Mouthwash is an amazing germ killer, usually associated with cleaning your mouth, but it can be used to clean and disinfect many things in your home too! Check out these 3 Ways to Use Mouthwash to Clean Your Home and more...you are going to love these cleaning tricks!
I love when you can find easy ways to clean your home with items you already have on hand. Mouthwash just happens to be one of those crazy things that can be used to clean and disinfect things in your home that you probably wouldn't think of. It's got amazing antibacterial and germ killing properties, and it smells like minty freshness...a win, win. So grab your mouthwash and lets get cleaning, shall we?
Cleaning Uses for Mouthwash Video
Check out this quick video showing how I use mouthwash around our house to clean and more!
How to Clean Toilets with Mouthwash
To clean and sanitize your toilets, pour one cup of mouthwash into your toilet bowl.
Let it sit for 30 minutes.
Use a toilet brush to scrub your toilet clean, then flush it all away.
Your toilet will be nice and clean, and minty fresh with no harsh chemicals needed!
How to Clean Smelly Sink Drains
Start by pouring one cup of mouthwash into your smelly sink drain or bathtub drain.
Let sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse with hot water.
Your sink drains will smell fresh and clean!
How to Clean a Washing Machine with Mouthwash
Pour one cup of mouthwash into your washing machine or your washing machine's detergent reservoir.
Run a regular wash cycle using hot water.
***Do not wash clothes during this process.
The mouthwash will work its way throughout your washing machine, cleaning any debris, mold or mildew in the process.
How to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer
Start by cutting your flower stems on the diagonal about an inch from the bottom of the stems.
Fill a vase with water and add 1 tablespoon of mouthwash.
Place your fresh cut flowers in the vase.
This will help to extend the life of your cut flowers for up to a week longer than they would normally last!
I hope these four ideas for using mouthwash in your home will inspire you to use mouthwash for more than just freshening your breath ;)
Want more easy cleaning tips and tricks? Click HERE to find all of my Cleaning Tips! If you are new here, check out this post showing How to Find Everything You Need Easily on Mom 4 Real!
Kitrina says
This is genius! Now I have something to do with the leftover mouthwash in my cabinet. Honestly I might just start buying mouthwash just for cleaning purposes especially for my washer machine.
Thank you so much!
Gina Ewing-Di Bari says
This was so helpful! As I am moving and I realized I hadn't used a certain big bottle of mouthwash in 2 years because I didn't like how it burns. So I am glad I found this article because it's a genius way to use this product up quickly and I didn't have to throw it away! And yeah it leaves a great minty smell! I used it to freshen my sink disposal and in my washer. Thanks for the tip!
Vicky says
What kind are you supposed to use, the gold color or the blue. I bought a bottle of the blue color, says “Cool Mint”. Is that ok or should it be a different kind ?? Thanks Bunches
Jessica says
Either one should work great...just use what you have :)
Jody says
Jessica you did it again. Cleaning with no harsh chemicals. I love it. New house has 31/2 bathrooms though I haven’t discovered the whole bathroom yet. Maybe in basement and I can’t walk down the stairs yet.
Jessica says
Thank you, Jody! So happy to help!
Patricia Ryan says
Hi Jess,
Thank you for all your wonderful tips
How often would you clean the washing machine? One a month?
Thanks again!!
Jessica says
You are so welcome! I typically clean mine every few months or when I smell any mildew. Have a great day!
Fran says
Just want to add a note to frequency of cleaning. Due to the "high tech" washer that is in the basement where I rent (no complaints about renting from my amazing sister), it has a sensor that goes off about every 30 days but the sensor depends on how much the washer was used as well. Afresh which is a cleaning agent that is recommended to clean "high tech" washers, is extremely pricy & has alot of chemicals 🙁. I found a way to "mock" Afresh, using baking soda & white vinegar. It's so much cheaper & my sister loves how I find cheap/natural cleaning tricks for the houses.
Thank you so much for your time & effort with the DIY help because I know I have used several of your tips to decrease cost in our homes. Most recent is the "gnat traps" as I call them. From dish washer tabs, fabric softener sponges to car de-icer; you're saving us lots of money & helping us get rid of harsh chemical usage!😎
patricia ryan says
Hi Jess, I also forgot to ask you if you fill the washer with" large load "of water?
Thank you
Rebecca says
Thanks for all your cleaning/ saving tips. I love your blog.
Jessica says
You are so welcome...thanks for the kind words!
Ginger says
if you have a carpet cleaning machine you can put mouthwash in with your cleaning detergent. it helps with smoke and pet odors.
Jessica says
Oooh...I love this tip! Thanks for sharing!
Tess says
LOVE this, thank you! Some mouthwashs have alcohol some do not. Which do you recommend?
Jessica says
I don't think it really matters when it comes to using it for cleaning. I just buy the inexpensive stuff for my cleaning use :)
Lisa says
Tried all of these. Brilliant!
Jessica says
Thank you!
Diane says
what do you use to clean your dish washer? Sometimes I get this stinky smell even if I rise all my dishes before putting them in the dish washer. I am alone and it just runs once a week....thanks for reading my email...
Jessica says
I typically just run it with a cup of distilled white vinegar while it's empty...you could also try mouthwash for this. If it's really bad, there is a product you can buy called Lemi-shine that works great!
Jdub59 says
You might want to check your drain filter in your dishwasher. Unscrew and pull it out. Rinse out in the sink. I did this yesterday and found that I had a lot of build up in the drain filter!!
Diane says
Is this safe for the new washing machines? The kind with the HG ?
Jessica says
Yes ma'am!
Fiorella says
Wonderful! Never thought that i could do all that with mouthwash. Thanks!
Hope you grandma feels better :)
Anicky says
God Bless you.Your tips are cheaper and awesome. Thank you.