Have you ever finished a tube of toothpaste and just tossed it in the trash?
Well, you may be surprised to find out there are many other ways to use that expired toothpaste around your home.
From cleaning your carpets to getting rid of bugs, read on for 20 creative ways to put your old toothpaste to good use!
1. Get Rid of Crayon Marks Easily
If your kids have shown some creativity with the crayons on your walls, expired toothpaste can help remove those pesky marks quickly and easily.
Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the affected area and rub gently with a piece of the sponge until the mark disappears.
And you are done!
2. Unclog Your Drains
Over time, the drains in our kitchen and bathroom can get clogged with all sorts of gunk and grime.
If you find yourself with a slow-running or clogged drain, try pouring a cup of expired toothpaste down it and following up with hot water.
The minty freshness will help clear away any build-up and have your drain running like new again in no time.
3. Make Your Silver Shine
If your silver jewelry or flatware has lost its luster, you can quickly bring back the shine with expired toothpaste by applying a small amount to a soft cloth and rubbing the piece gently until it gleams.
Make sure you do not use toothpaste on gold or diamonds as it will damage the finish.
4. Clean Your Shoes
Whether they’re your favorite sneakers or your dress shoes, toothpaste can help get them looking clean and new again.
Simply apply a bit of paste to a cloth and rub it into the fabric in circular motions.
Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then wipe it away with a damp cloth – your shoes will be good as new!
5. Get Rid of Carpet Stains
Expired toothpaste can also work wonders on carpet stains.
Just apply it directly to the grime and stain of the paints, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe off with a clean cloth.
Repeat as necessary until the paint stain is gone.
6. Freshen Up the Garbage Disposal
If the garbage you need to dispose of has started smelling ripe, expired toothpaste can help freshen it up.
Just turn on the disposal and drop a dollop of toothpaste down the drain.
The minty freshness of the gel paste will neutralize any foul odors and leave your kitchen smelling great.
7. Clean Your Keyboard
Your keyboard and piano keys collect all sorts of dirt and grime over time, which can lead to it getting pretty grimy.
To clean it, simply unplug your keyboard and give it a good going-over with a damp cloth dipped in expired toothpaste.
Rub gently until all the dirt and grime are gone, then clean it with clean water and dry thoroughly.
8. Get Rid of Soap Scum
Soap scum can be a pain to remove, but expired toothpaste can help get rid of it quickly and easily.
Apply a small amount to the affected area and scrub away with a sponge or brush.
The abrasive action of the toothpaste will help loosen and remove any soap scum build-up.
9. Clean Your Eyeglasses
If your glasses are looking a bit dingy, you can clean them up with expired toothpaste.
Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub gently in circular motions. Be sure to rinse them well with water afterward to remove any residue.
10. Polish Bathroom Fixtures
Toilet bowls and bathtubs can all benefit from a good polish with some expired toothpaste.
Also, you can try it to shine the stainless steel faucets, showers, and other fittings.
All you need is to apply a small amount to a damp cloth and rub gently in circular motions until you see the desired results.
11. Make Your Houseplants Grow
If you want your houseplants to thrive, give them a little boost with some expired toothpaste.
The fluoride in the toothpaste will help them grow faster and stronger.
Just add a dollop to each plant’s potting soil once a month and water as usual.
12. Clean Your Painted Sinks
Your painted bathroom and kitchen sinks can get pretty grimy over time.
To clean them, just apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth and scrub away.
The plunging action of the gel paste will help remove any built-up grime and leave your sinks shining like new.
13. Unstick a Zipper
If you’ve ever had a zipper get stuck, you know how frustrating it can be. The next time this happens, reach for the toothpaste!
Just apply a small amount to the teeth of the zipper and work it back and forth until it comes unstuck.
14. Clean a Curling Iron or Hair Straightener
If your curling iron or hair straightener is looking a bit gunky, you can clean it up with some expired toothpaste.
Apply a bit to a damp cloth and rub away.
The paste’s abrasive qualities will help remove any product buildup from your styling equipment and make them seem new.
15. Polish Copper Pots in the Kitchen
Your old copper pots can get a quick shine with some expired toothpaste.
You only need to apply a small amount of paste to a soft cloth or an abrasive sponge pad and rub it in circular motions.
You’ll be surprised at how quickly the toothpaste removes any tarnish or discoloration on pots to give them a newer look.
16. Get Rid of Scuffs on Floors
If your old painted/stained floors are looking a bit scuffed, use toothpaste to help get rid of them.
The abrasive action of the toothpaste will help remove any scuff marks quickly and easily even when applied in very small quantities.
Once you apply the paste to the affected surface, scrub away with a brush or sponge.
17. Make Your Cell Phone Screen Sparkle
If your cell phone screen is looking a bit dull, you can use toothpaste to clean it and make it shine.
Try applying a small amount to a soft cloth and rub slightly in small circular motions.
Be sure to wipe the screen well with dampened soft cloth afterward to remove any residue.
18. Clean Your Car’s Headlights
Toothpaste that has gone old, can also be used to clean your car’s headlights.
Apply a small amount to a sponge pad and rub in circular motions.
The toothpaste will help remove any grime or dirt that has built up on the headlights, making them shine like new.
19. Soothe Insect Bites
If you ever got stung or bitten by an insect such as a bullet ant, you already know what it feels like.
The next time you happen to get into that experience, don’t feel that pain; reach for the toothpaste!
Even applying only a tiny amount of expired toothpaste to the affected area can help soothe the pain and irritation.
20. Soothe Sunburned Skin
If you were out in the sun for too long – and have sunburned – don’t worry and try your gel toothpaste!
Applying some toothpaste to the affected area can help to soothe the pain and discomfort.
Related FAQs
What is toothpaste made of?
Most toothpaste found on the market contains fluoride, which helps to prevent cavities by strengthening the enamel on your teeth.
Other ingredients in toothpaste may include abrasives to help remove plaque and tartar, as well as detergents to create a foamy texture.
Some brands of toothpaste also contain whiteners to help remove stains from your teeth which is why you can also use them to clean your household stuff.
How do you know if toothpaste is expired?
Toothpaste will typically have a shelf life of two to three years.
However, if you see that the toothpaste has changed colors or consistency, it is probably time to toss it out and get a new one.
Alternatively, you can use it for various other purposes as long as it’s still effective.
What happens if you use expired toothpaste for cleaning your teeth?
If you use expired toothpaste to brush your teeth, it probably won’t be harmful.
However, those expired toothpaste tubes may not be as effective in preventing cavities or removing plaque and tartar.
It’s good to check the expiration date on the tube before using it.
The Bottom Line
While toothpaste is most commonly used for cleaning teeth, it can actually be used for a variety of other purposes around the home.
From polishing copper to soothing insect bites, there are many ways that you can use this versatile product.
So, the next time you find a tube of expired toothpaste sitting in your bathroom, don’t throw it out!
You always have an option to put it to good use – around your home.
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