rinse: Use as a final rinse to add shine and reduce dandruff (dilute heavily).
20. Body odor eliminator: Apply to underarms or feet to reduce odor (dilute heavily).
21. Ingrown hair treatment: Apply to ingrown hairs to help reduce inflammation.
22. Razor burn treatment: Apply a diluted solution to soothe razor burn.

Garden and Pet Care: Surprising Uses

Listerine’s antimicrobial effects extend beyond the house.

Garden Care:

23. Plant disease treatment: Dilute and spray on plants to combat fungal diseases (use sparingly and research specific plant needs).
24. Seed starter sterilization: Soak seeds in a diluted solution before planting.
25. Weed killer: (Use with caution and research specific weeds)

Pet Care:

26. Flea and tick repellent: Dilute heavily and apply to pet's fur (consult vet first).
27. Ear cleaning: Dilute and clean pet's ears (consult vet first).
28. Pet odor eliminator: Spray on carpets or bedding (dilute heavily).

Other Creative Uses: Think Outside the Box

Listerine's unique properties lead to even more innovative applications:

29. Jewelry cleaner: Soak jewelry in a diluted solution to remove tarnish.
30. Removing stickers: Soak stickers in a diluted solution to loosen them.
31. Cleaning paintbrushes: Soak paintbrushes to remove dried paint.
32. Removing blood stains: Apply to blood stains before washing (test first).
33. Removing ink stains: Apply to ink stains before washing (test first).
34. Cleaning eyeglasses: Use a diluted solution to clean lenses (rinse well).
35. Cleaning dentures: Soak dentures to clean and disinfect (check manufacturer's instructions).
36. Removing gum from hair: Soak hair in a diluted solution to help remove chewing gum.

Addressing Athlete's Foot and Other Skin Issues:

37. Athlete's foot treatment: Soak feet in a diluted solution to treat athlete's foot (consult a doctor first).
38. Ringworm treatment: Apply to affected area (consult a doctor first).
39. Psoriasis treatment: Some report relief from symptoms (consult a doctor first).

First Aid and Minor Injuries:

40. Minor cuts and scrapes: Apply a diluted solution to clean minor wounds (consult a doctor first).
41. Mouth sores: Rinse mouth with undiluted Listerine to relieve pain and promote healing.

Home Improvement and DIY Projects:

42. Removing rust: Soak rusty tools in a diluted solution to remove rust.
43. Cleaning grout: Spray on grout and scrub to remove dirt and grime.
44. Cleaning tools: Clean tools before storing to prevent rust and corrosion.

Other Uses for Listerine:

45. Removing crayon marks: Apply to crayon marks on walls or other surfaces (test first).
46. Cleaning computer keyboards: Use a Q-tip dipped in diluted Listerine to clean keys.
47. Freshening gym bags: Put a capful in a gym bag to eliminate odors.
48. Cleaning travel mugs: Soak travel mugs to remove stains and odors.
49. Deodorizing shoes: Spray inside shoes to eliminate odor.
50. Cleaning car interiors: Use a diluted solution to clean upholstery and surfaces (test first).

Disclaimer: While Listerine has many uses, it's crucial to remember that it's primarily an antiseptic mouthwash. Always dilute it appropriately before using it for cleaning or other non-oral applications. Test in an inconspicuous area first to avoid damage. For medical issues, consult a doctor or other healthcare professional. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.