9 Uses for Toothpaste that Make Household Chores Easier
Not only does toothpaste whiten, brighten, protect enamel and make our breath smell ah-mazing, there are also oodles of household uses for toothpaste. The same ingredients that help polish our pearly whites also leave our humble abode spic and span (and free of cavities).
Here are 9 household uses for toothpaste:
1. Remove Carpet Stains
For pesky carpet stains, apply toothpaste directly to the stain and scrub it with an abrasive brush. Rinse the spot immediately.
2. Spruce up your runners
Toothpaste works wonders on both running shoes and leather shoes that lead a busy life. Just like with your carpet stains, apply toothpaste to the affected area, scrub with a brush and wipe clean. Good. As. New.
3. Remove crayon stains from the wall
We’ve all been through this one (and sometimes, it was self-inflicted). Apply toothpaste to a damp cloth and gently rub the crayon marks off the wall. What Crayola?
4. Clean silver
Whether your fave jewelry or decorative vase, you always want your silver sparkling. In the case of jewelry, rub toothpaste onto each piece and leave them overnight, wiping them clean with a soft cloth in the a.m. (Just don’t use this trick if there are pearls involved, as it’ll damge their finish). For decorative pieces, simply rub toothpaste onto them like soap, and wipe it off with a paper towel.
5. Defog your mirror
It sounds strange, but it works! Wipe a bit of toothpaste on your bathroom mirror to prevent it from fogging, then rinse it off with water. You’ll be amazed at how much time this saves when you’re getting ready in the morning (especially if you share a bathroom!).
6. Kibosh drain odors
If one of your household chores involves a foul odor coming from your kitchen sink, squeeze a little bit of toothpaste down the drain and let it sit. Afterward, run the water for a few minutes. The odor-killing agents that make your breath smell fresh will do the same for your drain.
7. Hang posters
One of my biggest pet peeves are thumbtack holes in beautiful posters – not to mention the holes in the wall that need to be repaired when you decide to redecorate. Dab toothpaste in each corner of the poster and place as many dabs around the edges as you see fit. Not only will your poster stick to the wall, but it’ll be super easy to take down. (And if you want to plaster those old thumbtack holes, you can dab toothpaste in them too!)
8. Clean your cell screen
Cell phones go through as much as we do during the day – and it’s virtually impossible to not scratch your screen at some point down the line. Using your finger, lightly rub a dollop of toothpaste on your screen, then rinse with a damp cloth and let it dry.
9. Remove soap scum
Confession: One of the household chores I always leave until last is cleaning the shower. Luckily, toothpaste has made the process more bearable. Rub a glass shower door with a damp cloth and a smidgen of toothpaste. For heavy soap scum, let the toothpaste sit for several minutes before rinsing it off.
Do you use toothpaste for your household chores?
Related on Organic Authority
6 Fantastic Ways to Reuse Old Frames
23 DIY Repurpose Projects for Almost Anything: From Coffee Filters to Toilet Paper Tubes
Have Another Glass: 5 Clever Uses for Wine Corks
Image: Thegreenj
