Toothpaste isn’t just for keeping your smile bright, it’s a versatile, budget-friendly tool that can tackle surprising cleaning tasks around the house—perfect for those who like cleaning with frugality hacks in mind. This article delves into how you can easily use toothpaste to refresh more than just your teeth.
Jewellery
If your jewellery has lost its sparkle, toothpaste can come to the rescue, because a small dollop on a soft cloth can gently polish away tarnish and grime from your favourite pieces. Just rub it in carefully, rinse with warm water, and pat dry with a clean towel—though be sure to avoid using it on delicate gemstones or pearls, as they can be damaged.
Trainers
Got a pair of trainers that look a little worse for wear? Toothpaste is a lifesaver for scuffed rubber soles or dingy leather, all you need to do is grab an old toothbrush, apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, and give those trouble spots a good scrub, before following up with a damp cloth to wipe away any residue.
Bathroom Mirrors
Few things are as annoying as a fogged-up bathroom mirror, especially when you’re in a hurry, so here’s a clever fix. You can spread a thin layer across the glass, let it sit for a minute, then buff it off with a dry cloth; not only will this trick give you a clear view post-shower, but it also helps repel future fogging for a while.
Mobile Phone Screens
If your phone screen is covered in smudges or small scratches, non-gel toothpaste can help restore its shine if you take a soft cloth, apply a tiny amount, and gently buff the surface in small circles. Don’t overdo it—light pressure is all you need—and once you’re done, clean off any residue with a slightly damp cloth.
Iron Soleplates
Burnt fabric or sticky residue on your iron’s soleplate can ruin your clothes and make ironing a chore, and tooth gel or paste is a surprisingly effective cleaner for this. With the iron unplugged and completely cool, apply toothpaste to the dirty areas, then scrub with a soft cloth, get rid of any residue, and you’ll have a smooth, clean surface ready for perfect ironing.
Piano Keys
Over time, piano keys can yellow or gather grime from regular use, but if you apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth or soft brush and gently scrub each key, your piano will look well-loved again, whether ivory or plastic. Make sure to wipe away all the leftover paste before you start playing again.
Water Rings on Furniture
Toothpaste can save the day if you’ve got those frustrating water rings marring your beautiful wooden furniture, if you simply dab a small amount onto the mark, rub it gently with a soft cloth, and watch the ring fade away.
Once the spot is clean, follow up with a little furniture polish or oil to restore the wood’s finish and add a touch of shine.
Car Headlights
Spread a thick layer over your foggy headlight surface and scrub with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse off the toothpaste with water, and you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in clarity, resulting in an inexpensive alternative to professional cleaning—and you’ll feel better knowing your car looks good and performs better on the road.
Fridge Seals
Have you noticed a build up of dirt and mildew in your fridge door seal? It easily happens, and that’s why you should try using toothpaste to help clean and freshen them. Use an old toothbrush to apply toothpaste into the crevices, scrubbing gently to lift the grime before wiping down the seals for a fresher look and fresher smell.
Hair Straighteners
Using your straighteners every day unfortunately means that any leftovers from hair products can build up over time, affecting their performance, yet a quick clean with toothpaste can solve the problem.
Rub a small amount on the plates using a damp cloth, then wipe everything clean with another damp cloth (and make sure the straightener is completely dry before plugging it in again).
Coffee and Tea Stains
You’ll be amazed at how clean your favourite mug looks and how much more enjoyable your next cup of tea will be if you use toothpaste to bring it back to life. Stained mugs might seem like a lost cause, however, all you need to do is apply a small amount inside the cup, then use a sponge or cloth to scrub away the discolouration.
Stainless Steel Sinks
Apply gel or paste directly to water spots or dull areas and scrub gently with a sponge if you’re looking to restore your stainless steel sink’s shine, then rinse away thoroughly with warm water to wash away any residue.
This quick fix not only makes your sink sparkle but also leaves behind a fresh, clean scent that brightens up your kitchen.
Your Nails
Toothpaste isn’t just for cleaning—it can also freshen up your nails if they’re stained or looking a bit dull. You can rub a small amount over them with an old toothbrush, rinse them off, and you’ll notice a brighter, cleaner appearance, an effortless way to keep your nails looking polished and healthy.
Sports Equipment
If you have any sports gear like shin pads, helmets, and any other equipment, it can get pretty grimy after use, which is why your bathroom supply of toothpaste will come in handy. Toothpaste works to remove visible grime on your gear but also helps to neutralise odours, which is always a bonus.
Ceramic Tiles
Are scuffed or stained ceramic tiles dragging down the look of your room? Toothpaste can help, using a tiny blob on the affected area and buffing with a sponge or toothbrush, then rinse clean with water. It’s a straightforward way to keep your walls or floors looking bright and fresh without the need for expensive cleaning products.
Your Car Interior
The inside of your car can gather grime and smudges over time, but toothpaste offers a quick refresh. Apply a bit to a cloth and rub it gently onto your dashboard or vinyl surfaces. Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth for a neat and tidy finish. It’s an easy, affordable way to keep your car looking sharp and well-maintained.
Computer Keyboards
It’s important to always clean your computer keyboards because they can get downright filthy from everyday use, and you can do this easily by dipping a cotton swab into a small amount of tooth gel and carefully cleaning between the keys to remove dirt and buildup. Make sure you use minimal moisture and dry everything thoroughly afterwards for a cleaner keyboard.
Plastic Furniture
Outdoor plastic furniture often fades and collects grime, but toothpaste can restore its vibrancy, a simple, cost-effective way to get your patio ready for sunny days, and you just need to apply a generous amount to the surface and scrub with a sponge before finishing thoroughly with water. You’ll be amazed at how fresh your chairs and tables look.
Baby Bottles
This hack leaves bottles looking clear, smelling fresh, and ready for your little one’s next feed without any lingering smells or stains. If baby bottles start to develop stubborn milk residue or odours, toothpaste can work wonders. Just squirt a small amount inside the bottle, scrub gently with a bottle brush, and rinse afterwards.
Silverware
Prepare a small amount of toothpaste on a soft cloth or sponge ready to use on faded silverware, then gently rub each piece, focusing on areas with tarnish or dull spots. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a clean towel to prevent water spots; this method is perfect for cutlery, serving utensils, or even decorative silver items.