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When toothpaste accidentally lands in your sink or on your clothing, simply wiping it away may not completely clean the mess. This is particularly true for toothpaste stains on fabrics like clothes, towels, and bath rugs, which should be treated promptly to prevent the stains from setting in.
Below, you will find guidelines on how to remove toothpaste stains from clothing and other washable items, as well as how to treat toothpaste stains on non-washable fabrics like carpets and upholstery. As toothpaste blobs or splatters often end up on bathroom surfaces such as mirrors, faucets, and countertops, we also provide tips on how to effectively clean stubborn, dried-on toothpaste from hard surfaces.
How to Remove Toothpaste Stains from Clothes, Towels, and Other Washable Items:
1. Remove Solid Residue: Use a butter knife, spoon, or flat edge to lift off the toothpaste without smearing it further.
2. Flush with Water: Rinse the affected area with cool running water, turning the garment inside out to prevent toothpaste from being pushed back into the fabric.
3. Apply Stain Pretreatment: Dilute 1 tsp. of liquid laundry detergent or mild soap in 1 cup of cool water. Dab the mixture onto the stain using a white cloth.
4. Rinse: Either rinse the area with water or dab the fabric with a clean cloth to remove soap residue.
5. Air-Dry: Allow the garment to air-dry.
6. Launder as Usual (Optional): If needed, launder the item as usual to ensure all toothpaste or detergent residue is removed.
How to Remove Toothpaste Stains from Carpet and Upholstery:
1. Remove Solid Residue: Use a butter knife, spoon, or flat edge to lift off the toothpaste.
2. Apply Stain Pretreatment: Dilute a teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent or mild soap in 1 cup of cool water. Dab the mixture onto the stain with a white cloth.
3. Rinse: Dab the area with a cloth dipped in clean water to remove soap residue.
4. Air-Dry and Vacuum: Let the carpet or upholstery air-dry, then vacuum the area to restore the fabric’s texture.
How to Remove Toothpaste Stains from Mirrors:
1. Apply Glass Cleaner to Mirror: Spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror to loosen dried toothpaste buildup.
2. Squeegee Surface: After 30 seconds, use a squeegee to remove the glass cleaner and toothpaste buildup, working from the top to the bottom.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean toothpaste stains from various surfaces and fabrics.
How to Remove Toothpaste Stains from Bathroom Surfaces
1. Select the Right Cleaning Agent
Opt for a mild soap like dishwashing liquid and a microfiber cloth to effectively clean toothpaste residue from bathroom counters, faucets, and sinks. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe cleaning methods specific to each material type.
2. Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Fill the sink with a few inches of hot water and add a couple of drops of dish soap.
3. Clean the Surfaces
Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water and wipe down the counters and faucets, replenishing the cloth with the soap solution as needed. Submerge the cloth in the water and scrub the sink basin. Let the surfaces remain wet for a minute to soften dried-on toothpaste for easier removal.
4. Rinse and Wipe
Thoroughly rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe away any soap or toothpaste residue from the counters and faucets. For stubborn stains, use the soapy cloth to scrub with firm pressure in a circular motion. Rinse off any soap residue.
5. Dry and Polish
Drain the sink, wipe it down with the cloth, and rinse both the cloth and sink basin with clean water. To prevent water spots, dry and polish all surfaces with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Preventative Tips:
– Use less toothpaste to avoid drips and stains.
– Brush your teeth before dressing to prevent toothpaste from getting on clothing.
– Lean over the sink when rinsing to avoid toothpaste splatter on other surfaces.
– Immediately rinse off whitening toothpaste from colored fabrics.
– Regularly wipe bathroom surfaces with a microfiber cloth to prevent toothpaste buildup.
(Source: Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens)
