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12 wild toothpaste hacks nobody believes

1. Remove Car Scratches with Toothpaste
Minor scratches on your car's surface can be an eyesore, but toothpaste can help buff them out. Use a non-gel, white toothpaste and a soft cloth to tackle the problem. Apply a small amount of toothpaste—about the size of a pea—onto the cloth and gently rub it onto the scratch in a circular motion. Continue for about 30 seconds to a minute.
After buffing, wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue and then dry it with another clean cloth. The mild abrasives in toothpaste help smooth out the scratch, making it less visible. This hack is best for superficial scratches and scuffs and may not be effective for deeper damage.
2. Soothe Bug Bite Itches Instantly
Bug bites can be incredibly itchy and annoying, but a dab of toothpaste can provide quick relief. Apply a small amount of toothpaste directly onto the bite and let it sit. The menthol in the toothpaste creates a cooling sensation that can help reduce itching and swelling.
Leave the toothpaste on for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. This hack works well for mosquito bites and other minor insect stings, providing temporary relief without the need for specialized creams.
3. Polish Your Jewelry to a Shine
If your silver jewelry has lost its luster, toothpaste can help restore its shine. Use a non-gel, white toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the jewelry. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush and work it into the jewelry using gentle, circular motions.
After polishing for a few minutes, rinse the jewelry thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. The mild abrasives in toothpaste help remove tarnish and grime, leaving your jewelry sparkling clean. This method is best suited for silver and gold pieces without gemstones.
4. Defog Cloudy Headlights for Better Visibility
Cloudy headlights can reduce visibility and make nighttime driving hazardous. Toothpaste can help clear up the haze and improve your safety on the road. Apply a generous amount of toothpaste to a clean cloth and rub it onto the headlight in circular motions.
Continue buffing for a few minutes, ensuring you cover the entire surface. Rinse the headlights with warm water and dry them with another clean cloth. The abrasive properties of toothpaste help remove the oxidation that causes cloudiness, restoring clarity to your headlights.
5. Clean Your Sneakers with Ease
Dirty sneakers can be quickly cleaned with toothpaste, making them look almost new again. For this hack, you'll need a non-gel, white toothpaste and an old toothbrush. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush and scrub the dirty spots on your sneakers.
Focus on the rubber soles and any fabric areas that need attention. Once you’ve scrubbed the dirt away, wipe off the excess toothpaste with a damp cloth and let your sneakers air dry. This method is particularly effective for white sneakers, as toothpaste helps brighten and lift stains.
6. Treat Pimples Overnight
Toothpaste can be an emergency treatment for pesky pimples that pop up unexpectedly. The drying effect of toothpaste helps reduce the size of the pimple overnight. Before going to bed, apply a small dot of toothpaste directly onto the pimple and leave it on while you sleep.
In the morning, wash your face with warm water to remove the toothpaste. This hack should be used sparingly, as toothpaste can be harsh on the skin and may cause irritation if used too frequently. Always patch test on a small area first to ensure your skin can tolerate it.
7. Shine Bathroom Fixtures Effortlessly
Toothpaste is excellent for bringing back the shine to bathroom fixtures like faucets and showerheads. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth and rub it onto the fixture. Use circular motions to polish the surface.
Once you’re satisfied with the shine, rinse the fixture with water and buff it dry with a clean, dry cloth. The mild abrasives in toothpaste help remove water spots and soap scum, leaving your fixtures gleaming.
8. Deodorize Stinky Hands
Garlic, onions, and fish can leave unpleasant odors on your hands. Toothpaste can neutralize these smells quickly. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto your palms and rub your hands together as if you were washing them.
Rinse thoroughly with water to remove the toothpaste and the odor. The deodorizing properties of toothpaste effectively eliminate strong smells, leaving your hands fresh and clean.
9. Remove Water Rings from Furniture
Water rings on wooden furniture can be a real nuisance, but toothpaste offers an easy solution. Apply a small dab of non-gel, white toothpaste to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the water ring in a circular motion.
Continue rubbing for a few minutes, then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Dry the furniture with a clean cloth. The abrasives in toothpaste help lift the moisture causing the ring without damaging the wood finish.
10. Clean Crayon Marks from Walls
Crayon marks on walls can be tricky to clean without damaging the paint. Toothpaste can help remove these marks gently. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth or sponge and gently scrub the crayon marks.
Once the marks are gone, wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any toothpaste residue. The abrasives in toothpaste help lift crayon wax without harming the paint, making it a safe option for cleaning up after creative kids.
11. Freshen Up Smelly Shoes
Toothpaste can help eliminate odors from shoes, leaving them smelling fresh. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth and rub it inside the shoe, focusing on areas that tend to hold odor.
Let the toothpaste sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean, damp cloth. This hack works well for athletic shoes and other footwear that can develop unpleasant smells over time.
12. Restore CDs and DVDs
Scratched CDs and DVDs can skip or become unreadable, but toothpaste can help repair minor scratches. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the scratched surface in straight lines from the center of the disc outward.