Of course, we all know the common use of toothpaste, which is to contribute to our oral hygiene and leave our mouths squeaky clean. However, did you know that toothpaste makes an unusual yet amazing cleaning assistant that has the power to remove dirt and grime when other commercial cleaning products have failed? Thanks to its abrasive texture and super cleaning power, it is a very useful helping hand when cleaning the house. What you are about to read is ways to use toothpaste we bet you never imagined, so here goes!
Just a small piece of advice before we start: It is best to use the regular white version of a toothpaste, rather than the gel, because the latter has ingredients that can work against your best intentions.
Use Toothpaste to:
1. Shine Silverware in an Instance
If your favorite bracelet or ring has turned a bit dull-looking? No worries. Wet it and then rub with a little toothpaste (the size of a pea is just fine). Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth. The right way to get the job done is:
Step #1: Pick a toothpaste that contains whiteness or tartar-control substances.
Step #2: Moisten the silver and use your finger to gently rub on a little paste.
Step #3: Use warm water to rinse thoroughly.
Step #4: Dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Note: Toothpaste will undoubtedly remove tarnish, but you shouldn’t make a habit of it because it is more abrasive than silver polish, which means it could damage silver if used often.
2. Make Faucets Bright & Shiny Again
It is unbelievable what a bit of toothpaste can do to your bathroom fixtures! Rub it over them with a wet sponge and clean chrome sink features. You just got rid of a Spring Cleaning pain-in-the-neck task so easily!
3. Remove Coffee & Tea Stains from Mugs
To get rid of that unsightly ring every time you have your morning cuppa, use a little toothpaste to clean it off. No matter how stubborn, it won’t stand a chance!
4. Wipe Away Makeup Smudges
How many times have you put on your makeup only to realize that your mascara or lipstick have made their way onto your fingertips, mirror, or counter top? Once again, with toothbrush, the pigment is whisked away within the blink of an eye.
5. Send Garlic and Fishy Smells to Exile
Garlic is an ingredient used in many recipes. Although it adds flavor to many dishes, it is not what you want your fingers to smell like. Banish the scent of dinner from your hands by rubbing them with toothpaste. Rinse well and you are ready to enjoy your meal with the rest of your loved ones!
6. Erase Watermarks on Wood
Treat pesky rings with a mixture you will make from mixing toothpaste and baking soda. Make sure you use equal amounts of each to achieve the desired result. Rub the paste over the marks you want to get rid of with gentle moves and a damp cloth. They may not go away from the first instance so you may have to repeat the process several times. One thing is for sure though: the rings will disappear without having damaged the wood in any way. Finish with some furniture polish and you are good to go.
Interesting Tip: You can also remove those nasty milky rings quickly, using a slightly damp cotton cloth dipped in a dollop of mayonnaise mixed with cigarette or cigar ashes and rub the mark gently.
7. Remove Marker Stains
Did you think that marker stains stay forever and cannot be removed from a wooden surface? That may be so. But, have you tried to use toothpaste? You’ll be surprised. Just rub like frantic with a paper towel or damp washcloth. Alternatively, you can use a microfiber cloth. Definitely a handy trick to have in your bag if you have creative kids in the house!
8. Clean your Sneakers
Get your favorite pair of tennis shoes to mint condition, just as they were when you took them out of the box, by scrubbing some toothpaste on them. You can use a toothbrush with soft bristles or a soft cloth. It also does wonders on leather shoes as well. Squirt a dab on the area that is scuffed and rub with a microfiber or soft cloth. Wipe clean and you just got yourself a pair of brand new shoes!
9. Remove Lipstick or Ink Stains from Fabrics
If a pen opened up in the pocket and messed up your favorite shirt, don’t rush to throw the shirt in the bin. Depending on the ink and fabric, you may be able to remove ink stains by putting toothpaste on the stain and rub vigorously. Rinse with water. If you still see some ink residues, just repeat the same process a few more times. Do the exact same thing for lipstick stains.
10. Clear up Pimples
Of the many hacks to clear offending spots, this is probably one of the best. Dab some toothpaste (except non-whitening) on the pimple and leave it to act all night. Normally, it should be dried up by the time you wake up. What toothpaste does, is dehydrate the pimple and absorb its oil. A remedy particularly effective when used on pimples that have come to a head.
Note: Do not use on sensitive skin.
11. Prevent Fogged Mirrors and Goggles
Fogged goggles can be a really dangerous thing, especially when doing woodworking. It is also frustrating to have gone scuba diving or skiing and be unable to see clearly. Prevent this issue by coating the goggles with toothpaste. Wipe them off and there you go.
The same principle applies to bathroom mirrors that tend to get fogged-up. So, next time you get in the shower, remember to coat the bathroom mirror with toothpaste and wipe it off for crystal clear views of yourself!
Did you know that…?
– You can polish your pearly whites by mixing toothpaste and baking soda? It is a super effective mixture that will get deep into t he harder to reach areas and remove coffee stains and others, and won’t hurt the enamel of your teeth. Just make sure you rinse it away thoroughly.
– You can clean the dingy ivories of your piano with a toothbrush and toothpaste? It works just as well on piano keys covered with plastic instead of ivory, too.
You may also want to check out our article about powerful ECO-Friendly cleaning products that stand up to the challenge!