October 30, 2025

22 Practical Ways to Use Aspirin Beyond Pain Relief

Close-up of blister packs with white tablets labeled "Paracetamol" and a single bright pink pill on a wooden surface.

Aspirin, the small white pill in your medicine cabinet, does more than just ease pain. It is a useful drug with many surprising uses. You might not know that this common item can do a lot more than help with headaches or lower fever.

The reason aspirin works in many ways is its main part: salicylic acid. This strong chemical has qualities that fight swelling, help remove dead skin, and stop some bacteria. These traits make aspirin useful for fixing many problems at home, in your garden, and even for your skin care.

In this article, you will find 22 great ways to use aspirin beyond pain relief. You will learn how aspirin can help with daily problems, save money on costly products, and come through when you least expect it.

What is your favorite surprising use for aspirin? Have you tried any of these ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Treat Dandruff

Person washing hair with soap and lather, hands massaging the scalp.
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Get rid of those annoying flakes by using shampoo mixed with aspirin. Crush two aspirin tablets and blend them well with your usual shampoo. Wash your hair like you always do, and gently rub the mix into your scalp.

Leave it on your head for a few minutes, then rinse it off. The salicylic acid in aspirin helps clean your scalp and makes it less flaky and itchy. If you use this often, you will see your dandruff get much better.

Reduce Puffy Eyes

A woman applies eye cream with her fingers while looking in a mirror, against a light blue background.
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Aspirin can make you look less tired and more awake when your eyes are swollen. Crush two aspirin tablets and mix them with a little water until you get a paste. Put the paste under your eyes very carefully, and do not let it touch your eyes.

Wait about 10 minutes, then wash it off with cool water. Aspirin helps lower swelling and dark circles, so your eyes will look brighter and more awake.

Extend Fresh Flowers’ Life

A small bouquet of yellow flowers with green leaves arranged in a round, purple vase positioned on a windowsill.

Keep your beautiful bouquet looking fresh for longer with this aspirin trick. When you put fresh flowers in a vase, add a crushed aspirin tablet to the water. The salicylic acid in the aspirin will help lower the pH of the water, making it harder for bacteria to grow. 

This creates a better environment for your flowers, allowing them to stay vibrant and fresh for several extra days. Remember to change the water and add a fresh aspirin every few days for the best results.

Treat Acne

A young person applies cream to acne on the forehead.
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Aspirin can help fight tough pimples. It has salicylic acid that cleans blocked pores and lowers redness. To try it, crush one aspirin tablet and mix with a little water to make a paste.

Put this paste on the pimple and keep it there for about 10 minutes. Then wash it off. You will see less swelling and redness, making your skin clearer quickly.

Soothe Razor Burn

A woman sits on a couch, applying lotion to her leg with a thoughtful expression. A lamp and white curtains are visible in the background.

Say goodbye to the discomfort of razor burn with this simple aspirin trick. Dissolve two aspirin tablets in a tablespoon of warm water to create a soothing solution. After shaving, gently apply this mixture to the irritated areas using a cotton ball. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin will help calm your skin, reduce redness, and ease the stinging sensation. Your skin will feel smoother and less irritated, making your shaving routine much more comfortable.

Exfoliate Skin

Person applying skincare cream on face in a tiled bathroom, with a towel wrapped around their head.
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Revive your skin with an aspirin scrub. Break up three to four aspirin tablets and add a bit of water to make a rough paste. Rub it gently on your face in circles, paying extra attention to dry or rough spots. Wash off after a minute or two.

The salicylic acid in aspirin helps clear away old skin, so your face feels clean, soft, and fresh.

Revive Dead Car Battery

Hands adjusting cables on a blue car battery under the open hood.
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In a pinch, aspirin might just save the day when you’re dealing with a dead car battery. If you find yourself stranded with a car that won’t start, try this emergency solution. Carefully open your car battery and drop two aspirin tablets into it. 

The reaction between the aspirin and the battery acid might provide enough of a charge to start your car and get you to a mechanic. Remember, this is only a temporary fix and should be used as a last resort.

