Alternative Uses for Toothpaste

Nearly everyone has a tube of toothpaste sitting in the bathroom, their suitcase, purse or some other convenient location. There are many uses for toothpaste other than cleaning your teeth. White toothpaste containing baking soda is usually the suggested type to use for the following suggestions. Gel or coloured toothpastes can leave behind stains.

1) Clean scuffed or dingy sneakers

Use a damp cloth and a bit of white toothpaste to wipe scuffs and stains from white sneakers. Tougher stains can be scrubbed gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Remember to wipe off the toothpaste after completion. NOTE: do not attempt on canvas shoes as they will get crusty where the toothpaste touches.

2) Remove bad odours

Wash your hands with a dab of toothpaste to remove odours such as gas, garlic or onions. Toothpaste also works extremely well to remove skunk spray or other odours from your pets. We constantly have to bath our dogs after they decide to torment a skunk and were told by a vet that tooth paste NOT gel works very well on dogs.

3) Remove crayon and pen from the walls.

Dab a bit of toothpaste over the area and rub with a damp cloth until the mark disappears.

4) Help diminish the appearance of acne

Dab a small amount of toothpaste onto individual zits and let sit overnight. Wash off upon waking up. The redness and underlying infection will be visibly reduced by morning.

5)Repair a scratched CD

Use a soft cloth to rub a bit white toothpaste onto the scratched surface of the cd. Wipe any visible streaks and globs off then place the disc into your CD player. Any skipping should be gone.

6) Shine silver, chrome and jewelry

Use toothpaste to polish tarnished silverware or chrome by applying a small bit of toothpaste and rubbing with a soft cloth. Use it on necklaces and rings to achieve a shine and clean them. Remember to rinse thoroughly.

7) Stain remover

Use on carpets, counters and clothing to remove stains such as lipstick or chapstick, koolaid, sodas and other annoying stains. Be careful however to test the fabric where its not noticeable incase of bleaching or discoloration just like any other product one would use to remove stains.

8) Sooth bug bites and itches

Dab a bit of toothpaste on the bit or offending area to relieve the itch or pain. This works by drying out the area. I've also heard that toothpaste can be used on burns but have never tried it.

There are many suggestions and uses one can find for toothpaste with a bit of research and try with caution. It is a great cleaner and very affordable to keep stocked in your home.