Put a Cotton Swab in a Bottle of Medicated Oil – The Simple Trick That Saves You Money and Freshens Your Home

Cotton swabs and medicated oil are two common household items that you can find in almost every family’s medicine cabinet. Normally, medicated oil (also known as “balm oil” or “essential balm”) is used to relieve headaches, stomach pain, muscle aches, or itching from insect bites. Cotton swabs, on the other hand, are often used for cleaning or applying medicine.

But here’s a clever trick: when you combine a cotton swab with medicated oil, you can solve many everyday problems around the house — from keeping bugs away to freshening up your home.

1. How to Use a Cotton Swab with Medicated Oil

To get the best results, just follow these three simple steps:

1. Open the bottle of medicated oil and dip one end of the cotton swab into it.

2. Leave the other end sticking out. You can lightly close the cap so that the swab stays in place and the oil doesn’t evaporate too fast.

3. Place the bottle wherever you need it — on a windowsill, in the bedroom, the living room, your wardrobe, or even in a corner of the bathroom.

⚠️ Safety tips:

• Don’t let the oil touch your skin for too long or use too much at once.

• Keep the bottle out of reach of children.

• Avoid placing it in a tightly closed space or inhaling too much scent for long periods — it might cause irritation or dizziness for some people.

2. What Happens When You Do This?

Repels Mosquitoes and Insects

Many people already know that medicated oil can soothe mosquito bites, but few realize it can actually prevent bites too!
By placing a cotton swab dipped in medicated oil near windows, doors, or dark corners, you create a natural mosquito repellent.

The cotton swab works like a tiny diffuser, slowly spreading the scent of the essential oils (like eucalyptus, camphor, or peppermint) into the air. Mosquitoes and many insects dislike this strong aroma and will stay away.

💡 Extra tip: You can also put one bottle in the bathroom, under the bed, or near trash bins to keep insects and unpleasant smells away.

Removes Bad Odors Naturally

Instead of spending money on air fresheners or scented candles, try this natural trick. Medicated oil already contains several essential oils such as mint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and camphor — all known for their refreshing and deodorizing properties.

Just leave the bottle in your bathroom or closet. Within minutes, the strong but clean scent will neutralize bad smells while also purifying the air. Unlike chemical air fresheners, it’s safe, cheap, and long-lasting.

🪴 Extra idea: Add a few drops of medicated oil into a small bowl of warm water and place it near your bed or work desk. The gentle vapor will spread the aroma evenly and make your room smell pleasant all day.

Promotes Relaxation and Better Sleep

For many people, the scent of medicated oil brings instant comfort and calm. The combination of menthol and herbal oils helps ease breathing, reduce stress, and create a relaxing atmosphere — perfect for bedtime.

Put a small bottle with a cotton swab on your bedside table. The mild fragrance can help you fall asleep faster, especially during mosquito season. The best part? You won’t be bothered by buzzing insects at night!

3. Why This Trick Saves You Money

A single bottle of medicated oil can serve as:

• A mosquito repellent,

• A natural air freshener,

• A sleep aid, and

• A quick remedy for headaches or stomach pain.

That means you don’t need to buy separate insect sprays, air purifiers, or expensive essential oils. One small bottle can last for months and handle multiple household needs.

4. The Most Popular Medicated Oils You Can Find

Medicated oil is sold everywhere — from pharmacies to convenience stores — and doesn’t require a prescription. Here are a few well-known options loved by many families:

• Peppermint Oil (Hong Kong Zung Seon): Great for headaches, dizziness, and insect bites. You can also dab a little on a sore tooth for quick relief.

• Pharmedic Brown Oil: Known for treating colds and nasal congestion.

• Thien Thao Green Oil: A Vietnamese favorite that helps with motion sickness, headaches, and muscle pain.

• Bertram Thai Oil: Effective against colds, aches, and mosquito bites.

• Kim Sanofi Medicated Oil: Contains eucalyptus and peppermint — perfect for colds, nausea, or sore muscles.

Other long-standing brands like Phat Linh Oil and Truong Son Oil are also popular in Vietnamese households for warming the body and preventing chills.

5. Things to Keep in Mind When Using Medicated Oil

While medicated oil is safe when used correctly, it’s important to follow a few precautions:

• Always use it externally only — never drink it.

• Avoid applying it on open wounds or near your eyes.

• Do not overuse it (no more than 3–4 times per day).

• Store it in a cool, dry place and keep it away from children.

• When using for kids over 2 years old, always apply a very small amount and monitor for any irritation.

💬 Simple rule: A few drops go a long way — whether for relief or for freshening your home.

🌿 Final Thoughts

This small household hack — putting a cotton swab in a bottle of medicated oil — may seem simple, but the benefits are surprisingly big. It helps you repel insects, eliminate odors, relax your body, and save money at the same time.

Just remember to use it safely and consider whether everyone in your home enjoys the scent. Once you get used to it, this little trick might become your new favorite way to keep your home fresh, cozy, and mosquito-free all year round.
✨ Tip added: If you mix a few drops of medicated oil with water in a spray bottle, you can make your own refreshing “room spray” for curtains, carpets, and shoes. Cheap, quick, and surprisingly effective!