7 Alternative Uses of Toothpaste You Didn’t Know About
Toothpaste is a household staple, but its uses go far beyond keeping your teeth clean. With its mildly abrasive properties and versatile ingredients, toothpaste can be a surprisingly effective solution for various cleaning and maintenance tasks around the house. Here are seven unexpected ways to use toothpaste:
1. Remove Scratches from Glass and Plastic
How to Use: Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to a soft cloth and gently rub it over the scratch in a circular motion. Rinse with water and wipe clean.
Why It Works: The mild abrasives in toothpaste help buff out surface scratches on items like eyeglasses, smartphone screens, or watch faces.
2. Clean Jewelry
How to Use: Apply a dab of toothpaste to a toothbrush or soft cloth and gently scrub jewelry. Rinse with water and polish with a clean cloth.
Why It Works: Toothpaste removes tarnish and restores the shine of silver, gold, and diamond jewelry.
3. Remove Crayon Marks from Walls
How to Use: Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a damp cloth and rub it over the crayon marks. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth.
Why It Works: The abrasive texture of toothpaste lifts the waxy residue without damaging painted walls.
4. Eliminate Odors from Hands
How to Use: Rub a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your hands, especially after handling smelly foods like garlic, onions, or fish. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Why It Works: The fresh scent and cleaning agents in toothpaste neutralize strong odors.
5. Defog Mirrors and Glass