Reading Time: 17 minutes Toothpaste Magic: 70 Household Items You Won’t Believe It Can Clean
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Who knew that the secret to a sparkling clean house might be hiding in your bathroom cabinet? Here’s an in-depth guide on how you can use toothpaste to clean different household items.
Table of Contents
Why Use Toothpaste To Clean Household Items
Toothpaste works as a cleaning agent due to several key components. The first is mild abrasives, such as calcium carbonate or silica.
These are the same materials that help scrub away surface stains on your teeth and they can also remove grime and build-up from various surfaces.
The second component is detergents. These are the foaming agents in toothpaste, like sodium lauryl sulfate. They work to break down and lift away dirt in much the same way they clean your teeth.
The third component is the binding agents. These ingredients keep the toothpaste in a convenient paste form, which can be extremely helpful when you need to apply it directly to a surface for cleaning.
Which Toothpaste Works Best For Cleaning Household Things
When it comes to the types of toothpaste, not all are equally effective for cleaning tasks beyond oral hygiene.
Whitening toothpastes might be more effective at tackling stubborn stains on various surfaces because they often contain more abrasive materials.
However, they should be used with caution as they could also scratch delicate surfaces.
Gel toothpastes might not work as well for cleaning because they often contain fewer abrasive materials. Also avoid toothpastes that are colored.
Precautions When Using Toothpaste To Clean Household Items
While toothpaste can be a handy cleaning agent for various household items, it’s crucial to remember that it is primarily designed for cleaning teeth, not other surfaces. Here are some precautions to consider:
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- Abrasive Nature: Toothpaste contains abrasive particles that could potentially scratch certain surfaces. Always do a patch test on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire item.
- Whitening Toothpaste: This type of toothpaste often contains bleaching agents that can discolor certain materials. Avoid using it on colored fabrics or surfaces.
- Surfaces to Avoid: It’s not recommended to use toothpaste on wood or any porous surfaces as it can leave a residue that’s difficult to remove.
Toothpaste should never be used on surfaces that can be damaged by water or abrasives.
If you’re considering using toothpaste to clean something, always test a small, hidden area first to ensure it won’t damage the item.
With that out of the way, let’s explore things you can clean around the house using toothpaste.
1) Clean Jewelry With Toothpaste
Over time, jewelry can lose its shine due to exposure to dirt and oils from our skin. Toothpaste, with its mild abrasive properties, can help restore its sparkle.
Step-by-step process:
- Squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto a soft cloth or an old toothbrush.
- Gently scrub your jewelry piece.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm water.
- Dry with a clean cloth.
2) Iron
Mineral deposits and burnt fabric can accumulate on the iron’s surface over time, affecting its performance.
Step-by-step process:
- Ensure the iron is unplugged and cool.
- Apply a fair amount of toothpaste on the iron plate.
- Scrub gently using a cloth.
- Wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
3) Carpets
Toothpaste is a gentle detergent that can break down the complex elements of most stains, effectively lifting them from your carpet.
It’s important to note that while toothpaste can help clean carpets, it can also stain them. This usually happens with colored toothpaste.
It’s always recommended to test any cleaning method on a small, hidden area of your carpet first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage. Test in the corner of a closet.
Step-by-step process:
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste directly onto the stain.
- Using a brush, scrub the area gently until the stain disappears.
- Rinse the spot with a damp cloth.
- Allow the carpet to dry.
Related: Revive Your Dingy Carpet with Our Foolproof, Time-Saving Shampoo Method
4) Silverware
Tarnished silverware can be restored with toothpaste.
Step-by-step process:
- Apply some toothpaste on the silverware.
- Rub gently using a sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm water.
- Dry with a clean cloth.
A better alternative for cleaning jewelry is vinegar. But in a pinch, toothpaste will work.
5) remove Smudges And Minor Scratches From cellphone screens using toothpaste.
Yes, toothpaste can indeed be used to remove smudges and minor scratches from cellphone screens.
The tiny abrasive particles in toothpaste can gently buff out small scratches, making them less noticeable. Here’s how it works:
Toothpaste, particularly the non-gel kind, contains small abrasive particles.
When you rub the toothpaste onto a scratch, these particles can help gently buff it out, making it less visible. It’s the same principle that’s at work when you use toothpaste to clean your teeth.
The abrasives in the toothpaste help to remove plaque and stains.
To use toothpaste to remove scratches from your phone screen, you would dab a small amount of toothpaste onto the end of a cotton swab or a clean, soft cloth. Then, gently rub the cotton swab or cloth in circular motions on the screen until the scratch diminishes.
