13 Surprising Things You Can Clean With Toothpaste, According to Experts

Light blue bathroom — Photo:
Jon Lovette / Getty Images

Toothpaste can do more than just clean your teeth. Similar to baking soda and cornstarch, toothpaste is a mild abrasive that can be used for everything from removing hard water stains to polishing silverware and jewelry.

When using toothpaste for cleaning, be sure to chose a non-gel product and always test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the thing you want to clean. Ahead, we spoke to experts who shared the many surprising things you can clean with toothpaste.

Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean, a manufacturer of green cleaning supplies and provider of in-home cleaning services
Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, a residential and commercial cleaning service

01 of 13

White Sneakers

Bring the shine back to your favorite pair of white sneakers with a little bit of toothpaste, which removes dirt without damaging the material. "Apply the non-gel toothpaste to the dirty spots on your sneakers and use a toothbrush to scrub it in circular motions, focusing on scuff marks and stains," says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

02 of 13

Silver Pieces

Remove tarnish and restore the luster of your silver jewelry, tableware, and other pieces with toothpaste. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a rag and gently rub the item, then rinse with water, says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.

03 of 13

Sinks and Faucets

Close-up of sink — Alex Tihonov / Getty Images

Clean your bathroom sink and faucet with toothpaste to remove a buildup of hard water stains, dirt, and other grime. "Spread the paste over a damp sponge and scrub the surface. Focus on any soap scum and stains," says Sokolowski. "Rinse with water and polish the surfaces with a clean microfiber cloth."

04 of 13

Crayon Marks

Did your little one draw a masterpiece on your walls with crayons? No problem. Toothpaste can make them look good as new again. "Apply the toothpaste directly to the crayon marks. Then, use a damp sponge to gently scrub the area, then wipe clean the surface with a wet cloth," says Sokolowski. "Toothpaste helps to break down the wax without harming painted walls." This method also works with marker stains on walls.

05 of 13

Coffee Stains

If your coffee mugs have stubborn stains you can't get rid of with soap and water, try toothpaste. "Toothpaste’s mild abrasives work wonders on stubborn coffee stains," says Mock. "Apply a small amount to cups, mugs, or dishes, scrub gently, and rinse for a sparkling finish."

06 of 13

Scuffed Floors

A kitchen with checker tiles — Paul Hambidge

Buff out scuff marks on your tile or laminate floors with toothpaste. "Simply rub the toothpaste onto scuff marks on your floors using a damp cloth," says Sokolowski. "Then, wipe away with a clean, wet cloth."

07 of 13

Piano Keys

Toothpaste can break down dirt and oil and restore the brightness of piano keys. "Apply the paste to a damp cloth and clean the keys gently," says Sokolowski. "Follow up with a separate damp cloth to remove any residue. Dry the keys with a soft cloth."

08 of 13

Sticker Residue

Having a hard time removing sticker residue from a new vase or picture frame? Toothpaste should get it right off. "To remove stubborn sticker residue, apply plain white toothpaste over the sticky area and rub gently with a moist cloth or sponge," says Mock. "The oils in the toothpaste work to break down the adhesive, leaving the surface clean and shiny."

09 of 13

Shower Doors

shot of bathroom with glass door shower — CHRIS CHURCHILL

Removing hard water stains and soap scum on glass shower doors can be difficult, but a dab of toothpaste will do the trick, says Sokolowski. Spread the toothpaste onto your shower doors and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse the doors thoroughly with water and wipe dry.

10 of 13

Car Headlights

Apply toothpaste to foggy headlights and scrub with a sponge or cloth in circular motions. Rinse with water and dry with a microfiber cloth. "In this case, toothpaste works great with removing oxidation and restores clarity for brighter lights," says Sokolowski.

11 of 13

Scuff Marks on Leather

Remove scuff marks from leather furniture, shoes, clothes, and more by dabbing a small amount of non-gel toothpaste onto the scuff. Rub the toothpaste in with a soft cloth and wipe clean with a damp cloth. "Finish by drying with a towel for a flawless look," says Mock.

12 of 13

Heat and Moisture Rings on Wood

Empty chairs arranged by dining table at home — Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Heat and moisture can stain your wood furniture, but toothpaste offers a quick fix. "Mix equal parts non-gel toothpaste and baking soda. Use a white cloth to apply the mixture to the stain in a circular motion," says Mock. "After letting it sit for a few minutes, wipe it clean, buff with furniture polish, and the stain should disappear."

13 of 13

Tile Grout

Use toothpaste to remove dirt and grime from your tile grout. "Apply white, non-gel toothpaste directly onto the grout lines. Scrub with an old toothbrush, then wipe with a cloth soaked in soapy water," says Mock. "Your tiles will look like new!"

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