12 different uses for toothpaste

Toothpaste is an affordable product that is very easy to find. It is not news that its primary function is the cleaning and shine of the teeth. But what many people don’t know is that toothpaste can be an ally in some household activities and cleaning. Its formula with abrasives and mild detergents mixed with thickening agents gives the toothpaste some unusual possibilities for use! Meet some of them:

Attention: the tasks below are valid for traditional toothpaste (white paste). Do not use colored toothpaste or gels as they can cause stains.

1. Polishing jewelry

Toothpaste can help remove stains and restore shine to your jewelry. Using a soft brush, apply a thin layer of toothpaste to your tarnished, dull jewelry. Gently rub, wash with water and dry with a soft cloth. If the stain or opacity is very strong, it is recommended to apply a thicker layer and let it act for an hour. Then just wash and dry (as in the previous process). Use is not recommended on pearls, stones and rhinestones. Because they are more sensitive objects, they run the risk of being scratched.

2. Remove carpet stains

To remove carpet stains, moisten the stain with a toothbrush and toothpaste and dry with a damp cloth. It is recommended to test the procedure on a small part of the rug to make sure it will not bleed off.

3. Clean scratched DVDs and CDs

Gently apply a small amount of toothpaste over the CDs and DVDs, starting from the center towards the edge. Rinse with water and dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.

4. Preserve shoe soles

With use, the soles of sneakers and shoes tend to get very dirty. Rubbing them with toothpaste and a brush can help keep the soles cleaner. The same goes for white leather shoes.

5. Remove water stains from furniture

When a glass of cold liquid is forgotten on top of a wooden furniture it is common to leave a mark. To remove it, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft cloth and buff the furniture. It doesn’t take strength. You may need to repeat the process.

6. Clean the inside of dirty bottles

Toothpaste can also be useful to remove the dirt that persists in bottles and thermoses even after normal washing. Scrub the inside well using a toothbrush and toothpaste. Rinse with hot water.

7. Defog glasses

Rub a small amount of toothpaste on the lenses of your goggles or diving mask and rinse thoroughly. Do not perform this procedure on lenses with special coatings, such as anti-reflective coatings.

8. Remove collar stains

The procedure is simple: with the help of a toothbrush, apply the toothpaste to stains of dirt accumulated on the collars of the shirts. Rinse and proceed with normal washing.

9. Recover your nails

You know when you take off your nail polish and realize that your nails are yellowed and look weak? So: toothpaste on them! Applying toothpaste to nails helps to restore their shine.

10. Plug holes in the walls

Amazingly, toothpaste can also help to plug small holes in the wall. Fill them with toothpaste and smooth the hole with a piece of cardboard. If necessary, repeat the process, as the toothpaste may shrink after drying.

11. Remove garlic and onion smell from hands

If after preparing lunch or dinner your hands get that smell of garlic and onions, wash them with toothpaste. The unpleasant smell will disappear.

13. Polish chrome objects

Chrome bathroom fixtures such as faucets, towel racks and toilet paper holders can restore their shine with a coat of toothpaste. Apply the product, rinse and dry with a cloth. Do not overdo the amount as these objects can wear out over time.

important tip

Don’t use toothpaste on burns or on your face to get rid of pimples. Because it contains detergents and menthol, toothpaste can cause allergies and skin irritation.

Common cleaning products are formulated with a large amount of abrasives. Toothpaste can be a gentler cleaning option with the benefit of containing less abrasives and chemicals. Add it to your shopping list!