Toothpaste turns up in household hack lists more often than anything else in the bathroom cabinet. The reason is chemistry rather than magic: the ingredients that scrub film off enamel also work on chrome, plastic and painted walls.
Quick Overview
Toothpaste combines a fine abrasive, a mild detergent and a thickener, which is why a small dab can polish metal, lift stains and fill gaps around the house. Below are 27 unexpected uses, all household tips rather than treatments. Its real job is still shifting plaque off your teeth twice a day.
27 Household Uses for Toothpaste
1. Clean your bathroom sink
A little toothpaste can lift marks and residue from a bathroom sink. Gently scrub with a damp cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly and wipe clean.
2. Remove crayon marks from walls
Unwanted artwork on a painted wall? Put a little toothpaste on a damp cloth and gently rub the crayon marks in a circular motion. Test a small, hidden area first.
3. Polish silver items
A small amount of plain, non-gel toothpaste can polish some silver items. Gently rub with a soft cloth, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Check the care instructions first for valuable or delicate pieces.
4. Freshen up your sneakers
White sneakers pick up plenty of scuffs and stains. Use a small amount of toothpaste and an old toothbrush to scrub the affected areas, then rinse with warm water and let them dry completely.
5. Clean piano keys
A little toothpaste can help clean marks from piano keys. Apply sparingly with a soft toothbrush, then wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid excess moisture and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
6. Tackle soap scum
Toothpaste can be useful on small areas of soap scum on shower doors. Apply a little with a damp cloth, rub gently in a circular motion, then rinse and wipe dry.
7. Remove scratches from leather
7. Remove scratches from leatherFor minor marks on suitable leather, rub a very small amount over the scuffed area with a soft cloth, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Check the care advice first.
8. Clean your refrigerator seal
An old toothbrush makes it easier to reach the narrow edges of a refrigerator seal. Add a small amount of toothpaste, scrub gently along the seal and wipe away the residue with a damp cloth.
9. Remove watermarks from furniture
On some wooden surfaces, a small amount of non-gel toothpaste can be rubbed over a light watermark with a soft cloth. Wipe clean and let it dry before applying furniture polish.
10. Clean plastic outdoor furniture
Stubborn marks on plastic outdoor furniture may respond to a little toothpaste and gentle scrubbing. Work over the affected area with a soft brush, then rinse and leave to dry.
11. Clean jewellery
Plain toothpaste suits some silver jewellery, though not every material or finish. If the piece is suitable, use a very soft toothbrush and a small amount, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
12. Freshen up your hands after handling pungent foods
Strong food smells can linger on your hands after cooking. As a simple household trick, rub a little toothpaste over your hands before washing them thoroughly.
13. Clean a kitchen sink
For light marks on a suitable kitchen sink, rub a small amount over the surface with a damp cloth. Rinse clean, then polish with a dry cloth.
14. Clean your car headlights
A small amount of toothpaste is a household cleaning trick for light surface grime on some headlights. Rub gently with a cloth, rinse and wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
15. Remove small marks from fabric
Whitening toothpaste may help with some small household stains, though results depend on the material. Dab a little onto the mark, rub gently and rinse promptly. Patch-test first, especially on coloured or delicate fabrics.
16. Clean an iron
Mineral deposits can build up on an iron. Once it is cool and unplugged, work a small amount over the surface with a soft cloth. Wipe away all residue with a damp cloth before using it again.
17. Cover a small nail hole
For a quick fix on a white wall, toothpaste can temporarily fill a small nail hole. Press a little in, smooth it and allow it to dry completely. Treat it as a cosmetic fix rather than a replacement for wall filler.
18. Remove gum from hair
If chewing gum gets stuck in hair, toothpaste can help with the removal process. Work a small amount around the gum to loosen it, remove the gum carefully and wash the hair thoroughly afterwards.
19. Clean marks from your phone case
Rather than applying toothpaste to a phone or its screen, use a small amount on a cloth to clean a removable hard plastic case. Wipe away the residue and make sure the case is dry before refitting it.
20. Help prevent bathroom mirror fog
20. Help prevent bathroom mirror fogSpread a small amount of non-gel toothpaste over a bathroom mirror, then wipe it away completely with a clean, dry cloth. A simple household trick to try before your next shower.
21. Clean glasses frames
Rather than putting toothpaste on lenses, use a small amount on a soft cloth to clean suitable plastic or metal frames. Wipe thoroughly afterwards and use a proper lens-cleaning product on the lenses.
22. Give old posters a temporary hold
If you need a temporary alternative to adhesive putty, a tiny amount on the corners will hold a lightweight poster. Test the surface first and remove the residue carefully afterwards.
23. Clean fingernails after messy jobs
After gardening, painting or craft work, an old toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste can help clean around your fingernails. Scrub gently, then rinse your hands thoroughly.
24. Tidy up a hair-colour stain
If home hair colour leaves a mark on a suitable hard or washable surface, toothpaste may help lift it. Rub a small amount over the mark, then wipe and rinse clean. Test the surface first.
25. Polish suitable metal taps
A little toothpaste can help remove light marks from some metal taps. Apply with a damp cloth, rub gently and rinse thoroughly. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations first.
26. Clean small marks on household surfaces
On suitable hard surfaces, toothpaste can sometimes help with light marks and stubborn residue. Use a small amount, rub gently with a soft cloth and wipe clean. Avoid surfaces that could be scratched.
27. Give your cleaning kit another use
No dedicated cleaning product for a small job? Toothpaste can be a handy option on suitable household surfaces. Keep the amount small, use a soft cloth or old toothbrush, and check the material first.
A Considered Approach to Everyday Oral Care
While these unexpected uses for toothpaste can be handy around the home, its primary purpose is simpler: helping you maintain your teeth and gums as part of your daily oral care routine. The Australian Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, using a pea-sized amount for adults and older children, alongside a regular check-up and clean. If you would like to talk through your own oral health, our family dental clinic in Clayton South welcomes new and existing patients.
Call Clarinda Clinic on (03) 6160 1078 or get in touch with our team.
References
Australian Dental Association, Brushing Teeth. https://teeth.org.au/brushing-teeth