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The Secret Life of Toothpaste

by on Jan 12, 2007

Any gal with a diamond knows that a toothbrush and a little toothpaste will make that rock twinkle. But toothpaste has other more lowly pursuits than putting the spark in your bling.

Cast Iron Sinks

Toothpaste will remove pot marks from cast iron (and vitreous glass) sinks and it’s a cheap alternative to more expensive cleaners. My Pepsodent (the lowest-priced I could find at the store) is a fraction of the cost of Kohler’s fancy Cast Iron Kitchen Sink Cleaner. Kohler’s product prices out at about 78 cents an ounce, whereas my Pepsodent cost about 17 cents an ounce.

It shows sink whole.The drain of a sink is shown.

Metal

Toothpaste polishes silver, chrome and copper and cleans stainless steal remarkably well without the toxic smell of metal cleaners. Mmm. Minty fresh!

Antique metal spoon with tarnished surface.A shiny spoon sits on the floor.

For intricately-patterned silverware, it’s best to use an old toothbrush to get into the crevasses. Also, keep in mind toothpaste will shine up your silver jewelry as well.

Tile and Vinyl

Toothpaste will also remove stubborn marks, even tar, from tile and vinyl floors.

Further Instructions

I’ve only used toothPASTE for cleaning, not gels, but if that’s all you have in the house, give it a try. It might work. Other than that…fluoridated, wintergreen, peppermint, any “flavor” will do. And use it straight; there’s no need to dampen your cloth or toothbrush.

Cautionary Note: Do NOT use toothpaste to clean marks off painted surfaces, plastic or wood.

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