Does toothpaste really have alternative uses?
Toothpaste is made up of three main components; abrasives, fluorides and detergents, and is primarily used to remove dental plaque and food stuck in teeth.
But does toothpaste fight and prevent more than plaque and tooth decay?
From preventing condensation on mirrors to polishing brass, here are 12 unusual uses for toothpaste that we've seen reported - Some seem to make sense and others we're not so sure about but see what you think!
For more conventional uses check out Dental Sky's range of toothpaste here.
1. Mobile phone screens
Most people nowadays place screen protectors on their smartphones to prevent scratches and save their screen from smashing from the inevitable moment when they drop their phone. Those that don't and risk the chance, will notice small scratches start appearing on their screen.
To remove these scratches lightly rub a small portion of toothpaste with your finger and rinse away the excess with a damp cloth. Be careful not to wet the screen too much unless it's a waterproof one!
2. Removing crayon from the wall
You try to let your child express creativity by letting them loose with some crayons and a piece of paper. You turn around for all of 2 minutes and they've elaborated their artwork onto the living room wall.
Not to worry, toothpaste to the rescue! Apply toothpaste to a damp cloth and rub away the crayon. once you have done this, rinse and dry the wall. Test this on a small area first to ensure it does not smear the paint, particularly with high gloss walls.
3. Carpet stains
Carpets get stained, its inevitable that at some point something is going to get spilled. To remove small stains (For vomit, red wine etc. attain professional carpet cleaner) simply squeeze toothpaste directly onto the carpet and use an old toothbrush to scrub out the stain then rinse. You may need to do this a few times to completely remove the stain.
4. Car headlights
Scratched, chipped or foggy? all three of these things on your headlights can reduce the effectiveness and reduce vision.
To solve, first thoroughly clean the headlight. Next rub a good amount of toothpaste into the headlight.
After give it a good buff, either by hand or electric drill.
5. Deodourise hands
Sick of the smelly hands after chopping foods such as fish and garlic?
Simply scrub a small amount of toothpaste into your hands then rinse.
6. Revive silver/brass
Bring your jewellery and other items back to life with the helping hand of toothpaste.
You will need a soft bristle toothbrush to rub in a light circular motion, using just a dab of toothpaste.
Once you have done so rinse thoroughly and polish with a soft, dry towel, then dry again.
For thick grime apply the paste and let it soak overnight.
7. Revive leather
Leather ages, it scuffs and it isn't easy to bring back to life.
Apply a dab of toothpaste to the affected area and rub in with a soft cloth, rinse with a damp cloth.
Ensure you do not use toothpaste with has any whitening or bleaching agents.
8. Defog your mirror
Sick of getting out of the shower and your mirror is steamed up and foggy?
Rub toothpaste into the mirror when condensation has formed and then wipe dry.
This will stop the mirror fogging up in the future so you can check yourself out!
9. Clean your bathroom
The natural abrasives in toothpaste can work just as well as normal appliance cleansers.
Toothpaste will polish up the chrome on your taps, clean your shower glass pains, clean your sink and remove the odour from the drain!
Simply scrub down with a dab of toothpaste and an old toothbrush.
So next time there's a bit of toothpaste in the sick, don't wash it down, scrub it around.
10. Remove scratches on CDs and DVDs
Do you have old CDs or DVDs that are just too scratched to work? Or even new DVDs that have made it into the hands of toddlers?
Don't throw them away just yet, you may be able to save them with good old toothpaste.
Apply a small dab of toothpaste to the disc and rub lightly with a soft cloth.
Too much force will make the disc worse so be sure to press lightly. Then rinse thoroughly and buff out with a soft cloth.
This method will only work on small scratches.
11. Bring old shoes back to life
Everyone has a pair of shoes that feel a bit sorry for themselves. Once your favourite shoes but now just taking up space on your shoe rack.
To make them your favourite again use a toothbrush and scrub a dab of toothpaste into the shoe to remove scuffs.
Remove by wiping with a damp cloth and leave to dry. Use a whitening toothpaste for white shoes to give added brightness.
12. Clean your iron
You've just washed and dried your nice new shirt and you're almost ready for work. You get out the iron, get half way through ironing, and realise the build up on the bottom of the iron has left a nice big stain on your clean shirt. Solution - If toothpaste can remove stains on carpet, it can probably fix your iron.
Scrub toothpaste into the bottom of the iron when cold and unplugged, then rinse with a damp cloth and dry.
Conclusion
So those are Dental Sky's 12 unusual uses for Toothpaste!
Who knew that a domestic product held in every household had so many different uses.
Not all of these practices have been tried and tested by Dental Sky so please approach with caution as we cannot promise they will all successfully work!
Let us know if you know of any other unusual uses for toothpaste.
