Due to a recent DIY fail featuring toothpaste (read about it here), I thought it might be nice to list some ways in which toothpaste can successfully be used. I mean, let’s get real. We can all use some extra minty freshness in our lives…especially if that minty freshness solves life problems (not including world hunger).

Toothpaste life hacks:

1. Polish diamond rings

You could take your diamond ring into a jeweler and have it buffed, OR you could stay at home in your pajamas and polish it yourself. This toothpaste life hack is the real deal. Simply get an old toothbrush and some toothpaste and lightly polish your ring. Be sure to get in all the cracks where your diamond appears to have yellowed. When your ring is sufficiently toothpasted (is that even a word?), give it a good rinse in a bowl full of warm water (the bowl prevents you from dropping your ring down the drain). Dry it with a soft cloth and love the fact that you’re still cozy at home.

2. Fill nail holes

I used this bad boy at college a couple times when living in dorms that had the ridiculous only-one-nail-hole-per-wall rule. I’d really rather just enjoy life with my picture-filled walls and have to buy an extra ounce of toothpaste when I move out. If you feel the same way as I did, then (1) we are kindred spirits, and (2) you’ll love this classic toothpaste life hack. Simply fill each nail or screw hole with toothpaste, and wipe away any toothpaste protrusion with a slightly damp cloth. This works best if your walls are white. If they are a different color, then use food coloring to achieve the desired color before filling the holes.

3. Deodorize baby bottles

Babies are adorable. Baby bottles are nasty…at least when they continue to have a lingering sour milk odor, even after washing them with plenty of soap and hot water. Toothpaste, my friend, is the remedy. Simply put some toothpaste on your bottle brush and scrub as if normally cleaning the bottle. For baby’s sake, be sure to rinse the bottle and brush extra well.

4. Unscuff shoes

Just in case people stare at your feet all day, it’s best to be found wearing spotless shoes. Thanks to toothpaste, scuff marks on leather and tennis shoes are super easy to remove. Rub a small dollop of toothpaste into scuff using your fingers or a soft cloth. Then, clean the area with a damp cloth. Once the spot dries, they’ll be good as new!

5. Polish car headlights

My husband was so manly and restored a 1985 CJ7 Jeep to sell, and we wanted it show ready. Problem was, the headlight covers had yellowed as time and the environment took their toll. This, apparently, is quite typical. Luckily for us, my Harley-Davidson-driving father-in-law is amazing. He showed us how to polish the car headlights using–you guessed it–toothpaste. (P.S. Thanks Lane!) All he did was get a sad, haggard-looking, old toothbrush and scrubbed the headlights with Colgate until the yellow film was gone. It seriously only took a matter of minutes, but it made a huge difference!

6. Remove water stains

Toothpaste can remove water stains on wood surfaces. Who’da thought? Simply rub non-gel toothpaste onto the water ring stain, and clean the area using a damp cloth. Let the wood fully dry before applying any kind of furniture/wood polish. You know what, surprisingly, also fights water stains? Coasters. ‘Nuff said.

7. Deodorize hands

While it’s nice to dream that our hands always smell of sugar plums and magnolia blossoms, sometimes it’s necessary to sweat, do laundry, or cook with fish. Hence the smelly hands. Sometimes even after you’ve washed your hands with soap and water and dried them with a clean cloth, the stank remains. Solution: wash hands with toothpaste and warm water, dry, and breathe deeply.

8. Clean bathroom

Growing up, my sister always somehow managed to get the whole tube of toothpaste all over the sink and counter…and even the tub. Little did I know that she was actually just helping out. Non-gel toothpaste works great as a cleaning agent. Next time you clean the bathroom, instead of chipping the dried toothpaste off the sink, moisten it with a damp cloth and scrub it all around before rinsing. Toothpaste will help clean and deodorize your sink, counter, and drain.

9. Defog goggles

After being on swim team, I can atest that foggy goggles are no bueno. Battling cold water and lack of motivation is hard enough as it is. If spit isn’t helping defog your googles (or scuba mask), try scrubbing the inside with toothpaste. Be sure to rinse them well so you don’t end up with chlorine infused toothpaste in your eyes.

10. Remove fabric stains

Just as soaking clothes in cola overnight can help remove a bloodstain, non-gel toothpaste can remove some fabric stains. Simply dab toothpaste directly on the stained area, dampen with water, and rub vigorously. Rinse and repeat if needed. This toothpaste hack works best removing sweat stains from collared shirts and pen ink stains.

11. Clean teeth

Apparently, according to the American Dental Association, toothpaste can help clean your teeth. It may seem complicated and awkward at first, but take courage and don’t give up. Practice will make perfect. All the supplies you’ll need is toothpaste, a toothbrush, water, a place to spit, and determination. After applying a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your dampened toothbrush, place your toothbrush on your teeth at a 45-degree angle with your gums. As gently as you would pet an orphaned kitten, gently move the toothbrush back and forth across the tooth in short strokes. Because your teeth have a front, back, and top/bottom, remember to clean each and every side for optimal tooth health and longevity. If you’re still unsure about how to effective clean the teeth, please consult your doctor immediately. They can further assist you.

 

After reading this post, I hope you’ve found several toothpaste life hacks that you can adopt. Let us know if you know of any other ways toothpaste can improve one’s life by commenting below!