3 Surprising Cleaning Hacks Using Toothpaste
At Maid 4 Cleaning in Saint Louis, we’re all about transforming your home into a space that sparkles — and sometimes, the secret isn’t in the cleaning aisle, it’s in your bathroom cabinet. Believe it or not, plain white toothpaste (not gel) can be a secret weapon for tackling tough cleaning jobs around your home. Here are three genius ways to clean with toothpaste that might just sweep you off your feet.
1. Bring Back the Shine: Clean Silver with Toothpaste
Tired of tarnished silverware or dull jewelry? Toothpaste can give your silver a second life — just be cautious and avoid using it on silver-plated items or delicate heirlooms.
Here’s how to do it:
Apply a pea-sized amount of white toothpaste to a dry microfiber cloth.
Rub gently over your silver item in small circles.
Use a soft toothbrush for crevices or intricate patterns.
Rinse with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
Martha Stewart recommends using mild abrasives like baking soda pastes for silver too, but toothpaste offers a convenient alternative when you’re in a pinch.
2. Make Sneakers Look New Again: Clean Shoes with Toothpaste
Scuffed rubber soles or stained canvas shoes? White toothpaste can help restore their fresh-out-of-the-box look.
For rubber soles:
Dab toothpaste on a soft toothbrush.
Gently scrub scuffed areas using circular motions.
Wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth.
For canvas shoes:
Lightly dampen the area you want to clean.
Apply toothpaste with a clean cloth and work it in for 1-3 minutes.
Wipe away residue with a damp cloth and let air dry.
Avoid using toothpaste on leather or suede. For delicate materials, follow the manufacturer's care guide.
3. Erase Crayon Marks from Walls
If your little artists got creative on the walls, don’t stress — toothpaste to the rescue.
What you’ll need:
A soft toothbrush
A small amount of white toothpaste
A microfiber cloth
Instructions:
Spot test a hidden area first.
Gently scrub crayon marks with the toothbrush and toothpaste.
Wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove any leftover residue.
For painted walls, Ann Russell (the “TikTok Auntie”) suggests using mild, non-gel toothpaste to lift marks without damaging finishes.
Bonus Tip: Shine Faucets and Remove Odors
You can also use toothpaste to polish chrome fixtures and neutralize funky smells. Rub a dab on faucets to remove water spots and buff to a shine. And if you’ve got lingering odors on hands after chopping garlic or onions, a quick scrub with toothpaste does wonders.
Ready to Be Swept Away?
At Maid 4 Cleaning, we take pride in knowing the best cleaning tips — and using them to give your home the expert care it deserves. If you're in the Saint Louis area and ready to delegate your deep cleaning, we're here to help.
Call (314) 626-5885 to schedule your cleaning today — and be swept away!
