The medicine cabinet is the obvious place to look when it comes to health and beauty. But I never realized just how useful its contents could be for a whole laundry list of other purposes.
Just as there are quite a few alternative uses for Listerine, a simple tube of toothpaste can actually make life easier and better as well.
There are so many surprising uses for toothpaste that I never knew about — from battling acne, to fighting bruises, to removing cell phone scratches. I can't believe I've only been using this extremely versatile product on my teeth!
Scroll through this exclusive list below for a glimpse at the many unexpected ways toothpaste can be used to improve your health and home life. I will definitely be giving them a try!
Which of these alternative toothpaste uses do you swear by? What other ways have you used toothpaste for health and home hacks? Let us know in the comments.
Toothpaste, Really?
The ingredients in toothpaste make it dangerous to swallow in significant amounts. This is why we spit it out after brushing our teeth.
But these harsher, germ-fighting elements can actually be helpful in a surprising number of ways — from battling acne bacteria to removing carpet stains.
Keep scrolling to see exactly how this incredible substance can make your life a whole lot easier!
Use #1: Fight Skunk Smells
For those who are unfortunate enough to be sprayed by a skunk, getting rid of the smell immediately is of the highest priority.
Simply wet the area and rub toothpaste all over it. Allow the toothpaste to work its magic before washing it off.
Hafapea writes, "The fluoride will soak up a majority of the stench."
Use #2: Battle Bruises
This home remedy might sound bizarre, but many swear by it as a method for reducing the appearance of bruises.
According to Homeremediesorg.com, "Toothpaste is one of the home remedies for bruises that make the discoloration and swelling disappear faster. Toothpaste also calms inflammation."
Simply mix toothpaste with lotion and apply it to the bruise before bed. Cover it with gauze or an ACE bandage, and wash off the mixture in the morning.
Use #3: Clean Carpets
For minor to moderate carpet stains, the Coupon Sherpa recommends using a little bit of toothpaste.
Just scrub the stain using toothpaste and a toothbrush before rinsing. Repeating this a couple times should do the trick!
Use #4: Eliminate Hair Dye Stains
This strange-sounding use is reportedly quite effective in getting rid of residual hair dye stains.
The experts at Hair Boutique write that toothpaste works "because it contains just enough abrasive ingredients to safely remove the stain without any harm to sensitive skin."
Use #5: Strengthen Nails
For those who suffer from brittle or unsightly nails, a little bit of toothpaste can do the trick.
According to Lifehack.org, "Giving your nails a little exfoliating with a toothbrush and toothpaste will strengthen them and make them shine."
Use #6: Remove Cell Phone Scratches
While toothpaste in the wrong places could do damage to your phone, a little bit on the screen is reported to take care of minor scratching.
Business Insider writes, "Rub the toothpaste in soft, circular motions over the scratch until it disappears."
Then, just wipe away the toothpaste!
Use #7: Fight Acne
People have rubbed a lot of strange things on their faces to battle acne, but one of the more successful substances is toothpaste.
Home Remedies For Life goes into just how successful it can be, saying, "It dries out pimples and draws impurities out of the pores and reduces the pimple's size.
"Toothpaste contains small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which is antibacterial and kills the bacteria that cause acne."
Use #8: Get Crayon Off Walls
For those with kids around the house who may enjoy showing off their art skills in all the wrong places, make sure to keep toothpaste nearby.
The Alternative Daily recommends rubbing a small amount on the area before wiping it with a damp cloth.
They also suggest testing it on a small area first "in case your paint is not able to tolerate mild abrasives."
Use 9: Stop Stinky Containers
For particularly smelly food containers, try using toothpaste instead of regular dish soap.
According to Today.com, "Toothpaste was made to eliminate stinky food odors, and it can do the same for baby bottles, thermoses, and other containers that have gone ripe."
Use #10: Polish Chrome
Last, but certainly not least, toothpaste can be used to make your home absolutely shine.
Lifehack.org writes, "Whether it's chrome taps, towel racks, or even chrome on a motorbike, you want them to be shiny, not dull.
"Rub a little toothpaste into it, and you'll see your reflection in no time."
These surprising uses of toothpaste may seem bizarre, but they can make life a whole lot easier.
Which of these creative ideas for toothpaste do you swear by? Do you have any other toothpaste suggestions? Let us know in the comments.
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