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Key Points:
– Toothpaste is effective in buffing out minor scratches on a variety of surfaces, including glass and phone screens.
– To remove crayon from painted walls, use white, non-gel toothpaste along with a microfiber cloth or toothbrush, but test a small area first.
– Unconventional cleaning tips can be handy to have on hand for quick fixes or when supplies are running low.
– Understanding the various uses of toothpaste for household cleaning can be beneficial.
Meet the Expert:
Joy Ramos is a professional cleaner and operations manager for Bear Bros Cleaning.
Buffing Out Minor Scratches:
When dealing with light scratches on glass surfaces, professional cleaner Joy Ramos recommends using toothpaste as a potential solution. The tiny abrasive particles in toothpaste act like super-fine sandpaper, gently smoothing the area around the scratch to reduce its visibility.
Cleaning Crayon Off Walls:
Parents facing the challenge of removing crayon marks from painted walls can try using toothpaste, but it’s essential to test it in a discreet spot first. Toothpaste’s mild abrasives can sometimes damage flat or matte paint, but it can be effective on glossy, light-colored paint.
Shining Up Metallic Fixtures:
To restore the shine to metallic bathroom and kitchen fixtures affected by hard water, toothpaste can be a practical solution for non-porous metals like stainless steel and chromium. However, softer metals like copper or brass can be damaged by abrasive toothpaste, so caution is advised.
Removing Sneaker Stains:
Toothpaste can be used to clean white leather or canvas sneakers and brighten white rubber soles. Avoid using toothpaste on suede, mesh, or other sensitive materials that may stain or degrade.
Brightening Stained Toilet Seats:
For stubborn stains on toilet seats, applying toothpaste with a cloth or toothbrush, gently scrubbing, and allowing it to sit for a few minutes before wiping clean can be an effective solution.
Polishing Silver and Stainless Steel:
Toothpaste can help remove small scratches from silver items and jewelry, but caution is advised when using it on polished metals or soft surfaces.
“According to Ramos, it’s recommended to use stones like opals, pearls, or turquoise when making jewelry. However, when working with solid metal pieces in stainless steel or silver, toothpaste can be a useful solution. She advises to proceed with caution and always test first before use.
To remove water stains from wood surfaces such as kitchen countertops or wood floors, toothpaste can be an effective solution. Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the affected area with a soft cloth, using a gentle circular motion following the grain of the wood. Wipe off the toothpaste with a damp cloth and ensure the area is thoroughly dried.
For fogged up car lights, toothpaste can surprisingly clear them up. Using a soft cloth, toothpaste, or sponge, gently rub the toothpaste in small circular motions for a few minutes. Rinse the area with water, pat dry, and repeat if necessary until the lights are clear. Ramos advises to use plain white, non-gel toothpaste and rinse thoroughly.
For more tips, you can read the original article on The Spruce.”
