16 ways to use toothpaste like you've never used it before
Most people only use toothpaste twice a day for what it was intended: brushing your teeth. But did you know that it can actually do a lot more than just clean your pearly whites? Toothpaste dries quickly when exposed to air and absorbs moisture, which makes it a great stain and dirt remover. Check out these outside-the-box ideas for using toothpaste in some very unusual ways...
1. Tarnished silver
When you notice that your silverware is a bit tarnished, don't bother buying some overpriced polish. All you need is some toothpaste and a bit of elbow grease. A few scrubs later, your silverware will shine like new.
#QuickCleanTip
Toothpaste helps you remove tarnish from your silverware and accessories.#Tip for Diwali cleaning! pic.twitter.com/1oy2BUmkku— Gala Home Cleaning (@Gala_Cleaning) October 17, 2014
2. Car lights
Even your car lights require some attention every now and again. Simply apply some toothpaste to a wet sponge and rub off that grime!
Using toothpaste is a great way to clean those crusty headlights. #DIY #carhacks #lifehacks #winning pic.twitter.com/ikkoIJ9kKA
— Wype (@Wypeapp) September 18, 2014
3. Piano keys that have seen better days
When the keys on your piano start to turn yellow, give them a good wipe with toothpaste to restore that original white sheen.
Tom - "The keys on this piano are as yellow as my Gran's teeth." #PitchPulseMagic @LiveMusicNowSCO @Tom_Poulson pic.twitter.com/gtPn5nnU4E
— Brass Diversions (@BrassDiversions) November 3, 2014
4. Cleaning your shoes
White sneaker soles don't stay white very long. When you notice them getting a bit too dirty, wipe them down with some toothpaste and they'll look almost as good as new.
Renew your loved #sneakers: use toothpaste! It will shine! pic.twitter.com/Z8AV0jEDXm” #outdoors #sneakersaddict #sportwear #How-to #Tips
— Mooniva Buzz (@Mooniva_Buzz) January 16, 2015
5. Foggy swimming goggles
If you clean your swimming goggles with some toothpaste on the inside, it creates a thin, transparent film that prevents them from fogging up when you're doing your laps in the pool.
"Why the goggles?" "So I don't get toothpaste in my eyes" Can't argue with the logic of a 3 yr old pic.twitter.com/b5Mbs5sSzE
— mocha furniture (@mochaworthing) March 24, 2014
6. Water stains
Is your dining room table covered with water stains and nasty rings. Just rub some toothpaste on them and they'll vanish.
New #life of toothpaste: it removes the rings of water on wood and glass. pic.twitter.com/u6oUN99yEy
— somethingofpink (@somethingofpink) March 29, 2015
7. Ink stains on your clothes
No problem! Simply apply some toothpaste, let it dry and wash the next day. It's like it never happened!
Have a tough ink stain? No problem! Just apply toothpaste, let it dry and wash. Works like a charm! #stainremoval pic.twitter.com/XwK2Yk91hy
— Laundry Limo (@thelaundrylimo) September 15, 2014
8. Mosquito bites
Summer is coming and for some of us that means dealing with the annoying itch of mosquito bites. When those pesky critters attack, you can relieve the discomfort and reduce the swelling by dabbing on some toothpaste.
So apparently toothpaste helps bites.. pic.twitter.com/hNCY4vjMUI
— char (@charlotteodwyer) August 17, 2013
9. Pimples
Having some trouble with acne? Just rub some toothpaste on those pimples before you go to bed and they'll be as good as gone in the morning.
Dry Out Pimples
Believe it or not, dabbing toothpaste onto a pimple is a quick and easy way to dry it out. pic.twitter.com/KgzbsSqa9L— Tusc (@TuscMAesthetics) April 9, 2015
10. Lime scale
Irons, faucets and other shiny metal surfaces can suffer from lime scale buildup. To get rid of it, simply put some toothpaste on a cloth and rub them until they're shiny again.
When your iron looks dirty due to mineral buildup, you can easily clean it with a damp cloth and toothpaste. pic.twitter.com/AhuE5uUCaD
— help24_ie (@help24_ie) May 27, 2014
11. Dirty phone screen
Is your smartphone screen scratched and dirty? Rubbing on some toothpaste will clean it up and hide the scratches.
other use of toothpaste pic.twitter.com/xD9ii9rCQO
— Gentleman (@Hilarious_Idiot) January 9, 2015
12. Ballet shoes
Here's a tip for all you ballerinas out there. When your shoes get scuffed and dirty, wipe them clean with some toothpaste. Now you're ready for opening night!
Who knew toothpaste could clean #Ballet shoes so well! #eirstudio #dance #drum #Raleigh #performingarts pic.twitter.com/dFN1ujZ0ko
— ExpressionsinRhythm (@EIRStudio) March 23, 2015
13. Rug stains
Stains on your rug are a thing of the past. Rub in that toothpaste and watch those stains disappear!
Out of your expensive stain removers? 17 household items that help lift carpet stains: https://t.co/ZUNab7LkXm pic.twitter.com/3E2uuLCeZ9
— Jeff Heckenkemper (@jheckenkemper) May 10, 2015
14. Nail polish
Sometimes all the nail polish remover in the world isn't enough to tackle dark colors. Try this toothpaste treatment on the stains left behind and reap the added benefit of minty fresh fingertips!
Whitening toothpaste will remove nail polish stains.http://t.co/j29BXCKqFi #beautyhack #beautytip pic.twitter.com/mxayHviih5
— Girl Meets Soul (@TheGMSLifestyle) May 8, 2015
15. Stinky thermos
You know the deal: it smells like the bog of eternal stench in your thermos or water bottle. Simply fill it with some lukewarm water, squirt in some toothpaste, screw the lid closed and shake. Your thermos will smell fresh again and it'll be disinfected, too!
How often should you clean your reusable water bottle? http://t.co/gdQ2oJIrsh pic.twitter.com/iNUedNBGTD
— POPSUGAR Fitness (@POPSUGARFitness) August 29, 2014
16. CDs
CDs that no longer work can be cleaned with toothpaste. Just dab on a bit, rub it in, and enjoy your music without any annoying skipping.
Wikihow how to smear toothpaste on a CD pic.twitter.com/IOjVoKPrKw
— 12oz Fox ➡️️ MA? (@Hulex) April 8, 2015
So the next time you're out buying cleaning products, think twice before you buy. Maybe the job can just as easily be done with toothpaste. Just be sure you have enough left to clean your teeth with before you use the last of it!