It’s important to note that while toothpaste can help with minor surface scratches, it may not be effective against deeper scratches that affect the actual display of the phone.
Avoid getting toothpaste in the phone’s speaker grill, ports or on buttons which might cause damage.
Also, remember to use regular toothpaste, not gel-based ones, as the latter lacks the abrasive particles necessary for the task.
It’s always recommended to try this method on a small, less noticeable part of the screen first to ensure it doesn’t cause further damage.
Step-by-step process:
- Apply a tiny amount of toothpaste onto the screen.
- Gently rub in a circular motion using a soft cloth.
- Wipe off the residue with a slightly damp cloth.
- Dry with a clean cloth.
6) Clean and Whiten Piano Keys Using toothpaste
Dirty piano keys can be cleaned and whitened using toothpaste.
Due to its mild abrasive properties, can effectively remove grime and restore the whiteness of both ivory and plastic piano keys.
For ivory keys, which are porous and can absorb substances applied to them, it’s crucial to use plain white toothpaste. Gel or colored toothpaste might corrode or discolor the ivory. Even for plastic keys, it’s recommended to use white toothpaste.
This is due to the mild abrasive properties of toothpaste, which can help remove grime and stains from the keys. However, it’s important to avoid getting toothpaste between the keys as this could cause damage.
The keys should be dried completely to prevent potential water damage.
If toothpaste gets inside the piano keys and isn’t cleaned off quickly, it could potentially cause damage as it dries out and harden.
Step-by-step process:
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste on each key.
- Scrub gently using a soft toothbrush.
- Wipe each key clean with a damp cloth.
- Dry with a clean cloth.
After applying toothpaste and gently rubbing it on the keys with a soft cloth or Q-tip, it’s essential to clean off the toothpaste thoroughly using a damp cloth.
7) Clean Shoes With Toothpaste
Scuffed shoes, especially white ones, can be brought back to life using toothpaste.
Toothpaste has been a go-to hack for many to clean scuffed shoes, particularly white ones. The mild abrasives in toothpaste can help remove the dirt and grime that make the shoes look scuffed
It’s important to note that non-gel white toothpaste is typically recommended for this purpose.
Toothpaste may not be suitable for all types of shoe materials, especially delicate ones. It’s always best to do a spot test on an inconspicuous area first.
Plus, while toothpaste can help with minor scuffs and stains, it may not be as effective for more severe damage or discoloration. For such cases, professional shoe cleaning or restoration might be necessary.
Toothpaste is a quick fix and not a long-term solution for shoe care. Regular cleaning and proper storage are key to maintaining your shoes’ appearance and longevity.
Step-by-step process:
- Apply toothpaste onto the scuffs.
- Scrub using a brush.
- Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth.
- Let the shoes dry.
8) Use Toothpaste To Remove Crayon Marks on Walls
Toothpaste can remove crayon marks from walls.
Toothpaste has properties that make it effective for removing crayon marks from walls. The mild abrasives found in toothpaste can help lift the crayon wax off the wall without causing damage.
Keep in mind that it is typically non-gel white toothpaste that is recommended for this use. It’s also important to note that this method may not be suitable for all types of wall surfaces and paints, and a spot test is always recommended.
Step-by-step process:
- Apply toothpaste to the crayon marks.
- Rub gently using a cloth or sponge.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Dry with a clean cloth.
9) Use Toothpaste To Clean Chrome Fixtures
Toothpaste can be used to make chrome fixtures shine like new again. This is due to the mild abrasive properties found in toothpaste which can effectively polish the surface of the chrome, removing minor stains, spots, and scuff marks.
The end result is a clean, shiny fixture.
Step-by-step process:
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste on the fixtures.
- Scrub gently using a cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm water.
- Dry with a clean cloth.
10) Remove Water Rings From Tables And Furniture With Toothpaste
Non-gel toothpaste can be used to remove water rings from wooden coffee tables.
The mild abrasive properties of toothpaste can help lift the stains caused by water rings. It’s important to use toothpaste gently and sparingly on wooden surfaces, as it can potentially scratch or damage the finish if used improperly.
Like everything else on this list, test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it won’t cause any discoloration or damage. The underside of the table might be a perfect spot to test.
After the process, the area should be wiped clean and polished as usual.
Step-by-step process:
- Apply toothpaste to the water ring.
- Rub gently using a cloth.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Dry with a clean cloth.