Remove Sweat Stains

A person holding a white shirt, showing a visible sweat stain near the armpit area.
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Don’t let yellow stains under your arms mess up your best white shirts. Aspirin is a good way to deal with this usual laundry trouble. Crush three or four aspirin pills and mix them with warm water so you get a paste.

Put this paste right on the stained parts of your shirt and leave it there for about an hour before putting it in the wash like normal. The salicylic acid in aspirin helps break up the proteins in sweat stains, so they are easier to get out when you wash your shirt.

Preserve Garden Soil

A watering can pouring water onto a small green seedling growing in soil against a blurred green background.
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Give your garden a boost with this aspirin-based soil treatment. Dissolve one aspirin tablet in a gallon of water and use this solution to water your plants. The salicylic acid in aspirin mimics a natural plant hormone that boosts the immune system of plants. 

This can help your plants fight off diseases and pests more effectively. Use this treatment once a month during the growing season to keep your garden healthy and thriving.

Treat Athlete’s Foot

A person applying cream to their foot, focusing on the area between the toes.
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Ease the pain and itching of athlete’s foot with this easy aspirin treatment. Crush five or six aspirin pills and blend them with some lemon juice until you get a thick paste. Spread this paste on the parts of your feet that hurt, especially between your toes.

Keep it on for about 10 minutes, then wash it off with cool water. The aspirin has an ingredient called salicylic acid that can help kill the fungus, and the lemon juice can help, too.

Remove Plantar Warts

Two bare feet are shown soles up with a small adhesive bandage on the left foot's sole.
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Get rid of stubborn plantar warts with this aspirin treatment. Crush two aspirin tablets and mix them with a few drops of water to create a thick paste. Apply this paste directly to the wart and cover it with a bandage. 

Leave it on overnight and repeat this process daily. The salicylic acid in aspirin will gradually break down the wart tissue, making it easier to remove. Continue this treatment until the wart disappears, which may take several weeks depending on its size.

Relieve a Hangover

A man with tattoos sits on a blue sofa, drinking from a glass. Balloons and streamers are around him, with an open bottle and bowl of snacks nearby.
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Aspirin can help you after a night of drinking too much. When you wake up with a strong headache and sore body, take an aspirin with lots of water. Aspirin’s pain relief qualities help ease the pain and discomfort from a hangover.

Make sure to eat some food before taking aspirin to protect your stomach. It won’t cure your hangover completely, but it can make the morning-after symptoms easier to handle.

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Soothe a Sore Throat

Person holding a glass of water and swishing it in their mouth while wearing a white t-shirt.
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Find relief for a scratchy, irritated throat with this simple aspirin gargle. Crush two aspirin tablets and dissolve them in a half cup of warm water. Gargle with this solution for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. 

Repeat a few times throughout the day as needed. The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin will help reduce swelling in your throat, easing pain and discomfort. You’ll be feeling better in no time.

 Minimize Bruises

A close-up of an adult hand applying ointment to a small scrape on a child's knee. The child is wearing yellow shorts.
Image Credit: iStock

Aspirin can help your bruise heal faster. When you see a bruise starting, crush two aspirin tablets and mix them with a small amount of water to make a paste.

Carefully spread this paste on the bruise and leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash it off. Aspirin’s ability to reduce swelling can help make the bruise look better and heal more quickly.

Clean Jewelry

A hand dips a ring into a glass bowl with soapy water containing various jewelry pieces on a wooden surface.
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Bring the sparkle back to your favorite pieces of jewelry with this easy aspirin cleaning method. Dissolve three or four aspirin tablets in a cup of warm water. Soak your tarnished jewelry in this solution for about 15 minutes. 

After soaking, gently scrub the jewelry with a soft toothbrush to remove any remaining tarnish. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Your jewelry will be shining like new, thanks to the mild acidity of the aspirin solution.

Reduce Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack

An older man with glasses holds a pill in one hand and a glass of water in the other.
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Aspirin is important for heart health for many people. Some doctors suggest taking a low dose of aspirin to help stop blood clots, which can lower the chance of strokes and heart attacks. Aspirin helps keep the blood thinner, making clots less likely and lowering the risk of serious problems.

