Toothpaste isn’t just for brushing your teeth—there are a surprising number of creative ways to use it when you’re in a pinch. We’ve gathered a few clever alternatives to help you out when conventional products aren’t available.
In situations where you can’t access your usual go-to items, common household products can sometimes step in, and toothpaste is one of the more versatile options. While it’s not the most economical or ideal long-term substitute, it can be a practical stand-in when time or supplies are limited.
Of course, for ongoing use, it’s best to stick with products specifically designed for the task—whether that’s cleaning, deodorizing, or polishing. Toothpaste tends to be more expensive and isn’t formulated for general household chores. But if you’ve run out of dish soap, air freshener, or something similar, and need a quick fix, grabbing a tube of toothpaste can do the trick.
Toothpaste might not be the first thing that comes to mind when tackling home improvement tasks, but it can be surprisingly helpful—especially when hanging photos or artwork. If you’re unsure where to place a nail or screw, try this trick: dab a bit of toothpaste onto the picture hanger, then press the frame against the wall where you want it to go. When you remove the frame, the toothpaste will leave a clear mark showing exactly where to insert the nail. Simple, clean, and no measuring tape required!
After multiple trips to the hardware store, discovering a small hole in the wall with no filler left can be frustrating. But don’t worry—you might already have a temporary solution in your bathroom. A bit of toothpaste can serve as a quick patch in a pinch. Just squeeze some into the hole and smooth it out with your finger or a flat edge. If you’re renting, try to match the toothpaste to your wall color as closely as possible. Planning to paint over it later? Then the color match isn’t much of a concern.
Over time, baby bottles can develop an unpleasant sour milk odor that’s tough to eliminate. If regular cleaning isn’t doing the trick, toothpaste might just be the unexpected solution you need. Mixing a small amount of toothpaste with water and giving the bottle a thorough scrub can help neutralize lingering smells and leave it smelling fresher.
Toothpaste can also come to the rescue when your Tupperware starts to smell less than fresh. Like baby bottles, food containers that get frequent use often absorb lingering odors over time. A quick scrub with a small amount of toothpaste can help eliminate those unpleasant smells. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward to remove any residue. To keep odors from returning, store your containers with the lids off when they’re not in use.
If you’re out of car air fresheners but enjoy the fresh, minty scent of your toothpaste, it can serve as a temporary stand-in. Simply dab a bit of toothpaste onto a paper towel and leave it inside your vehicle. Over time, the refreshing aroma will subtly spread throughout the car. While it won’t match the strength or longevity of a real air freshener, it’s a handy short-term fix until you can grab a replacement.
Getting your outdoor plastic furniture guest-ready? Toothpaste mixed with a bit of water can help remove surface stains and freshen up the look in a hurry. This quick cleaning method is great for small touch-ups when you’re short on time and supplies. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option for cleaning multiple pieces or heavily stained items, it’s a handy solution when you need your furniture looking presentable fast.
Wristwatch faces often pick up scratches with everyday use, and while specialty polish is ideal for restoring their shine, toothpaste can be a solid backup when you’re in a bind. Gently rubbing a small amount of non-gel toothpaste onto the watch face with a soft cloth can help buff out minor scuffs until you’re able to get proper polish.
Ironically, the same toothpaste that leaves marks around your bathroom sink can also be used to clean them up. Apply a small amount directly to the stained areas and scrub with a damp cloth or sponge. With a bit of effort and a thorough rinse, your sink will be sparkling clean in no time.