11) Use Toothpaste To Fix DVDs and CDs
Toothpaste, especially the mildly abrasive kind, can indeed be used to repair minor scratches on your DVDs or CDs. The fine abrasive particles in the toothpaste can buff out small scratches, effectively smoothing the surface of the disc.
The mechanism behind this is that toothpaste acts as a very fine polish that helps to even out the scratches.
Step-by-step process:
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the disc.
- Rub gently from the center to the outer edge in a straight line.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm water.
- Dry with a clean cloth.
12) Use Toothpaste to Remove Nail Polish Stains
Toothpaste has been known to help remove nail polish stains from fabrics. The slight abrasiveness of toothpaste can help to lift the stain out of the fabric fibers. It’s typically more effective with non-gel toothpastes as they have more abrasive particles.
This method isn’t foolproof and might not work on all types of fabric or with all types of nail polish. Moreover, it should be used cautiously to avoid damaging the fabric.
The effectiveness of toothpaste in removing nail polish stains from fabrics likely comes from its mild abrasiveness and the detergents it contains, which can help break down the nail polish.
But remember, always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage or discolor the fabric. If the stain is particularly large or stubborn, it might be best to consult a professional cleaner.
Step-by-step process:
- Apply toothpaste to the stain.
- Rub the fabric together to work the toothpaste into the stain.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Wash as usual.
13) A Thermos Can Be Cleaned And Deodorized Using Toothpaste
Toothpaste can be used to clean and deodorize a thermos. The mild abrasiveness of toothpaste can help remove stubborn stains and residues on the interior of the thermos.
The ingredients in toothpaste that are designed to freshen breath can similarly work to neutralize odors in the thermos.
Toothpaste is particularly effective on stainless steel thermoses, where it can help remove both odors and stains.
It’s important to rinse thoroughly after using toothpaste to avoid any residual taste or smell.
Keep in mind, though, that while toothpaste can be an effective cleaning and deodorizing agent for a thermos, other methods could be more suitable depending on the type of stain or odor.
For instance, baking soda and vinegar are often recommended for more stubborn cases.
Step-by-step process:
- Fill the thermos halfway with warm water.
- Add a squeeze of toothpaste.
- Shake vigorously.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
57 More Household Items You Can Clean With Toothpaste
- Bathroom Tiles: Dab some toothpaste on a sponge and scrub away soap scum and mildew. Rinse with warm water and dry. Toothpaste can help remove soap scum and mildew, but it’s not as effective as a dedicated bathroom cleaner.
- Handheld Mirrors: Smudges and fingerprints spoiling your reflection? A tiny amount of toothpaste and a soft cloth can bring back the shine.
- Plastic Patio Furniture: Garden party coming up? Get your plastic patio furniture guest-ready by scrubbing with toothpaste and rinsing with a hose.
- Cutting Boards: Say goodbye to stains and odors on your cutting board. Scrub with toothpaste, rinse, and let it air dry.
- Oven Door: Grime won’t stand a chance against toothpaste. Scrub with a damp sponge, wipe clean, and dry. Related: How To Clean Oven Glass Door: Inside, Outside, And Between!
- Ceiling Fans: Dust off your ceiling fan blades with some toothpaste and a damp cloth. Wipe each blade from base to tip. For an easier way try: Easy Stress Free Way To Clean Your Ceiling Fan
- Glass Coffee Pots: Wake up to a sparkling coffee pot. Scrub the stains away with toothpaste and rinse thoroughly.
- Exhaust Fans: An old toothbrush and toothpaste can get your exhaust fan grilles looking like new. Wipe clean and let air dry.
- Car Rims: Toothpaste can shine up your car rims. Just scrub gently, rinse, and dry.
- Barbecue Grills: Ready for the cookout? Clean your grill grates with toothpaste and an old toothbrush. Rinse and let air dry.
- Bathtub Rings: Bathtub rings can be scrubbed away with toothpaste. Rinse with warm water and dry.
- Blender Blades: Fill the blender halfway with warm water, add a squeeze of toothpaste, blend, and rinse. Your blender blades are now clean and deodorized!
- Stainless Steel Appliances: Smudges and fingerprints don’t stand a chance. Rub gently with toothpaste and a soft cloth, wipe clean, and dry. Related: How To Clean Stainless Steel: Complete Guide Including Do’s & Don’ts
- Wine Glasses: Red wine stains can be removed with a bit of toothpaste. Rinse thoroughly and dry for a crystal clear shine.
- Garden Tools: Dirty shovel? No problem! Scrub it with toothpaste and rinse for a clean, rust-free shine.
