13 Things in Your Home You Can Easily Clean With Toothpaste

I’ve always thought toothpaste was just for your morning routine—brush, rinse, repeat. But over the years, I’ve discovered that this everyday tube of minty paste can do way more than clean your teeth. From scuffed sneakers to tarnished silver, toothpaste has quietly been pulling double duty in homes everywhere. And here’s the thing: most cleaning guides stop at the obvious stuff, leaving a lot of surprisingly practical hacks unexplored.

In this article, I want to walk you through 13 everyday items you probably never imagined could sparkle with a little toothpaste. I’ll explain why it works, how to do it safely, and share some tips that even seasoned DIYers tend to overlook. By the end, you’ll see your toothpaste in a whole new light—and maybe even save a little money while you’re at it.

So, if you’re ready to see your sneakers, kitchen gadgets, and even tech items get a fresh glow without buying special cleaners, let’s dive in. And don’t forget—some of these hacks are the kind of tricks your friends will think you hired a professional for.

1. White Sneakers

I’ll be honest—white sneakers are my weakness. No matter how careful I am, they somehow pick up scuffs, dirt, and grimy soles within days. That’s where toothpaste comes in as a secret hero. I grab a soft cloth or an old toothbrush, apply a bit of plain white toothpaste, and gently scrub those marks away. The result? Sneakers that look almost brand-new without spending a dime on special cleaners.

Here’s how I usually do it:

• Apply a small amount of white toothpaste directly onto the scuff or dirty area.
• Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to scrub in small circular motions.
• Wipe off the residue with a damp cloth.
• Let the sneakers air dry—don’t rush it with heat, or you’ll risk yellowing.

It’s simple, fast, and honestly a little satisfying to see those stubborn scuffs vanish. Once you try this trick, you’ll start looking at your worn-out soles with new hope.

2. Jewelry & Silver Pieces

I never thought I’d be polishing my silver jewelry with toothpaste, but it works surprisingly well. Over time, rings, bracelets, and even small silver trinkets pick up tarnish that dulls their shine. Toothpaste is mildly abrasive enough to clean the metal but gentle enough not to damage it—just remember, I avoid gemstones like pearls or opals, which are too soft and can scratch easily.

My simple routine:

• Put a pea-sized amount of white toothpaste on a soft cloth.
• Rub gently over the tarnished areas.
• Rinse under lukewarm water and dry with a soft towel.

This trick has saved me from buying expensive silver polish—and it’s always fun to see that “just out of the box” gleam return. For a few more practical household uses of toothpaste, you can check out Southern Living’s guide on cleaning hacks.

3. Chrome & Metal Fixtures

Faucets, showerheads, and kitchen sinks always look dull if water stains or soap scum settle in. I’ve tried plenty of store-bought cleaners, but toothpaste often does the trick faster and without any harsh chemicals.

Here’s my go-to approach:

• Apply a small dab of white toothpaste directly on the faucet or handle.
• Use a damp cloth to rub in gentle circles.
• Wipe clean with a second damp cloth and buff dry with a microfiber towel.

Why I love this hack:

• Removes water stains instantly.
• Leaves a subtle shine that lasts longer than liquid cleaners.
• No strong chemical smell, which is perfect for quick touch-ups.

If you’re like me and hate seeing dull fixtures in photos or during guests’ visits, this tip is a game-changer. For stubborn metal fixtures or squeaky hinges that toothpaste alone can’t fix, I’ve also explored unexpected spots around the home where WD-40 works wonders.

4. Grout Between Tiles

Grout has a way of looking old and grimy even after you mop or wipe the floors. I’ve spent hours scrubbing with bleach and harsh cleaners, only to see minimal results. Toothpaste, on the other hand, gives a gentle yet noticeable lift.

My method:

• Apply toothpaste directly on grout lines using an old toothbrush.
• Scrub with small, firm circular motions.
• Wipe away residue with a damp cloth.

Extra tip:

• For stubborn stains, let the toothpaste sit for 5–10 minutes before scrubbing.
• You can also mix a bit of baking soda with the toothpaste for an extra cleaning boost.

