Exploring Unconventional Cleaning Solutions: 13 Items Professionals Suggest Cleansing with Toothpaste
Toothpaste isn't just for scrubbing your pearly whites. It shares similar properties with substances like baking soda and cornstarch, serving as a mild abrasive that can help with various cleaning tasks. From eliminating tough water stains to polishing your silverware, this simple household item has a surprisingly broad range of applications.
In general, opt for a non-gel toothpaste and test it on a small, unnoticeable area before applying it to the item you wish to clean. Experts we spoke with shared numerous unconventional cleaning methods using toothpaste.
- Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean, a company producing eco-friendly cleaning supplies and offering in-home cleaning services,
- Marla Mock, the president of Molly Maid, which belongs to the Neighborly family, providing residential and commercial cleaning services
The following are some offbeat but effective ways to clean using toothpaste:
- ✨Necessitous White Sneakers✨To bring back the radiance of your cherished pair of white sneakers, take advantage of toothpaste’s dirt-removing capabilities without causing damage to the material. Gently rub the non-gel toothpaste onto the soiled spots using a toothbrush, focusing on scuffs and stains. Wipe away the excess with a damp cloth.
- ⚜Silver Treasures✨Toothpaste can help bring back the luster of your silver jewelry, tableware, and other items. Just apply a small amount to a cloth and gently rub the item, then rinse with water.
- 🛁Bathroom Sinks and Faucets✨Clean your bathroom sink and faucet using toothpaste to remove built-up grime, hard water stains, and soap scum. Apply toothpaste to a damp sponge and scrub the surface, focusing on any soap scum and stains. Rinse and polish with a clean microfiber cloth.
- 📞Crayon Remanence✨Kids can leave a mess, but toothpaste can help remove crayon and marker stains on walls, making them look fresh again. Apply toothpaste to the stained area and gently scrub with a damp sponge, then wipe clean with a wet cloth.
- 📯Coffee Spills✨If your coffee mugs have mysterious stains, toothpaste can lend a hand. Apply a small amount to the cups, mugs, or dishes, scrub gently, and rinse for a spotless finish.
- 🏠Scuffed Floors✨Toothpaste can restore scuffed tile and laminate floors to their former glory. Simply rub the toothpaste onto scuff marks using a damp cloth, then wipe away.
- 🎹Piano Keys✨Toothpaste can help bring the shine back to dirty piano keys and eliminate oil buildup. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth and gently clean the keys, followed by a separate damp cloth to remove residue and a dry cloth to dry.
- 🔵Sticker Residue✨Remove stubborn sticker residue on items like vases and picture frames using plain white toothpaste. Gently rub with a moist cloth or sponge until the adhesive breaks down, leaving the surface clean and shiny.
- 🚫Shower Doors✨To remove hard water stains and soap scum on glass shower doors, spread toothpaste onto the door and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse the door thoroughly and dry it.
- 🛥Car Headlights✨Apply toothpaste to foggy headlights and scrub with a sponge or cloth in circular motions. Rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth to restore clarity and brightness.
- 💧Scuff Marks on Leather✨Remove scuff marks from leather furniture, footwear, or clothing by dabbing toothpaste onto the scuff and scrubbing with a soft cloth. Wipe away and dry with a towel for a flawless look.
- 🔥Heat and Moisture Stains on Wood✨Toothpaste can erase heat and moisture stains on wooden surfaces. Mix equal parts toothpaste and baking soda, apply the paste to the stain in circular motions, let it sit, then wipe away, polish, and your stain is gone.
- 🏞Tile Grout✨Toothpaste can help tackle tough stains and grime on tile grout. Mix equal parts toothpaste, hydrogen peroxide, and water, apply the mixture to the grout using an old toothbrush, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing away the dirt. Rinse and allow the grout to dry.
Employ toothpaste to eliminate dirt and grime from your grout between tiles. According to Mock, "Apply a white, non-gel toothpaste directly onto the grout lines. Scrub using an old toothbrush, then wipe with a cloth dampened in soapy water." Your tiles will seem as good as new!
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After cleansing your bathroom sink and faucet, don't forget to organize your cleaning supplies. Store your MarthaStewart cleaning tools neatly in a clean, labeled container to maintain efficiency and ease of access.
Furthermore, for a more streamlined cleaning routine, consider creating a cleaning schedule with specific dates for tasks like organizing your cleaning supplies and deep cleaning your home with MarthaStewart's eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
