20 Surprising Items You Can Clean with Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a surprisingly versatile cleaning tool for household tasks beyond dental care. Its mild abrasives, which clean teeth gently, can also effectively remove coffee and tea stains from mugs and clean piano keys. Many types of toothpaste include additional cleaning agents like baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, enhancing their ability to tackle everyday cleaning challenges.

Before Getting Started

While toothpaste is a versatile tool for quick cleaning or repairs, not all toothpaste should be used for these tasks. Be sure to use white toothpaste if you're following instructions on cleaning tips or hacks.

Avoid using gel toothpaste, charcoal toothpaste, colored toothpaste, or whitening toothpaste for cleaning jobs. The dyes or whitening agents in these products can cause permanent damage. Be aware that whitening toothpaste might bleach anything with dye, so be especially cautious. 

20 Things You Can Clean with Toothpaste

1. Polish Copper

To remove tarnish, use toothpaste and a soft cloth to polish copper. Gently rub the toothpaste on the metal with a circular motion so the tarnish transfers to the cloth. Once the copper looks bright, rinse it with hot water and dry it with a clean cloth. For tougher tarnish, let the toothpaste sit on the surface for a few minutes before you buff it away and rinse.

2. Remove Crayon and Marker

If your little artists have turned walls, floors, or furniture into their canvas with crayons or markers, toothpaste can help remove their artwork. Apply a small dab of toothpaste to the area, and then use a damp microfiber cloth to rub in a circular motion to remove the crayon or marker stain. 

3. Clean Hot Hair-Styling Tools

Hot styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and hot combs can accumulate sticky residue over time. Toothpaste can help you clean this buildup from styling products, natural hair oils, and dead skin. A dab of toothpaste is enough on a dry cloth, and vigorously rub the surface to lift the grime. Wipe away the toothpaste and residue with a damp cloth, and let the tool dry completely before using it again.

4. Clean Iron Soleplates

Just like styling tools, the iron's soleplate can gather buildup over time, affecting its performance. Toothpaste can help remove residue from starch or sizing and even buff out scorch marks. All the iron to completely cool before applying a little toothpaste to a dry cloth. Buff away the buildup, then wipe the soleplate clean with a damp cloth. 

5. Polish Chrome Fixtures

Toothpaste makes quick work if chrome fixtures need a polish. Rub a small amount of toothpaste on the fixture with a dry cloth, then buff it until it shines. 

6. Remove Soap Scum

To remove soap scum from sinks, shower doors, or fiberglass enclosures, use toothpaste. Apply a small amount to a damp microfiber cloth and scrub the surface firmly. Rinse the cloth, wipe away the toothpaste and soap scum, and dry the area completely. 

7. Defog Headlights

If your car's headlights aren't as bright as they once were, toothpaste can help restore them. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp microfiber cloth or sponge and rub the headlights vigorously in a circular motion. This will remove dirt, tar, and insects as well as buff out small scratches. To finish, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the headlights clean. 

8. Remove Scratches on Screens

Small scratches from cell phone or tablet screens can be erased with toothpaste. Apply a small drop of toothpaste on your fingertip and gently buff out the scratches. Use a barely-damp microfiber cloth to wipe off the toothpaste residue. 

9. Clean the Midsoles of Sneakers

If the rubber midsoles of your sneakers get dirty or scuffed, toothpaste can help. Dab some toothpaste on the marks using an old toothbrush, and scrub thoroughly. Wipe away the dirt and toothpaste with a damp cloth. 

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.

16. Remove Stains on Carpet and Upholstery

The next time food or drinks spill on your carpet or couch, grab a tube of toothpaste as quickly as you can. Apply a generous amount of toothpaste onto the stain, and allow the toothpaste to fully dry and absorb the stain. Once dried, use a warm, damp cloth to wipe off the toothpaste. Use a vacuum to pick up any leftover residue.

17. Clean Jewelry

Use toothpaste to clean and polish your most-loved jewelry pieces. For silver jewelry, rub a dab of toothpaste onto the piece with your finger, and wipe away excess toothpaste when finished. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth. For solid gold jewelry, dilute the toothpaste with one to two teaspoons of water, and use the paste to clean the piece. For jewelry items with natural stones, consult your jeweler on the best method to clean your piece.

18. Remove Water Rings on Wood

Say goodbye to pesky water rings that stain your coffee table. Mix a one-to-one ratio of baking soda and toothpaste together, and apply the paste to the water rings with a damp cloth. You may have to wipe up and reapply the paste multiple times to completely remove the stain. Finish with a wood polish.

19. Clean Grout

To clean grout lines in your kitchen or bathroom, apply toothpaste to a toothbrush, and scrub the grout until clean. Unlike other items, it's safe to clean grout with whitening toothpaste. The whitening agent will help to brighten grout lines.

20. Clean Food Container Stains

Sometimes fan-favorite foods like spaghetti and burritos leave unwanted stains and smells in food storage containers. To combat stains in your containers, apply a layer of toothpaste to the inside of your container, and let it sit overnight. In the morning, wash the container with dish soap and water.