Surprising uses of toothpaste

Toothpaste. The one sanitary product that we all use (hopefully) every day of our lives. Morning and evening we come into contact with toothpaste to give our teeth a good cleaning – but why just our teeth? Are we missing out on some of the greatest uses of toothpaste?

Some people swear by toothpaste for general household cleaning, due to the insoluble particles that help remove dirt, just as toothpaste removes plaque from our teeth. Examples include:

1. Cleaning tea/coffee stains

Mugs never seem to last long before they develop those dirty, brown rings around the inside from repeatedly not being washed up quickly enough – don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Instead of washing up liquid, give them a good scrub with some toothpaste – your mother will never comment on your stained cups.

2. Polishes silver

Sick of all your cutlery and jewellery going a dusky grey colour? No need for expensive polishes, just buff in a little toothpaste with a cloth and you’ll have your sparkly silver back in no time.

3. Removes crayon marks

Every parents had it. Pristine white walls. Beautiful smooth paint work. Before you know it there’s a wall of crayoned flowers and a bright green height chart with multiple annotations. There’s a simple solution – toothpaste! Ease of those stubborn crayon marks with a little toothpaste, and it will look as good as new.

4. Fixes CD scratches

No one enjoys their favourite songs skipping/skipping/skipping. Gently rub some toothpaste over the scratches and you’ll be back groovin’ before you know it.

5. Deodorizes baby bottles

Many new parents find themselves spending a fortune on new baby bottles, due to the old ones sadly smelling of sour milk after a few weeks. Don’t fork out for new ones unless you really need to – pop some toothpaste in the bottle, add warm water, shake and pour out – your bottles will be clean and minty-fresh.

6. Use as caulk/filler

You’re moving. The house has been blitzed of dirt and grime – but alas, you’re removing your pictures and clocks from the walls and there are a multitude of tiny holes all around the apartment. Don’t fret – grab that toothpaste back out of the suitase and smear a small amount over the holes. Who needs expensive filler when you can use toothpaste?

7. Whitens piano keys

It’s very sad when your beautiful piano looks older than its years due to yellow keys. Just as toothpaste helps with yellow teeth, it does the same for piano keys, so make your piano look brand new in minutes.

8. Cleans shoes

Brand new shoes never look new for long, especially if they have white edges. Using an old toothbrush, brush around the edges with some toothpaste and you’ll be surprised at how much it will perk up your shoes.

9. Removes coaster marks

There’s nothing worse than seeing a guest put down their mug on your brand new coffee table – WITHOUT a coaster. But wait, no need to panic. Just pop some toothpaste around the mark and it will gradually disappear.

10. Cleans your iron

Ironing a shirt for an interview, you get those horrible black marks. No time to deep-clean the iron? Rub some toothpaste on and voila! Happy ironing.

11. Cleans chrome

Whether it’s chrome taps, towel rails or even chrome on a motorbike, you want them to be shiny, not dull. There’s no need to fork out on pricey polishes, rub a little toothpaste into it and you’ll see your reflection in no time.

And if toothpaste isn’t yet enough of a multi-use product, it’s also proven to have great benefits in the beauty/cosmetic world:

12. Helps reduce spots

This is an old myth that does hold truth – toothpaste is great for drying up those pesky pimples that always seem to pop up the day before a date or an interview. Definitely go for a simple, white toothpaste, especially if you have sensitive skin. No-one wants to make spots worse!

13. Strengthens nails

Considering your nails and teeth are made out of the same substance, it makes perfect sense to brush your nails too. Giving your nails a little exfoliating with a toothbrush and toothpaste will strengthen them and make them shine.

14. Soothes bites and burns

Stingy burns and bites can be a pain if you have no medication and the chemist is shut. No doubt there’s some toothpaste around somewhere – dab a small amount onto the wound and you’ll be surprised at how soothing it can be.

15. Hair dye

The hair-dye addict’s worst nightmare is those stubborn stains around the hairline that just won’t seem to budge. Toothpaste will help remove these marks – but even better, why not rub a little around the hairline before dying your hair? This will ensure minimal stains, and leave you with a professional colour.

So next time worrying about getting your deposit back on your rented property, or you have a spot that resembles mount Everest on your chin, don’t limit toothpaste to just your teeth, explore the uses of toothpaste – you’ll be pleasantly surprised!