Toothpaste hacks you didn't know about
Category DIY
Toothpaste has so many household uses! Scratches and stains can be removed from anything from shoes to walls due to its abrasive quality. Get an old toothbrush handy, dab some non-gel toothpase and get to work!
Polish bathroom fixtures
Chrome shower and sink fixtures will look fantastic after being cleaned with a soft cloth and a small amount of toothpaste. Apply the paste in thin strokes, then wipe it away with a dry cloth.
Remove soap scum
Remove soap scum build-up from shower doors and fiberglass enclosers with a little toothpaste and a damp sponge or cloth. To avoid water stains, rinse with a cloth dipped in clean water and buff it dry.
Sanitize your basin
Don't merely rinse toothpaste off the bathroom sink if you spill some. Grab a wet sponge and scrub the entire bowl with it. Thoroughly rinse, then buff dry. It will even leave a minty fresh scent in the drain.
Clean the toilet
Put a little toothpaste into the toilet bowl if you need to clean it fast and you're out of cleaner. Take out the toilet brush and start cleaning. The paste will get rid of stains and leave behind a clean scent. It will function in an emergency but won't clean the toilet of bacteria.
Cleaning a hair straightener or curling iron
Hair products can cover curling irons, hair straighteners, and curlers with a gunky layer. With toothpaste, the gunk may be readily removed without endangering the appliance's surface. Using a dry towel and a dab of toothpaste, remove the accumulation. Finish by cleaning the surfaces with a moist cloth, then let them air dry.
De-fog your bathroom mirror
Mirrors can be cleaned by applying a little toothpaste to a moist cloth. Work the toothpaste in small circles, let it dry, and then buff it with a dry towel.
Clean rubber on sneakers
Use some toothpaste and an old toothbrush to scrape the rubber trim on the soles or toes of your sneakers if it's grimy. Finish by using a moist towel to remove any remaining toothpaste and dirt.
Clean leather and vinyl shoes of scuffs
Shoes with smooth leather, patent leather, or vinyl can have scuffs removed with a dab of toothpaste on a soft cloth or sponge. Work on a small area at a time, and then use a soft cloth to buff away the residue and scuffs. Keep in mind that suede leather shoes or boots won't respond well to it.
Make jewellery shine again
If your diamonds or silver jewellery has become dull or tarnished, toothpaste works wonders. Use a small amount with an old toothbrush, attempting to get into all the nooks and crannies. To watch the piece glitter, give it a thorough rinse and polish with a dry towel. Never apply toothpaste to fragile gems like opals or pearls since they could be damaged from the abrasive quality.
Get rid of food odours
Simply squeeze a small amount of toothpaste into the palm of your hands if you experience issues with onion or fish odours remaining on your hands after food preparation. Rinse your hands well after rubbing them together for a few seconds to cover all surfaces. It won't smell anymore. Your fingernails may even appear whiter and more vibrant.
Polished copper pots and silverware
Take out the toothpaste and a soft towel to thoroughly clean your silver serving utensils. Watch the tarnish transfer to the cloth as you simply rub on the paste. After a thorough hot water rinse, buff with a dry cloth. Rub toothpaste on badly tarnished copper cookware and leave it to work for a few minutes before wiping off with a dry cloth.
De-gunk Iron soleplate
Put some toothpaste on a soft cloth and use it to wipe away any gunk if the bottom of your iron has built-up starch and appears a little burnt. As soon as the iron is totally cool, remove any toothpaste residue with a moist cloth.
Remove wax crayon stain from walls
On painted walls, errant crayon stains can be eliminated with a small amount of toothpaste and a damp sponge. Finish by wiping down the area with a damp towel, then let it air dry.
Make headlights spotless
Car headlights can be polished out of minor dings and scratches by buffing them with toothpaste on a sponge. Apply with a moist towel and rinse.
Save your cell screen
A small dab of toothpaste on your fingertip will remove minor scuffs from a smartphone screen. Finish by wiping the phone down with a moist cloth, then let it air dry.
Author: Harcourts SA
