The primary purpose of toothpaste is obviously for cleaner and whiter teeth. But unbeknownst to many, your everyday toothpaste also offers other interesting uses, specifically as a non-toxic cleaning agent.

Here are some surprising tips on ways to use toothpaste around your home.

1. Remove clothing stains

Plain white toothpaste is excellent for removing various stains, such as lipstick, food, ink and grass, from clothing. Squeeze some toothpaste on the stain, rub vigorously, then rinse with warm water.

Repeat several times if it’s a stubborn stain, then run it through the washing machine as usual.

2. Clean jewellery

Here’s a quick fix to get rid of dirt and get your beautiful pieces sparkling again. Use plain toothpaste with no whitening agent and apply a small amount onto a damp cloth.

Rub your jewellery gently, then rinse with warm water. A toothbrush will come in handy for tackling the grooves. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.

This trick should work equally well on gold and silver.

3. Eliminate water stains on wood

Are you frustrated because your children don’t use coasters? Do you get annoyed by unsightly watermark stains on your favourite pieces of wood furniture?

Gently rub some toothpaste on the surface with a soft piece of cloth, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Repeat the steps if necessary, and polish with a little olive oil when the wood is dry.

4. Remove marker and crayon on walls

Do you have several aspiring young artists at home who express themselves on every available surface? Fret not!

Squirt some toothpaste onto the drawings on your wall and start scrubbing, then rinse clean with warm water.

5. Dissolve carpet stains

Toothpaste will remove almost all carpet stains: wine, coffee, pet, spaghetti sauce – you name it. Just squeeze a little bit of white toothpaste onto the stained area and scrub with a cloth or sponge.

Rinse with warm water and dab with a dry cloth. Let it air dry before vacuuming.

6. Clean car headlights

Are your headlights getting blurry? It’s time to treat it using toothpaste. Add a squirt to a bowl of warm water, dip a buffer pad in the mixture, and wipe away the dirt and grime.

Finish with a soft, dry cloth and be amazed at the results!

This article first appeared in kaodim.com.

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