This hack is inexpensive, effective, and something I always recommend to friends who hate the chemical smell of traditional grout cleaners.

5. Coffee & Tea Stained Mugs

If you’re like me and have a mug collection that sees daily coffee or tea, you know those stubborn brown rings are impossible to ignore. Toothpaste makes it almost fun to tackle them.

How I do it:

• Apply a small amount of white toothpaste on the stained areas.
• Use a sponge or soft cloth to rub gently.
• Rinse thoroughly under warm water.

Why it works:

• The mild abrasives lift stains without scratching the ceramic.
• No need for harsh chemicals, which is perfect for mugs I use every day.
• Even old stains from the back of my cupboard come off after a few minutes of gentle scrubbing.

Once you try this, your mugs will look fresh enough to make you excited for your morning coffee again.

6. Cutting Boards & Containers

I’ve learned the hard way that even after scrubbing, cutting boards can hold stubborn stains and lingering smells from garlic or onions. Toothpaste is my secret weapon here—it’s gentle enough to protect the surface but abrasive enough to lift discoloration.

How I do it:

• Apply a small amount of white toothpaste on the stained area.
• Scrub gently with a damp sponge or soft brush.
• Rinse thoroughly under warm water.
• Dry completely to prevent moisture buildup.

Not only does this remove stains, but it also neutralizes odors, making your boards and containers feel fresh again. For more clever household uses of toothpaste, check out Real Simple’s guide on toothpaste cleaning hacks. If you’re dealing with stubborn kitchen messes or want to keep pests away while cleaning, these genius vinegar hacks to say goodbye to flies are worth checking out.

7. Foggy Car Headlights

Foggy headlights aren’t just annoying—they reduce visibility while driving. I never expected toothpaste to be a car solution, but trying it on my old sedan was a revelation.

Here’s my routine:

• Clean the headlight with soap and water first.
• Apply a thin layer of white toothpaste on the foggy lens.
• Rub in circular motions with a soft cloth for a few minutes.
• Rinse and buff dry.

The mild abrasives polish the plastic, restoring clarity without expensive kits. It’s a quick DIY trick that makes your car look cared for, and honestly, it feels like a mini upgrade.

8. Glass Shower Doors & Mirrors

Shower doors and mirrors often get streaked with hard water marks. Toothpaste is a surprisingly effective fix, chemical-free, and fast.

My method:

• Apply a small amount of white toothpaste to a damp cloth.
• Rub gently over spots in circular motions.
• Rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

The abrasives remove mineral deposits and even lighten older soap scum. Plus, it prevents new spots from forming quickly—so your bathroom looks cleaner, longer.

9. Scuffed Leather (Furniture, Bags, Jackets)

Leather is tricky—too much water or harsh chemicals can ruin it. Toothpaste, however, gently restores scuffs without damage.

How I do it:

• Apply a pea-sized amount of white toothpaste on a soft cloth.
• Rub over scuffed areas in circular motions.
• Wipe off with a damp cloth and let it air dry.

This hack has saved some of my favorite jackets and bags from looking worn-out. A little toothpaste goes a long way in bringing back that polished, cared-for look.

10. Piano Keys & Plastic Surfaces

Here’s one that surprises most people: toothpaste works on certain plastics, like piano keys and everyday gadgets. I tried it on my old keyboard, and the keys looked almost new again.

Steps I follow:

• Use a tiny amount of white toothpaste on a soft cloth.
• Rub each key individually in gentle circular motions.
• Wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove residue.

It’s perfect for items you handle every day but rarely clean, giving a satisfying “before and after” moment that makes all the effort feel worth it.

11. Refrigerator Seals & Hard-to-Reach Spots

Cleaning the grooves of refrigerator doors has always been a pain, but toothpaste makes it surprisingly easy. I’ve used it to remove grime and prevent lingering odors.

My approach:

• Apply a small amount of toothpaste on an old toothbrush.
• Scrub seals and corners gently.
• Wipe with a damp cloth to remove residue.
• Let it dry before closing the door.

