Think about it; toothpaste does such a fine job at cleaning our teeth and gums, so why stop there? It’s obviously a non-toxic substance with specially formulated ingredients that come together to create an awesome ‘cleaning’ agent for your home!
While you might think that using toothpaste as a cleaner isn’t exactly economical, consider the price of regular types that don’t contain extra ‘whiteners’, ‘tartar controllers’ and such. These are pretty cheap and, more importantly, you don’t need to use much! An entire large tube can be used to clean various household items for weeks before it’s over. All you need to do is look for a toothpaste with mild abrasives such as – calcium carbonate, phosphate salts, magnesium, silicates, etc. Don’t worry; if these abrasives aren’t harsh enough to damage tooth enamel, they certainly won’t do any harm to household items and surfaces!
So, what are these unconventional ways to use toothpaste to clean? Read on to find out!
Bathroom Sinks
Remember all those times you spilled a little toothpaste in the sink and washed it down the drain? Well, what you should have been doing was cleaning the sink with it! Simply squirt 2-3 little blobs around the sink and spread it around with a dry scrubber; next, dampen the toothpaste on the scrubbing pad and clean your sink before thoroughly rinsing it off to reveal a spotless surface!
Stainless Steel
From faucets and kitchen sinks, to refrigerator doors and coffee machines; if it’s a stainless steel surface, toothpaste should be the cleaner! Depending on the level of dirt and moisture that the item in question can tolerate, make a pasty or liquid solution of plain water and toothpaste to clean up greasiness and light stains. Make sure that the toothpaste and water are mixed properly and use soft cleaning tools for stainless steel such as microfibre cloths, soft/medium-bristled brushes or non-abrasive scrubbers.
Painted Walls
Scuff marks or mild stains on painted walls caused by grubby fingers or dirty paws are pretty simple to remove. Sometimes all it takes is a damp cloth and minimal pressure to clean them up; however, there are occasions when the solution calls for a specific cleaning agent. Well, toothpaste is the answer! Spread a small amount of the plain white paste onto a damp microfibre cloth and gently wipe the stain away. Be sure to spread the toothpaste evenly so that most of it is absorbed by the dampness of the cloth.
NOTE: Like any other wall cleaning method, it’s advisable to test this cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the wall first.
Phone Screens
Yes, your cell phone screen is likely to be covered in fingerprints not long after you’ve cleaned it but that shouldn’t stop you from doing it! Bear in mind that your phone screen is prone to face oils and less than sanitary fingers on a daily basis; hence, it requires cleaning from time to time. The best part about using toothpaste to do this is that it is incredibly effective, quick and easy! All you need to do is carefully spread a little toothpaste over the screen using your finger or a cotton swab (avoid covering the speaker, camera lens, microphone, etc); next, use a soft napkin to wipe off the toothpaste thoroughly and voila! Toothpaste does a fantastic job at absorbing and removing oil so keep that in mind when dealing with greasy stains!
Plastic Patio Furniture
Particularly if you have white plastic furniture, a simple cleanse with toothpaste and water can do wonders for it! In order to make the cleaning solution using a minimal amount of toothpaste, do this:
- Squirt a few blobs of toothpaste in a shallow basin
- Spread it around the base using your fingers
- Add 2 cups of water and stir it around using your fingers
- Swish your fingers around the base to loosen the paste at the bottom
- After the toothpaste and water have mixed properly, dip a soft-bristled scrub brush in it and clean the furniture
- Rinse the plastic off and wipe with a clean towel
NOTE: Stubborn stains caused by mould or black marks on your plastic furniture will require a stronger solution using more toothpaste or a deep clean with soap and water.
Leather
You often find scuff marks on leather that are rather unsightly. Whether it’s a purse or jacket, the material is prone to dirt and stains overtime and therefore, requires a safe cleaning agent and method. Well, we’ve got one for you! Dab a small amount of toothpaste over the area and use a soft, clean cloth to rub it in just a little before wiping it up. Finish off by removing the toothpaste entirely with a clean, dampened cloth.
NOTE: Use regular toothpaste for this. Avoid toothpaste that contains whitening agents and/or bleach.
In very similar ways, toothpaste can be used to clean various other items including sneakers, baby bottles, irons, chrome fittings, silverware and more!
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