Toothpaste isn’t just for a bright smile; it’s a versatile household item that can tackle a surprising array of tasks. Beyond brushing your teeth, here are 19 creative uses for toothpaste that might make you see this everyday product in a whole new light:
1. Cleans Headlights
Revive your vehicle’s cloudy headlights by making a paste of toothpaste and baking soda. Gently scrub this mixture onto your headlights with a toothbrush, then rinse for gleaming results.
2. Minor Car Scratch Remover
Buff away minor car scratches using toothpaste’s abrasive properties. Apply, wipe, and buff with a clean cloth to diminish the appearance of those unsightly marks.n cloth.
3. Silverware Polisher
When your silverware loses its luster, toothpaste can come to the rescue. Use a soft cloth to apply toothpaste, rinse, and dry to restore the shine to your silver items.
4. Erasing Permanent Marker Stains
For wood surfaces or even some fabrics, toothpaste can help remove permanent marker stains. Apply, let it sit briefly, and wipe away. The stain should fade or disappear.
5. Quick Drywall Hole Filler
No putty on hand? Fill nail or screw holes in drywall with toothpaste, a handy hack for renters in a hurry.
6. Plastic Container Stain Remover
Stubborn stains on plastic containers? Scrub them away with toothpaste. Its abrasive texture can help eliminate tough stains and grease.
7. Gum in Hair Solution
When gum becomes an unwelcome addition to your hair, toothpaste can save the day. Apply toothpaste to the gum, and after a few hours, it’ll be easier to remove thanks to the sugar-eliminating effect.
8. Diamond Jewelry Shine Enhancer
Restore the sparkle to your diamond jewelry by gently rubbing on a tiny amount of toothpaste with a clean cloth. Wipe away any residue and buff for dazzling results.
9. Fog-Free Goggles
Scuba divers know this trick well. Prevent swimming goggles from fogging up by applying a thin layer of toothpaste to the inside of the lenses.
10. Hair Dye Stain Remover
Accidentally got hair dye on your clothing during a DIY dye job? Don’t worry; rub toothpaste onto the stain, let it sit, and wash as usual.
11. Carpet Stain Eraser
Spilled something on your carpet? Skip the professional cleaner and apply toothpaste to the stain. Let it sit and then wipe away the toothpaste residue with a damp cloth.
12. Water Stain Remover for Wood
Those stubborn white water stains on wood furniture can be treated with toothpaste. Dab some onto the area, let it sit, and wipe it away. Pro tip: Mayonnaise can also remove water stains!
13. DIY Manicure Cleanup
If your at-home nail polish job leaves your skin stained, apply toothpaste and wait a few minutes. Then, use a slightly damp cloth to remove the toothpaste and any unwanted nail polish.
14. Damage-Free Art and Poster Hanging
This clever trick is perfect for renters. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the back of posters or paper artwork to hang them temporarily. When it’s time to remove them, your wall paint will remain undamaged.
15. Makeup Stain Remover
Certain makeup products can leave stains on bathroom countertops. Combat them by applying toothpaste to the stain and wiping it away with a damp cloth. The makeup stain will vanish.
16. Bruise Accelerator
To speed up the healing of a bruise, create a mixture of toothpaste and body lotion and apply it to the affected area before bedtime. This may sound unusual, but it can help reduce the appearance of bruises.
17. Leather Scratch Diminisher
If your leather furniture is marred by scratches, gently rub toothpaste onto them and wipe off the residue with a clean cloth. While it may not make the scratches vanish completely, it can make them less noticeable.
18. Plastic Patio Furniture Restorer
Revive your weathered white plastic patio furniture by applying a mixture of toothpaste and water. Gently scrub the furniture, then use a cloth to remove excess solution. Your outdoor furniture will look like new.
19. Keyboard Cleaner
For a quick keyboard cleaning, apply a small amount of toothpaste to your finger or a Q-tip and use it to wipe the keys gently. Just be careful not to get toothpaste in the cracks that hold the keys in place.
With these surprising toothpaste hacks, you’ll find this common product to be a valuable addition to your household toolkit. So, next time you spot toothpaste on sale, stock up and explore its versatility beyond your daily oral care routine!
pictures source: Popular Science – Lamonte Academie / Alfresco Hire – Leather Sofa – Reader’s Digest / Shutterstock – Today – College Fashion / Flickr – Thrifty Fun – Project Vanity – Top Notch Building Maintenance / iStock – Cleanipedia – Livestrong / iStock – BBB Gem – How To Clean / Sony Pictures Television – Andrea Dekker – The Krazy Coupon Lady – Renewed Health Oils – Mom 4 Real – YouTube/4You AutoManija – YouTube/ChrisFix – Reader’s Digest / Shutterstock