Always speak with your doctor before starting any new medicine, like daily aspirin, because it might not be right for everyone.

Treat Hard Water Buildup

A hand holds a showerhead with calcium and mineral buildup, against a tiled background.
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Say goodbye to unsightly hard water stains with this aspirin solution. Crush six aspirin tablets and mix them with a cup of warm water. Apply this mixture to areas with hard water buildup, such as faucets or shower heads. 

Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then scrub gently with an old toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. The mild acidity of aspirin helps dissolve mineral deposits, leaving your bathroom fixtures sparkling clean.

Soothe Sunburns

A person in a red top applies lotion to their shoulder with peeling skin.
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Get some comfort for painful sunburns using this aspirin method. Mix three aspirin tablets into a cup of cool water. Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and carefully place it on the sunburned parts of your skin. Aspirin can help lessen redness, pain, and puffiness caused by sunburn.

Do this a few times each day until your sunburn feels less sore. It’s best to stop sunburn before it starts, so always use sunscreen when going outside.

Clean Coffee Stains

White coffee cup on a saucer with brown stains dripping down the side, a spoon resting beside it.
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Restore the sparkle to your coffee-stained mugs with this aspirin cleaning method. Fill your stained mug with warm water and drop in two crushed aspirin tablets. Let this solution sit in the mug for about an hour. 

Then, use a sponge to gently scrub away the stains before rinsing thoroughly. The mild acidity of aspirin helps break down coffee stains without harsh chemicals. Your favorite mug will look good as new, ready for your next cup of coffee!

Deodorize Shoes

A pair of black canvas sneakers with white laces on a wooden floor against a blue wall. One shoe emits visible smoke.

Get rid of bad smells in your shoes with this easy aspirin method. Crush two aspirin tablets into a fine powder and put it inside your shoes. Let the powder sit in your shoes all night to soak up wetness and bad smells.

In the morning, shake out the aspirin powder before putting your shoes on. The salicylic acid in aspirin helps stop bacteria that make shoes smell. Your shoes will have a nicer smell, and your feet will feel better.

Soothe Stiff Joints

Person receiving a knee massage while wearing black shorts with a Puma logo.
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Find temporary relief for achy joints with this aspirin paste. Crush three aspirin tablets and mix them with a small amount of water to create a thick paste. Gently massage this paste onto stiff joints, such as knees or fingers. 

Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. This topical application can provide localized relief for joint pain caused by arthritis or overexertion.

Prevent Mold Growth

A close-up of a silver faucet attached to a white bathroom sink with a small patch of black mold on the tile grout behind it.

Fight mold using an aspirin mix. Crush five aspirin tablets and stir them into a cup of warm water. Put this mix into a spray bottle and lightly spray places that often get mold, like bathroom corners or window edges.

The salicylic acid in aspirin makes it hard for mold spores to live and spread. Spray these spots once a week to help stop mold from starting. This way helps prevent mold, but it might not work for cleaning mold that is already there.

A New Perspective on an Old Remedy

A white bottle on its side with several round white tablets spilling out on a green surface.
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Who knew that little white pill could do so much? Aspirin proves itself as a true multipurpose wonder, tackling everything from beauty woes to household headaches. Its versatility makes it a must-have for every home, offering smart solutions for everyday problems.

Next time you spot that familiar bottle in your medicine cabinet, remember: it’s not just for headaches anymore. Try out some of these creative uses and discover aspirin’s hidden superpowers for yourself. 

Remember, though, that aspirin is still a medication. Always use it carefully and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about new uses.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

Author

  • Michael Gregory

    Will Think is the founder and owner of WilThink.com. After a long career in finance, he retired early and decided to put his knowledge to work in a different way—by helping others. He is also a dad and an avid runner.

    Will is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with over 20 years of experience in real estate investing. He’s also a published journalist whose writing has appeared on MSN, the Associated Press, and other major outlets.

    His content combines real expertise with a clear, no-nonsense style that’s both smart and accessible.

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