- Lampshades: Dust and stains on your lampshades can be gently rubbed away with toothpaste. Wipe clean and let dry for a fresh look.
- Window Frames: Toothpaste is great for removing dirt and mildew from window frames. Just scrub, rinse, and dry! If that doesn’t work: Revive Your Vinyl Windows’ White Brilliance!: How To Get Rid Of Yellow Grime For Good
- Trash Can: Deodorize and clean your trash can with toothpaste. Scrub, rinse, and let dry for a fresh smelling bin.
- Door Handles: Polish and clean door handles with toothpaste. Rub gently, wipe clean, and dry for a sparkling touch. Related: How to Properly Clean a Doorknob: A Guide to Hygiene and Maintenance
- Light Switch Plates: Get rid of smudges and fingerprints with a bit of toothpaste and a soft cloth. Wipe clean and dry.
- Shower Curtain: Soap scum and mildew are no match for toothpaste. Scrub your shower curtain, rinse, and let air dry.
- Kitchen Countertops: Remove stubborn stains with a little toothpaste. Rub gently, wipe clean, and dry.
- Handbags: Stains on your favorite bag? Toothpaste can help. Apply gently with a soft cloth, wipe clean, and let dry. The effect of toothpaste will depend on the material of the bag. It could stain or discolor some fabrics.
- Computer Keyboard: Use a toothbrush with toothpaste to get between those keys. Wipe off with a damp cloth and let dry. Toothpaste could get stuck between the keys and cause damage. It’s safer to use compressed air or a special cleaning solution. Related: Best Ways To Clean A Mouse Pad + How To Clean RGB Mouse Pad
- Toilet Bowl: Scrub your toilet bowl with toothpaste for a fresh and clean commode. Toothpaste could freshen up your toilet bowl, but it won’t disinfect it. Instead, try How To Clean A Toilet Bowl And Remove Hard Water Stains
- Stovetop Burners: Grease and grime can be scrubbed away with toothpaste. Rinse clean and dry.
- Refrigerator Seals: Keep them clean and white with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Wipe clean and let dry.
- Faucets: Restore shine to your faucets by scrubbing with toothpaste. Rinse, dry, and admire the sparkle. Related: DIY Homemade Shower Head Cleaner – No Tools
- Golf Clubs: Keep your clubs in top shape by scrubbing the heads with toothpaste. Rinse off and dry. Related: How To Clean Golf Clubs: A Complete Guide
- Picture Frames: A bit of toothpaste can remove smudges and fingerprints. Wipe clean and dry.
- Guitar Strings: Keep your guitar sounding great by cleaning the strings with toothpaste. Rinse and let air dry. While toothpaste could potentially clean guitar strings, it’s important to avoid getting any on the wood of the guitar, as it could damage the finish.
- Sneaker Soles: Brighten up your sneakers by scrubbing the soles with toothpaste. Rinse and let dry.
- Patio Umbrella: Remove mildew and stains with a toothpaste scrub. Rinse with a hose and let air dry.
- Tea Kettle: Remove stubborn stains from the outside of your kettle with toothpaste. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Garden Statues: Keep your garden statues looking their best by scrubbing them with toothpaste. Rinse and let dry.
- Bicycle Helmet: Clean the exterior of your helmet with toothpaste. Rinse and let air dry.
- Yoga Mat: Freshen up your mat by scrubbing with toothpaste. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry.
- Plastic Storage Containers: Remove food stains and odors with toothpaste. Rinse and let dry.
- Headphones: Clean and deodorize your headphones with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Wipe clean and let dry.
- Candle Holders: Remove wax residue with toothpaste. Rinse and dry for a clean shine.
- Flower Pots: Clean up your flower pots with a toothpaste scrub. Rinse and let dry.
- Children’s Toys: Keep toys clean and fresh by scrubbing with toothpaste. Rinse and let dry.
- Pet Bowls: Freshen up pet bowls by scrubbing with toothpaste. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
- Glasses Frames: Keep your glasses frames clean and shiny by gently rubbing with toothpaste. Rinse and dry.
- Toothbrush Holders: Clean and deodorize your holder with toothpaste. Rinse and let dry.
- Remote Controls: Use a toothbrush with toothpaste to clean between those buttons. Wipe clean and let dry.
- Laptop Screen: Remove smudges and fingerprints with a small amount of toothpaste. Wipe clean and dry. Many laptop screens have special coatings that the abrasiveness of toothpaste can damage. It’s generally safer to use a dedicated screen cleaner.
- Wristwatch Bands: Freshen up your watch band by scrubbing with toothpaste. Rinse and let dry.
