Toothpaste is a surprisingly powerful cleaning agent. Most people pair the bathroom essential with lemons to clean dishwashers and washing machines, but the product is much more versatile. Homeowners are now discovering three unexpected ways to put it to work around the house.
As more people turn to affordable, multi-purpose solutions, toothpaste is becoming an unlikely cleaning favourite. With just a bit of toothpaste and a cloth, you can easily clean stains around your house, clear up foggy bathroom mirrors and clean grout tiles around your home; we have detailed how to do it below.
1. Remove stains
According to Better Homes and Gardens, toothpaste is a fast-acting solution for removing carpet stains. The home expert shared: “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.”
Tootpaste can also remove food stains from your favourite crockery. If you struggle with tea and coffee stains from your mugs, apply toothpaste to a damp sponge, scrub the mugs, and rinse thoroughly to wash away any leftover toothpaste.
Greasy and saucy foods like spaghetti or soup can also leave unwanted stains and smells in food storage containers. Simply spread a layer of toothpaste inside your container and leave it overnight. In the morning, clean the container with dish soap and water.
2. Mirrors from fogging up
If you frequently need to defog your mirror after a hot shower or steamy bath, try using toothpaste to stop the fog before it forms. Simply rub a small amount of toothpaste onto the mirror, then wipe it off right before you bathe.
This will help prevent fog from sticking to the glass, reported Better Homes & Gardens. Alternatively, homeowners should try shaving foam, an expert at Bath City said: “Take a bit of shaving cream on your finger and spread it over the surface of your bathroom mirror.
“Wipe clean with a soft towel or microfiber cloth. This simple trick acts as an effective barrier against steam settling on the mirror surface. Your glassware will not steam up for a few weeks.”
Clean grout
Grime and dirt on grout can be incredibly difficult to remove in your bathrooms and kitchen. However, the home expert explained that applying toothpaste to a toothbrush and scrubbing will make it bright and spotless.
“Unlike other items, it’s safe to clean grout with whitening toothpaste. The whitening agent will help to brighten grout lines.”
