Alternative uses for Listerine

[wringersteve]

I'm old enough to remember when Listerine antiseptic was touted as a cure for sore throats and dandruff. During my Internet meanderings today, I discovered that people are using their favorite flavor of it for after-shave due to its essential oils acting as cooling agents. They're also using it for a deodorant (it kills odor-causing bacteria). Also, relief for nail fungus, shingles, and other skin disorders.

Most interesting, though, was its use as a laundry deodorizer/disinfectant and as a washing machine cleaner. Apparently, one cup of any flavor antiseptic added to the load or run through a cycle with water alone will do the trick. I may try it just for fun.

 

[arbilab]

Tape head cleaner for 8-tracks?

 

[polkanut]

If you're going to use it as a washer or laundry disinfectant/deodorizer, I would suggest using the original flavor.  It doesn't have the artificial coloring and flavor in it.

 

[whirlcool]

I would use Isopropyl alcohol as a cleaner on tape heads. Much cheaper than Listerene.

We are big users of the original flavor Listerline. Our dentist has told us that Listerine coupled with a good brushing and a Water Pik will keep gum disease away.
We've never had any problems with that, thank goodness.

 

[lordkenmore]

I also would prefer isopropyl alcohol for tape heads. I'd go with 99%. It would be pure alcohol/water, and should leave no weird residue.

 

I wonder if a cup of Listerine would have enough disinfecting power for a load of laundry. I have no idea, but it's not something I'd count on.

 

I know someone who used the store brand equivalent of Listerine for cleaning vinyl floors. I don't know if she used it straight, or as an ingredient in some home brew solution.

 

[frigilux]

I recall that back in the '70s some doctor recommended saturating a cotton ball and dabbing it onto pimples. It worked!

 

[rp2813]

Doesn't Witch Hazel make similar claims?

 

[thomasortega]

maybe in the garbage disposer? (Just kidding)

But this gave me a naughty idea... a whole tube of Colgate total 12 professional whitening and an old tothbrush might do something to the garbage disposer's breath. LOL

 

[peterh770]

I use Witch Hazel as aftershave.

 

And don't forget, ladies, that you can douche with Lysol too...

 

[whirlcool]

And don't forget, ladies, that you can douche with Lysol too...

You just had to get me going, didn't you?

 

[iheartmaytag]

When some friends of ours had a house fire last summer.  The Red Cross disaster recovery team gave them a LARGE bottle of Listerine and told them to put a cup in each load of clothes to remove the smoke odor.

 

It worked, but Dry cleaning did a better job.

 

 

[dirtybuck]

Inastead of Paying The HIGH Price

Wouldn't a generic bottle of an off brand amber colored mouthwash similar to Listerine work just as well?

 

[whirlcool]

Wouldn't a generic bottle of an off brand amber colored mouthwash similar to Listerine work just as well?

You mean the one that is labeled "Not manufactured by Listerene or any of it's affiliates" on the back label?

 

[frigilux]

Re: Lysol Douche

Oh my freaking god. I would have never guessed that one in a million-billion-trillion years. Yeesh!

 

[polkanut]

Eugene,

For the housewife who is obsessed with cleanliness!

 

 

[dirtybuck]

whirlcool:

That's the one...or something similar.

As for Lysol being used as a douche, you've gotta be in pretty bad shape hygiene wise to resort to such a product! How about using the stand by of vinegar and water instead?

 

[chachp]

Why does she spend the evenings alone?

Maybe her husband is a big MO......

 

[washerboy]

lysol douche

Every time I see that old ad I get grossed out...I mean...her stuff is sooo rank that her husband is running for the door... she's allowed to sit on the furniture????..to make matters worse....it's that bad and she can't smell herself???? Lysol liquid is going to fix this problem???? Sounds more like a job for Purex.

 

[kevin313]

It's kind of like using Comet to brush your teeth....sure, it will get them nice and white, but really???