Most of us keep a bottle of mouthwash in the bathroom cabinet for fresher breath and better oral hygiene.

But did you know that mouthwash can also be surprisingly useful around the house?

Thanks to its antibacterial properties and fresh scent, mouthwash has found a second life as a handy cleaning and deodorising tool. While it’s no replacement for dedicated cleaning products, there are a few clever ways it can help tackle everyday household problems.

Here are six unexpected uses for mouthwash you may not have considered.

1. Freshen up your toothbrush

Your toothbrush spends a lot of time in a damp environment, making it a potential breeding ground for germs.

To give it an extra clean, soak the toothbrush head in a small amount of antibacterial mouthwash for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

It’s a simple way to help keep your brush feeling fresher between replacements.

2. Remove stubborn odours from your hands

Garlic, onions and fish can leave lingering smells on your hands long after you’ve finished cooking.

After washing with soap and water, rub a small amount of mouthwash over your hands and rinse.

The fresh scent can help neutralise lingering odours.

3. Freshen bathroom bins

Small bathroom bins can quickly develop unpleasant smells.

Adding a little mouthwash to a cloth or cotton ball and placing it at the bottom of the bin can help keep odours under control between cleans.

4. Clean hard-to-reach bathroom surfaces

Because mouthwash contains ingredients designed to combat bacteria, some people use diluted mouthwash to wipe down bathroom fixtures such as taps, soap dispensers and toothbrush holders.

A quick wipe can help remove residue while leaving behind a fresh scent.

5. Help keep flowers fresher

One old household trick involves adding a small capful of mouthwash to a vase of water.

The antibacterial properties may help reduce bacteria growth in the water, which can contribute to flowers lasting longer.

As with any flower-preserving method, results can vary depending on the type of flowers.

6. Tackle musty smells

Mouthwash can be useful for deodorising small areas that develop stale odours.

Some homeowners add a small amount to water when cleaning bins, outdoor furniture or bathroom surfaces to leave a fresh-smelling finish.

A few words of caution

Not all mouthwashes are created equal.

Products containing dyes, strong colouring agents or high alcohol content may not be suitable for every surface. Always test on a small hidden area first and avoid using mouthwash as a substitute for products specifically designed to disinfect or treat mould.

Mouthwash’s primary job is looking after your oral health, but a bottle tucked away in the bathroom cabinet may be capable of a little more than freshening your breath.

From deodorising household items to helping keep your toothbrush clean, these simple hacks might give you a few extra reasons to keep a bottle on hand.