- Car Headlights: Brighten up foggy headlights by scrubbing with toothpaste. Rinse and dry for a clear view.
- Water Bottles: Freshen up the interior of your bottle by scrubbing with toothpaste. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
- Phone Cases: Keep your phone case looking new by scrubbing it with toothpaste. Rinse and let dry.
- Coffee Mugs: Remove coffee stains with toothpaste. Rinse and dry for a fresh start to your morning.
- Sink Drains: Deodorize and clean your sink drain by scrubbing with toothpaste. Rinse thoroughly. Related: Get Your Slow Drain Flowing Again With This Simple, Eco-Friendly Trick!
- Microwave Interior: Remove food splatters by scrubbing with toothpaste. Wipe clean and dry. Or even better try How to Clean A Microwave in 5 Minutes! No Scrubbing
- Dish Rack: Freshen up your dish rack by scrubbing with toothpaste. Rinse and let dry.
- Refrigerator Handles: Remove smudges and fingerprints with toothpaste. Wipe clean and dry.
- Garage Door: Remove dirt and grime with a toothpaste scrub. Rinse with a hose and let dry.
Always test a small, hidden area first to ensure the toothpaste won’t discolor or damage the material.
Comparison with Commercial Cleaners
Toothpaste might be a convenient alternative when you’re out of your regular cleaning product, but how does it measure up against commercial cleaners?
- Cost-Effectiveness: While toothpaste can be cheaper than many specialized cleaning products, it may require more effort and time to achieve the same results.
- Environmental Impact: Many toothpastes are free from harmful chemicals, making them a greener alternative. However, the plastic tubes they come in can contribute to environmental pollution.
- Cleaning Power: Commercial cleaners are specifically formulated for tackling different types of dirt and stains. They are generally more powerful and efficient than toothpaste.
DIY Toothpaste Recipes
For those interested in natural and homemade alternatives, here’s a simple recipe for homemade toothpaste.
Why Is Toothpaste Effective At Cleaning Household Items
Toothpaste is a unique blend of both chemical and physical cleaning agents, making it an effective tool for tackling various household cleaning tasks.
The main ingredients in toothpaste that contribute to its cleaning prowess are abrasives, surfactants, and fluoride.
Abrasives: These are the physical cleaning agents in toothpaste. They typically make up about 50% of the toothpaste by weight.
Common abrasives used in toothpaste include calcium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, hydrated aluminum oxides, magnesium carbonate, phosphate salts and silicates.
These materials are rough at a microscopic level and work by physically scraping off the stains and debris from surfaces. This is especially effective for hard and smooth surfaces like jewelry, iron plates, silverware, and chrome fixtures.
Surfactants: Also known as detergents, surfactants are the chemical cleaning agents in toothpaste. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common surfactant used in many toothpastes.
Surfactants work on a molecular level where one end of the molecule is attracted to water, and the other end is attracted to fat-like substances (lipids).
When you apply toothpaste, the surfactant molecules surround and lift away the lipid-based stains, allowing them to be rinsed away with water.
This makes toothpaste effective against grease or oil-based stains on items like carpets, walls, and fabrics.
Fluoride: While fluoride’s primary role in toothpaste is to protect teeth against decay, it also has a mild cleaning effect.
Fluoride ions can help break down biofilm and plaque, which are essentially colonies of bacteria surrounded by a protective layer of polysaccharides and proteins.
This property can be especially helpful in cleaning items that have a build-up of biological material, such as thermos bottles.
Toothpaste also often contains additional ingredients like enzymes to break down organic stains (proteins, carbohydrates), and whiteners (like peroxide), which can bleach stains and restore the original color of a material.
The cleaning process itself involves both physical and chemical processes. The physical process is simple mechanical scrubbing where the abrasive particles in toothpaste scrape off the dirt or stain.
The chemical process involves the surfactants emulsifying fats and oils, allowing them to mix with water and be rinsed away.
Additionally, enzymes can break down complex organic stains into simpler substances that can be easily removed.
The effectiveness of toothpaste as a cleaning agent for household items can be attributed to its unique combination of physical and chemical cleaning agents.
It’s important to remember that while toothpaste can be a handy fallback option, it’s not formulated specifically for these uses, so it might not be as effective as specialized cleaning products.
Wrapping Up
Remember, toothpaste has mild abrasives that can remove stains and restore shine. So, the next time you’re out of your regular cleaning product, consider using that handy tube of toothpaste in your bathroom.
Do a patch test before using toothpaste on any surface, especially delicate ones.