Having already compiled a list of useful floss hacks, it only makes sense to explore the weird and wonderful world of toothpaste hacks! Because as it turns out, toothpaste isn’t only useful for keeping your teeth and gums clean.
Toothpaste can be surprisingly useful for a variety of household tasks, but the type of toothpaste you use makes a difference. Most of the toothpaste hacks in the list below work better using paste-style toothpastes rather than gels. Just something to keep in mind!
11 Clever & Useful Toothpaste Hacks
1. Clean Your Headlights
You know that hazy film that builds up on your car’s headlights over time? You can get rid of it using toothpaste! Just squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto a rag, then rub the paste all over your headlights. The toothpaste will cut through the grime and leave them looking much clearer! Follow up by buffing them clean with a dry cloth.
2. Remove Permanent Marker
Accidental permanent marker stains happen all the time, but toothpaste can save the day! Apply a bit of toothpaste to the mark, then use a damp cloth to rub the paste into the stain. Then rinse the cloth clean and wipe up the toothpaste, and the stain will be gone! This trick works on walls, wood floors, and even TVs.
3. Clean Rubber Soles
If you have a pair of shoes with white rubber near the soles, then you already know how dirty it can get! Use toothpaste to help whiten and brighten the rubber. Just apply a bit of toothpaste to the rubber and scrub it with an old toothbrush to loosen dirt and grime. Wipe the dirt and toothpaste away using a damp cloth.
4. Keep A Mirror Fog-Free
A little bit of toothpaste can help you fog-proof your bathroom mirror! Just squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto the mirror and rub it thoroughly over the glass. Then rinse the glass well to remove the excess toothpaste, and you’re done!
5. Clean Hair Tools
Is your curling iron or flat iron covered in scorched hair product gunk? Use toothpaste to clean it off! Apply a bit of toothpaste to a cool and unplugged hair tool, then rub it in with a damp cloth. As the gunk loosens, wipe it away with a clean damp cloth.
6. Lighten Discolored Fingernails
If nail polish has left your fingernails looking a bit discolored, grab your whitening toothpaste! Apply a small dab of whitening toothpaste to your nail, then use a nail brush or a toothbrush to give it a good scrub. Wash your hands to remove the toothpaste, and repeat daily until your fingernails return to their original color.
7. Erase Coffee Stains
You can use toothpaste to remove stubborn coffee and tea stains from the inside of a mug. Just rub toothpaste onto the stains with a damp sponge. After the stains disappear, just wash the mug with soapy water and it’ll be as good as new!
8. Hang A Frame
Use toothpaste to help mark where you want to hang a frame. Start by applying a dab of toothpaste to the hanger on the back of your frame. Then press the frame against the wall where you want to hang it, and the toothpaste will leave a mark on the wall where the nail should go!
9. Shine A Sink
Toothpaste is excellent for shining up stainless steel sinks and fixtures! Squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto a damp sponge and rub it over the surface. Rinse clean with water, and stand back to admire the shine!
10. Fill Nail Holes
Have small nail and pushpin holes in your walls that need filling? No problem, just grab your toothpaste! Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste into the hole, then wipe up any excess paste with a damp rag. It’s a quick and easy fix!
11. Fix Small Scratches
You can use toothpaste to remove small scratches from CDs, DVDs, and even your smartphone screen. Apply a tiny bit of toothpaste to the scratch with a soft cloth, then gently rub it in using circular motions. (Don’t rub too hard, or you could remove the protective coating.) Wipe the paste away with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
Bonus Hack! – Use Every Last Drop
Have a tube of toothpaste that’s nearly empty? You can get the very last of the toothpaste out by simply cutting the tube open! You’re sure to salvage enough toothpaste for one last brushing (or enough to use for any of the hacks above!) For more tips for making the most of your stuff, check out my post below!
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Related: Frugal Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Stuff
Do you use toothpaste for anything other than brushing your teeth?