This is often missed by typical cleaning guides but makes a huge difference in freshness. I especially use this trick before hosting guests so that no one notices hidden messes.

12. Laptop/Keyboard Grime

I never realized how much gunk accumulates on my keyboard until I gave it a close look. Dust, crumbs, and finger oils build up in the cracks, and wiping it with a dry cloth doesn’t do the trick. Toothpaste is surprisingly effective for tech cleaning—as long as you’re careful.

Here’s how I do it safely:

• Apply a tiny amount of white toothpaste on a soft microfiber cloth.
• Gently rub the tops of the keys or plastic surfaces.
• Use a cotton swab dipped in a little water to clean between keys.
• Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth and let it dry completely before plugging it back in.

This method saves me from buying expensive keyboard cleaning kits, and it leaves my laptop feeling refreshed. For more unusual toothpaste cleaning hacks, check out Dental Sky’s guide on creative uses for toothpaste.

13. Small Jewelry, Watches, & Trinkets

The little things often get neglected. Rings, watches, and tiny trinkets accumulate dirt and lose their shine quickly. Toothpaste can bring them back to life—but I always emphasize caution with delicate materials.

How I handle these items:

• Apply a small amount of white toothpaste to a soft cloth or a very soft brush.
• Rub gently over the metal surfaces, avoiding any stones that could scratch.
• Rinse under lukewarm water and dry carefully with a soft towel.

It’s a small effort for a big payoff: pieces that look cared-for, polished, and ready to wear again.

How Toothpaste Cleans These Items (Mechanism + Safety)

Mild Abrasives & Surfactants Explained

I always like to explain why these hacks actually work. Toothpaste contains mild abrasives and surfactants:

• Abrasives help remove surface stains without scratching hard surfaces.
• Surfactants lift grease, dirt, and residue, making cleaning easier.

Understanding this makes you confident to try these hacks without worrying you’re “just scrubbing blindly.”

Safety Tips — When Not to Use Toothpaste

Not everything can safely meet a toothbrush or toothpaste:

• Avoid soft gemstones (pearls, opals) and delicate metals.
• Don’t use on screens with protective coatings or soft plastics that can scratch.
• Test in a hidden spot if you’re unsure.

These simple precautions prevent accidents and set your guide apart from generic “toothpaste hacks” lists.

Quick Step-by-Step Toothpaste Cleaning Method

Here’s a reusable framework I follow for almost all these items:

1. Apply: Dab a small amount of plain white toothpaste on a soft cloth, brush, or sponge.
2. Rub Gently: Use circular motions over stains, scuffs, or grime.
3. Check Progress: Wipe occasionally to see results and avoid over-scrubbing.
4. Rinse: Remove residue with a damp cloth or lukewarm water.
5. Dry: Let the surface air dry or use a microfiber towel to finish.

This method keeps things simple, consistent, and effective—whether you’re tackling sneakers, kitchen items, or gadgets. Once you’ve tried these toothpaste hacks, you might also enjoy some of my favorite vinegar and baking soda cleaning tricks that make tackling everyday messes even easier.

Wrapping It Up

I’ve shared 13 everyday items that get a surprising second life with just a bit of toothpaste. From your sneakers to silver jewelry, kitchen tools to tech gadgets, these hacks are small, simple, and cost-effective—but they make a noticeable difference in your home and daily life.

The best part? You don’t need expensive cleaners or complicated products—just a little toothpaste, a soft cloth or brush, and a few minutes of care. And now that you know the tricks, you can keep your favorite things looking fresh, polished, and “like new” without extra effort.

I’d love to hear from you: have you tried any of these toothpaste hacks, or do you have a unique trick of your own? Drop your experiences in the comments—I read every single one. And if you want more practical tips for restoring and maintaining your belongings, check out Build Like New, where we focus on helping everyday items look their best again.

Disclaimer: These tips are meant for general household use. Always test toothpaste on a small, hidden area first, and avoid using it on delicate surfaces, soft gemstones, or items with special coatings. Use at your own discretion.