15 Things You Can Clean with Toothpaste

From removing coffee and tea stains from mugs to cleaning piano keys, toothpaste has many uses that go beyond the medicine cabinet.

Toothpaste is a household staple that has loads of surprising uses that go beyond the medicine cabinet. The humble tube of toothpaste can be used in a pinch for cleaning jobs from polishing fixtures to removing scuffs from shoes.

The mild abrasive ingredients in toothpaste, which are formulated to gently remove buildup like plaque from teeth, can be pressed into duty to clean 15 common household items. Additionally, some types of toothpaste also include baking soda and/or hydrogen peroxide, which are common household cleaners.

Before Getting Started

While toothpaste is a handy item to have for cleaning or repairing things in a pinch, not all toothpaste is created equally. When it comes to cleaning tips or hacks that involve the use of toothpaste, keep in mind that the toothpaste in question is white toothpaste.

Do not use gel toothpaste, charcoal toothpaste, colored toothpaste for children, or whitening toothpaste for any cleaning jobs, as the dyes and/or whitening agents can cause irreversible damage. It is especially critical to be certain the toothpaste is not a whitening formula, as the ingredients can have a bleaching effect on anything that's been treated with dye.

15 Things You Can Clean with Toothpaste

1. Polish Copper

Use toothpaste paired with a soft cloth to polish copper and remove tarnish. Rub toothpaste on the metal using a gentle circular motion; the tarnish will be picked up by the cloth. When the copper's brightness has been restored, rinse it with hot water and buff it dry with a clean cloth. For deep tarnish, apply the toothpaste and allow it to sit on the copper for a few minutes before buffing away and rinsing.

2. Remove Crayon and Marker

When tiny artists use walls, floors, wooden furniture, or other hard surfaces as a canvas for their crayon or marker creations, use toothpaste to remove it. Use your finger to apply a small swipe of toothpaste to the area, then, working in a circular motion, use a damp microfiber cloth to rub it in and lift the crayon or marker stain.

3. Clean Hot Hair-Styling Tools

Hot tools that are used for styling hair, such as flat irons, curling irons, and hot combs, can develop a sticky, gummy buildup over time. Use toothpaste to remove buildup from styling products, the oils naturally found in hair, and dead skin. Apply a dab of toothpaste to a dry cloth and vigorously rub the surface to lift the gunk. Then, wipe the toothpaste and product residue away with a damp cloth and allow the styling tool to dry before using.

4. Clean Iron Soleplates

Much like hot styling tools, the soleplate of an iron can develop buildup over time that will affect its performance. Use toothpaste to remove buildup from products like starch or sizing, or to buff away scorch marks. Be sure that the iron is completely cool before applying a small amount of toothpaste to a dry cloth, buffing away the buildup, then wiping the soleplate clean with a clean, damp cloth.

Related: How to Clean an Iron for Perfectly Pressed Clothes and Linens

5. Polish Chrome Fixtures

Use toothpaste to clean chrome fixtures in need of a quick polishing. Rub a small amount of toothpaste on the fixture with a dry cloth, then buff away until the fixtures are shiny.

6. Remove Soap Scum

Soap scum buildup in sinks, on shower doors, and on fiberglass shower enclosures can be quickly removed using toothpaste. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a damp microfiber cloth and use firm pressure to scrub soap scum from bathroom surfaces. Then, rinse the cloth and wipe the toothpaste and soap scum away, and dry well.

7. Defog Headlights

If the headlights on your car shine a little less brightly than they used to, use toothpaste to polish them back up to almost new. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a damp microfiber cloth or sponge, and rub the headlights vigorously in a circular motion to remove dirt, tar, insects, and to buff out small scratches. Then, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the headlights clean.

8. Remove Scratches on Screens

Small scratches on cell phone or tablet screens can be eliminated with toothpaste. Put a small drop of toothpaste on your fingertip, and use it to gently buff out small scratches. Wipe the toothpaste off the screen with a barely-damp microfiber cloth.

Related: How to Clean a Phone to Keep Germs at Bay

9. Clean the Midsoles of Sneakers

When the rubber midsoles of your sneakers get dirty or scuffed, use toothpaste to clean them. Apply a bit of toothpaste to the trim using an old toothbrush, and give it a good scrubbing. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the dirt and toothpaste.

10. Remove Scuffs from Leather, Patent Leather, or Vinyl Shoes

The same scuff-removing trick can also be used on leather, patent leather, and vinyl shoes. Place a dab of toothpaste on a soft cloth, and rub it into the scuff using a gentle circular motion. Then, buff the shoe clean and dry it with a soft cloth.

11. Eliminate Food Odors

Stubborn food odors on hands, cutting boards, and in food storage containers can be quickly eliminated with toothpaste. Simply substitute a squeeze of toothpaste for hand or dish soap, and wash and rinse as usual.

12. Remove Coffee and Tea Stains from Mugs

Toothpaste is formulated to remove stains from coffee and tea from our teeth, so it makes a lot of sense that it also works to remove coffee and tea stains from mugs. Apply toothpaste to a wet sponge and scrub the mugs, then rinse them clean to remove the toothpaste residue.

13. Remove Scuffs and Scratches from Linoleum

Scuffs or scratches on linoleum floors can be removed with toothpaste. Rub toothpaste vigorously into the linoleum tile with a dry cloth, buffing in a circular motion until the scratches are gone and there is no toothpaste residue left on the floor.

14. Keep Mirrors from Fogging Up

If you often find yourself defogging a mirror after taking a hot shower or sitting in a steamy bath, use toothpaste to prevent the fog from forming in the first place. Rub a small amount of toothpaste on the mirror, then wipe it off immediately prior to bathing—it will keep the fog from clinging to the glass.

15. Clean Piano Keys

Modern piano keys are made of plastic, while vintage pianos feature keys made from ivory. Both types of piano keys can be safely cleaned of dirt and oil that are transferred from our hands while playing. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the keys clean, then wipe them with a slightly damp cloth.

For more Better Homes & Gardens news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.