Want to save on window cleaning products and utilise a product you already own instead? Then you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll take a look at whether or not you can use toothpaste to clean windows and glass surfaces like mirrors and shower doors.
We’ll also highlight some other household uses for toothpaste that may prove helpful.
Read on to learn more about this versatile cleaner and hopefully, save some pennies on its alternatives!
Can Toothpaste Be Used for Household Cleaning?
In the same way that toothpaste cleans your teeth, it can also be used to clean various surfaces in your home.
This is due to its mild abrasive ingredients such as calcium carbonate, hydrated silica and even bicarbonate of soda.
Whitening toothpaste formulas with sodium hydroxide (or similar) are also a great way to achieve maximum gleam.
Many toothpastes are antimicrobial too—great for removing any lurking bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals.
Plus, they’ll leave the areas you’ve cleaned smelling minty fresh!
Should You Use Toothpaste to Clean Windows?
Wondering if you can you use toothpaste to clean windows? The answer is yes!
Toothpaste is suitable for all kinds of glass surfaces like windows, shower doors and mirrors.
Just be sure to use a white, non-gel formula like Colgate’s Total Original or Deep Cleaning Whitening Toothpaste with Baking Soda, as dyes can stain and gels aren’t very effective.
Similarly, you should avoid pastes with microbeads that could scratch the glass. You should also clean any debris off the window before you apply the toothpaste for the same reason.
How to Clean Windows with Toothpaste
If you live in a hard water area and condensation leaves unattractive white water marks on your windows, toothpaste is a great solution!
The fine particles in the paste will work to break down the mineral residue left over from the water droplets.
All you need to do is:
- Wipe the window down with a cloth to remove any dirt and dry with a paper towel.
- Add a small amount of toothpaste to a clean, damp cloth (roughly the same amount you’d use to clean your teeth – you can always add more later if needed).
- Apply the paste to the affected spots using circular motions for around 30 seconds, being careful not to press too hard, but firmly enough to break down the limescale.
- Next, wipe off the excess with a wet, lint-free cloth (or a steam cleaner if preferred).
- Finally, use a squeegee to remove any streaks and ensure a crystal-clear view.
You can also use this method to clean water stains and soap scum off shower doors. Find out more about removing limescale from glass, tiles, sinks and toilets on our blog.
Tip: if the paste feels too dry to work into the glass or it’s smearing rather than foaming, try adding a bit more water to the cloth to help it lather.
Working in direct sunlight can also dry out the paste quickly, so choose a different time of day if possible.
Does Toothpaste Remove Scratches from Glass?
While it can’t rectify deep grooves, toothpaste is one of the most effective methods for polishing out small, fine scratches from glass surfaces.
This is thanks to their slightly gritty texture, which gently sands a thin layer off the surface to even out the glass and remove the scratch.
So, whether you’ve got a mark on your window or your phone screen, simply follow the method above and repeat as necessary until the scratch is no longer visible.
What Else Can You Clean with Toothpaste?
Of course, this everyday household product’s many talents don’t end there. In fact, toothpaste can be used to clean a whole host of things including:
- Metal fixtures and fittings (e.g., taps and door handles)
- Kitchen and bathroom countertops
- Crayon and permanent marker from painted walls
- The white rubber trim on trainers
- Jewellery that’s lost its shine
- Plus, much more!
How to Stop Windows Fogging Up Using Toothpaste
On top of this, you can also use toothpaste to prevent windows and mirrors from fogging up.
From your bathroom to your car, the following method will help you create an invisible, yet highly effective barrier between the glass and any moisture to ensure fog-free surfaces:
- Clean the window down to remove any dirt and dry it off (as above).
- Spread an even layer of toothpaste onto the window using a damp cloth.
- Next, wipe the toothpaste away with some paper towel or a lint-free cloth.
Although the toothpaste will no longer be visible to the naked eye, a very thin layer of leftover residue will stop the glass from steaming up in cold weather or when you shower!
If you enjoyed this clever, money-saving hack, you can find more just like it on our dedicated cleaning blog! From 17 uses for denture cleaning tablets to our top tips for how to clean the plastic strip on your shower door, we’ll help make your household chores that much easier!
A proud Yorkshire lass with a love for movies, music and cosy nights in! Once a self-confessed avoider of cleaning, she’s always on the lookout for new ways to make household chores as quick and simple as possible.