Please don’t fill nail holes with toothpaste (or soap, or any of the other bad “hacks” on the ‘net). These substances were never meant to be in your wall, and cause issues with the next paint job – unless removed first. Since the idea of the hack is based on no one knows it’s there, guess what. Your painter won’t know either and will try to paint over it. Don’t ask me how I know.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My daughter used to put a little dab of toothpaste on erupting spots before she went to bed and usually by the next morning they had passed their worst and everything returned to normal quite quickly. It appeared to ‘draw’ the spots
Please log in or create a free account to comment.http://www.tessaQuotes.com
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have used toothpaste to shine silver and gold jewelry!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Not only can you cut the tube of any product to get the last of it out but if you cut off about an inch or so from the end you can then place this end back on over the tube to keep whatever is left fresh and moist until you get every last bit out. Just keep cutting up the tube each time until you reach the top! I’ve saved a lot of money doing this over the years.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I never thought about keeping the end to place over the open edge! What a great idea.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It seems to me that toothpaste would be a very expensive cleaning agent! Especially when compared to vinegar or baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My grandmother used to hang cards and pictures on the wall with toothpaste. This was before the invention of the blue sticky stuff. Toothpaste works better and cleans odd a lot easier. Also as a bunch of people said, to clean jewelry, cutlery and any silver or copper items you have.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.One of my friends from student days taught me about cleaning diamond rings with toothpaste. Apply with a soft toothbrush, rinse clean and voila!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My mother used to clean her silverwear with toothpaste. She used to clean small silver objects by rubbing them with a soft cloth and some tooth paste and they were always shiny!
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My Mom always used Colgate toothpaste for bee and wasp stings. I don’t know if that was all she had…but it sure works. I used it on my kids, and they used it on their kids. also good for cuts and scratches.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Toothpaste is great for removing the little patches of hair colouring left on the edges of the hairline AND cleaning any dye from the bathroom basin and counters.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tip Judi!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tips. I suppose cleaning with toothpaste is great when one is out of a regular cleaner. Might be costly though if toothpaste is not purchased at a dollar store. BTW, I use toothpaste, water and a baby toothbrush to clean my diamond rings and earrings. Works great in the tiny crevices underneath the diamonds inside the band. If that makes any sense. *chuckle*
Please log in or create a free account to comment.In addition to cutting toothpaste tubes to get it all out, I do the same thing for moisturizers, creams, and anything that’s in a tube that can be cut. Makes no sense to me to waste expensive products!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use toothpaste to clean the bathroom sink & sometimes the toilet too. Squirt some & smear it around on the sink using a sponge or even your fingers. Gets the slime and grime – eww! Rinse well – smells fresh!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Drop some in the toilet, use the toilet brush to spread it around and scrub – sparkles and smells fresh too. Also, scrub bathroom cups & and almost any silver, jewellery, cutlery – no harsh chemicals!!
I have always used toothpaste (not the gel type) for plugging holes in apartments from hanging pictures, etc. Squeeze it on and wipe over with a damp sponge. Magic! And you will get your deposit back in the end. Because it dries hard, I imagine you can use it elsewhere like where two pieces of molding come together but have separated slightly. I am sure it can be used for soooo many purposes.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Toothpaste makes a great, refreshing facial mask. Cleanse face as usual, then apply a thin layer of toothpaste.to damp skin, avoiding the eye area. As soon as you feel it begin to tingle (just a few seconds) rinse well and moisturize. Use caution with sensitive skin, and be sure to rinse immediately when it starts tingling. A real wake-me-up on sluggish Monday mornings!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I could hardly wait to try cleaning the headlights on our 18 year old car with toothpaste. WOW! It REALLY works and it works well. Thanks for the great tip, Jillee.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s pretty amazing! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tips as always. Never thought about just cutting the tube open at the end. Had no idea about cleaning sinks. I use alcohol but husband hates the smell. Have to try this.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Flouride toothpaste might be o.k. for cleaning household items …but please don’t use it in your mouth…and sure don’t let your children use. Flouride is a poison.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I agree! And the spelling is FLUORIDE.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A small dab of toothpaste rubbed gently into a water mark on wooden furniture will remove it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Use a denture tablet overnight instead. Toothpaste is too abrasive.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use denture tablets to soak my iced tea jugs. Works great!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I clean silver Jewelry with toothpaste; it really works well!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use toothpaste to clean my diamond rings.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I know of one more use for toothpaste – use it for burns. The toothpaste will keep you cool, plus you won’t get a blister. Tried this many times and it always works like a charm. My friend spilled scalding hot water on his arms once, and I dabbed toothpaste all over his arms. Not only did it stop the burning INSTANTLY, when we wiped off the dried toothpaste 3-4 hours later, he didn’t have a single blister!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is the first time I heard of toothpaste for a burn. I keep a small bag of flour on the refrigerator door and when I get a burn … usually from an oven rack, I put my knuckle in the flour. It relieves the burn and there is never a burn mark.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My dentist told me I could use a dab of toothpaste to hold a temporary crown in place until the permanent one could be installed.
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