How to Clean With Toothpaste | 9 Secret Cleaning Tips

We all know that good ol’ soap and water work great when it comes to cleaning up life’s little (and not so little) messes, right? Learn now to clean with toothpaste with these 9 secrets!

Well, let’s think outside of the box for a moment and talk about an extremely common, yet surprising, household item that works just as well as any of those sudsy cleaning products you’ve got under your kitchen sink: toothpaste.

Think toothpaste is only good for polishing your smile and enhancing your dental health? Think again! Toothpaste is a highly-powerful cleaning agent that provides several ways to simplify, and speed up, your cleaning routine. Thanks to the powerful, yet gentle, ingredients found in toothpaste, it can be used on everything from wedding rings to tennis shoes! Read on to uncover 9 secret ways on how to clean with toothpaste.

Toothpaste Tip #1: Clean a Clothes Iron

Using an old rag or washcloth and a dab of non-gel toothpaste, scrub the gunk off the bottom of your clothes iron, then clean the residue with a damp cloth.

Toothpaste Tip #2: Polish & Shine Leather Shoes

Ready to get your kicks looking spiffy again? All you need is an old toothbrush, non-gel toothpaste, and a damp cloth. Use the toothbrush and paste to scrub the leather part of your shoes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Toothpaste Tip #3: Erase Water Rings on Wood Furniture

Does it seem like everyone in your household is totally against the idea of using coasters? We know the feeling, and hate those pesky water rings just as much as you do. To salvage your wood furniture from the damage caused by sweaty beverages, use a soft cleaning cloth to gently rub a dab of non-gel toothpaste into the water-stained wood. Before applying a coat of furniture polish, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely.

Toothpaste Tip #4: Erase Lipstick Stains

Oh no! Did you fall asleep with your makeup on? Don’t worry, you can count on non-gel toothpaste to clean up the mess. Vigorously rub the paste directly onto the stained clothing or linens, then rinse thoroughly with water. If the stain is still visible, go ahead and repeat the process – this time, with a bit more toothpaste and elbow grease.

Toothpaste Tip #5: Whiten & Restore Piano Keys

Nothing says “classy elegance” like a beautiful piano in your home. However, if the keys are looking more “ick” than ivory, it may be time to break out the toothpaste. Essentially, ivory is elephant teeth, so keep that in mind as you’re cleaning: grab an old toothbrush and start brushing! At least you don’t have to floss…

Toothpaste Tip #6: Polish Diamond Jewelry

Scrub your favorite pieces of diamond jewelry with a dab of toothpaste and an old toothbrush. Not only will this DIY jewelry cleaner save you a few bucks, but it’ll make your jewelry look brand new again!

Toothpaste Tip #7: Shine Chrome Fixtures

Several varieties of commercial cleaning products are made with a fine abrasive to bring out the brightest shine in chrome fixtures; non-gel toothpaste also contains a fine abrasive. To clean and polish the chrome fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen, smear on a dollop of non-gel toothpaste, buffing in circular motions with a soft, dry cloth. Instant shine!

Toothpaste Tip #8: Deodorize Baby Bottles

Even with excessive cleaning and scrubbing, baby bottles are notorious for absorbing that foul sour milk smell. Unlike traditional dishwashing detergents, toothpaste instantly removes odor; just squeeze a bit into the bottle, and scrub away! Be sure to rinse all parts of the bottle thoroughly before using again.

Toothpaste Tip #9: Erase Crayon Markings on Walls

Not impressed with your child’s recent artwork on your living room walls? Can’t say we blame you. While toothpaste can’t teach your child the difference between drywall and a coloring book, it can certainly erase your little Picasso’s latest addition to your home décor. First, grab a tube of non-gel toothpaste and a scrub brush, then squeeze a generous amount of toothpaste onto the wall and start scrubbing; thoroughly rinse the wall with water after the marks have disappeared.

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at (314) 227-3932.

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Updated 4/27/2018