Toothpaste is something I use every day, but I recently discovered it’s way more useful than just keeping my teeth clean. With its gentle cleaners and mild abrasives, this little tube is a multitasking hero hiding in plain sight. From clever household tricks to unexpected beauty hacks, toothpaste can tackle all kinds of everyday problems.
I love the idea of using one product for multiple tasks—who doesn’t want to clear out a little clutter? So, here are 14 surprising and super practical ways I’ve found to make toothpaste work harder for me!
1. Remove Crayon Marks from Walls
If your child’s artwork has made it onto your walls, don’t panic! Toothpaste can help erase crayon marks. Just apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste onto a soft cloth, gently rub the affected area, and wipe clean with a damp sponge. The gentle abrasives will lift away the crayon without damaging your paint.
2. Polish Your Silver
Tarnished silver jewelry or cutlery can be restored to its former glory with a dab of toothpaste. Use a soft cloth or an old toothbrush to apply the toothpaste, then gently buff the surface. After a quick rinse with water, your silver will shine like new.
3. Clean Foggy Headlights
Headlights that have become cloudy can reduce visibility at night. Toothpaste is a quick fix! Rub some toothpaste onto the headlight lens using a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse and dry. The mild abrasives help remove the foggy film, improving clarity and brightness.
4. Deodorize Smelly Hands
After chopping onions or garlic, the smell tends to linger on your hands. Toothpaste, with its fresh scent and cleaning agents, can neutralize the odor. Scrub a little onto your hands, rinse with water, and enjoy the minty freshness.
5. Remove Carpet Stains
Accidental spills on your carpet don’t need to spell disaster. Apply a bit of toothpaste to the stain, then scrub gently with a brush or sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth. This trick works well for minor stains like coffee or juice.
6. Shine Your Bathroom Sink
Toothpaste doesn’t just clean teeth—it can also shine up your bathroom sink! Dab a little on a sponge and scrub away any grime or soap scum. The paste helps lift dirt and leaves the surface sparkling.
7. Defog Bathroom Mirrors
If you’re tired of waiting for your mirror to clear up after a hot shower, toothpaste can help. Rub a thin layer of toothpaste on the mirror, then wipe it off with a dry cloth. This will help prevent fogging for a few days, saving you time and frustration.
8. Clear Up Pimples
If you have an unexpected breakout, toothpaste can come to the rescue. The ingredients in some toothpastes help dry out pimples. Dab a small amount onto the blemish before bed and rinse off in the morning to reduce redness and swelling.
9. Remove Scratches from Phone Screens
Got a light scratch on your phone or tablet screen? Toothpaste can smooth it out. Apply a small amount to the scratched area, gently buff with a microfiber cloth, then wipe clean. This works best on shallow scratches.
10. Clean Scuffed Shoes
Scuff marks on leather shoes or sneakers can look unsightly, but toothpaste can fix that. Rub a little on the scuffed areas with a soft cloth, then wipe away with a damp cloth. Your shoes will look as good as new!
11. Freshen Up Your Sneakers
Toothpaste is a great way to whiten and clean the rubber soles of your sneakers. Apply some toothpaste to an old toothbrush and scrub the soles. After wiping clean, your shoes will look much fresher and ready to wear.
12. Stop Itchy Bug Bites
If you’re itching after a bug bite, toothpaste can provide relief. Apply a dab to the bite and let it sit. The menthol in toothpaste can help cool and soothe irritated skin, reducing the itchiness.
13. Clean Piano Keys
Piano keys can become grimy and yellowed over time. A small amount of toothpaste on a soft cloth can gently clean the surface and bring back the brightness. Just be sure to wipe it off with a damp cloth afterward to avoid any residue.
14. Patch Small Nail Holes
Got unsightly nail holes in your walls? Toothpaste can act as a quick filler. Squeeze a little into the hole, smooth it with your finger, and let it dry. It’s not a permanent fix, but it works in a pinch if you’re out of spackling paste.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
