While you may think toothpaste is only useful for keeping your teeth sparkling clean, it’s actually a versatile cleaning tool that can come in handy for all sorts of everyday messes. Its combination of mild abrasiveness and cleaning agents makes it perfect for shining surfaces, removing stains, and even restoring old items. Here are a few unexpected ways you can put toothpaste to work around your home.
Scuffed Shoes
Nobody likes those scuff marks on leather or rubber shoes that make them look old and worn out. But surprisingly, toothpaste works like magic to buff them away. You can simply apply a small amount of toothpaste to the scuff, scrub gently with a cloth or toothbrush, and wipe the surface clean with a damp rag. Your shoes will look brand new in no time.
Cloudy Headlights
It’s inevitable that car headlights will become cloudy and dull due to dirt and grime buildup over time. But the good news is that toothpaste’s mild abrasiveness can really help to clear that haze.
Rub a small amount onto the headlights with a soft cloth, scrub in a circular motion, and rinse with water for a quick fix that significantly improves both appearance and visibility.
Jewelry
One of the best things about jewelry is its shine, so it’s pretty disappointing when that begins to fade. However, your tarnished silver can quickly regain that sparkle with a little help from toothpaste. Use a soft toothbrush to apply a pea-sized amount to your rings, bracelets, or necklaces.
Gently scrub, rinse with water, and pat dry. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.
Bathroom Mirrors
While you’re standing there brushing your teeth, you might find yourself noticing just how grimy or foggy the bathroom mirrors look. If so, you could put that toothpaste of yours to work in a whole new way. Rub a thin layer of toothpaste on the mirror, wipe it off with a soft cloth, and enjoy your clean, steam-free reflection.
Coffee Stains on Mugs
We all know that those brown coffee or tea stains on your favorite mugs can be annoyingly difficult to remove, but toothpaste really does the trick. Simply scrub the stained areas with a little toothpaste and a sponge to lift the discoloration without damaging the surface.
Sneakers’ Rubber Soles
If you’re always out and about, the white rubber soles on your sneakers will get dirty fast, but toothpaste can quickly bring them back to life. Apply toothpaste to the soles, scrub with an old toothbrush, and wipe clean with a damp cloth. It’s a really easy way to make your shoes look fresh and clean again.
Water Rings on Wood Furniture
Those annoying little water rings left by cups or glasses may have formed over a long time, but they can quickly be removed with a dab of toothpaste. Apply a small amount to the ring, rub gently with a soft cloth, and then wipe it clean. However, it’s important to test on a small area first, as wood finishes can vary.
Keyboard Keys
You’ve probably never considered using toothpaste on your keyboard before, but there’s a first time for everything. It’s normal for computer keys to get grimy from oils and dirt on your hands, and toothpaste can really help with this.
Use a tiny dab on a cotton swab or soft toothbrush to gently clean the surface of the keys. Wipe with a slightly damp cloth, and your keyboard will look fresh again.
Crayon Marks on Walls
If you have kids, you may get up one day and notice they’ve turned your walls into an art project. But don’t worry, toothpaste can help remove their artistic little crayon marks without damaging the paint. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth, gently scrub the marks, and wipe clean with water.
Phone Screens
Those annoying smudges on phone screens can be reduced with a bit of toothpaste. Apply a very small amount to a soft cloth and gently rub the affected area. Be sure to wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly, and avoid getting toothpaste into ports or crevices.
Iron Plate
As you may have noticed, the bottom of an iron can develop scorch marks and grime over time, making it a lot less effective. Use a bit of toothpaste on a soft cloth to scrub the iron’s surface (while it’s cool and unplugged). Wipe clean with a damp cloth, and you’ll find that it glides smoothly once again.
Sink and Faucet
Here’s yet another great bathroom use for toothpaste. Toothpaste can work wonders on sinks and faucets, removing all of that soap scum and those annoying water spots. Apply a small amount, scrub with a sponge or soft cloth, and rinse thoroughly.
Foggy Eyeglasses
You may never have considered this possibility before, but if your glasses tend to fog up, toothpaste can actually help. Apply a tiny dab to the lenses, rub gently with a soft cloth, and rinse clean. It reduces the fogging effect and removes smudges or streaks. However, you shouldn’t do this on coated or anti-reflective lenses, as this could damage them.
Car Scratches
Believe it or not, minor scratches on your car’s paint can often be buffed out with toothpaste. Gently rub a small amount over the scratch using a soft cloth and circular motions. Wipe clean, and while it won’t fix deep scratches, you’ll notice that it really helps minimize minor imperfections.
Piano Keys
Nothing’s better than a pristine piano with pure white keys, so it’s pretty sad to notice how they become discolored over time. Toothpaste helps lift those old stains and restore their shine. Apply a small dab to each key, scrub gently with a soft cloth, and wipe clean with a damp rag.
Stainless Steel Appliances
You’re probably well aware that stainless steel appliances are prone to fingerprints and smudges that can dull their shine. The good news is that a small amount of toothpaste on a soft cloth can clean and polish refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers.
Cutting Boards
Cutting boards can become pretty gross and unhygienic after months of absorbing odors and developing stains from food. Toothpaste goes a long way in helping to remove those smells and brighten the surface. Scrub the board with toothpaste and a sponge, rinse thoroughly with water, and let it air dry for a clean, new-looking board.
Shower Door Glass
As we all know, soap scum and hard water stains on shower doors can be pretty annoying to clean, but toothpaste makes things a lot easier. Apply toothpaste to the glass, scrub with a sponge or cloth, and rinse with warm water. This will remove build-up and leave the glass clear.
White Walls and Baseboards
Those pesky scuff marks and grime on white walls and baseboards are no match for toothpaste. Dab a small amount onto a cloth or sponge, scrub the dirty spots, and wipe clean. It’s gentle enough for painted surfaces and keeps your walls looking crisp and clean.