Things We Never Knew We Could Do With Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a ubiquitous household dental hygiene product that, ideally, everyone incorporates into their daily routine. This humble tube of paste can prove to be an unexpected hero in various scenarios, from tackling home improvement projects like filling small nail holes to remedying some common household predicaments such as cleaning stains on furniture or shining silverware.

So, it's time to broaden your perspective and explore the myriad unconventional uses for toothpaste that often remain hidden from the common knowledge. Embracing these inventive applications can not only make your daily life more efficient but also reveal the true multi-purpose potential of this familiar product. Whether you're striving for a gleaming smile or seeking innovative solutions around the house, toothpaste is a surprisingly handy ally.

Make Those Old Sneakers Look Like New!

Using toothpaste to clean shoes
Pinterest/Of Life & Lisa
Pinterest/Of Life & Lisa

Unfortunately, shoes get dirty, and there's really not anything you can do to prevent it. Especially if they have white soles, it's only a matter of time before they start getting dirty the more you wear them. Luckily, toothpaste can be used to not only clean off scuffs and dirt but brighten the sole of the show.

All you have to do is apply some toothpaste onto an old toothbrush and scrub the sole to loosen the dirt. Then, wipe the toothpaste away with a damp cloth to see the noticeable difference!

ADVERTISEMENT

Brighten Your Fingernails!

ADVERTISEMENT
Woman putting toothpaste on her fingernails
Pinterest/Sara
Pinterest/Sara
ADVERTISEMENT

Sometimes, our fingernails aren't always looking their best. They're constantly being used, which can lead them to become slightly discolored. Nobody wants their hands to look dirty, although fingernails aren't always the easiest thing to clean without professional help.

ADVERTISEMENT

Well, if your fingernails happen to look a little discolored, reach for some whitening toothpaste! Apply a dab onto the fingernail and rub it in using a nail or toothbrush. Was your hands and repeat the process until satisfied.

ADVERTISEMENT

Shine Your Silver!

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Toothpaste on silver
Pinterest/wikiHow
Pinterest/wikiHow
ADVERTISEMENT

Unless you always keep your silver jewelry or other items locked away, they're going to get dirty over time and lose their shine. Instead of going and spending money to have your silver items buffed by a jeweler, toothpaste can get the job done as well.

ADVERTISEMENT

Toothpaste acts as a non-toxic cleaning agent for silver and leaves it smelling minty and fresh. Put a little dab on the item and polish until desired shine.

ADVERTISEMENT

Keep Your Mugs Spotless

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Cleaning mug with toothpaste
YouTube/ehowathomechannel
YouTube/ehowathomechannel
ADVERTISEMENT

Whether you drink coffee or tea out of a mug, over time, build-up can occur that will make your mug look like it's permanently dirty. Sometimes, soap or putting it in the dishwasher just isn't enough, and this is where toothpaste comes in.

ADVERTISEMENT

Add a generous amount of toothpaste into the cup and scrub vigorously with a damp cloth or toothbrush. Repeat the process until all the stains are gone and the mug looks good as new.

ADVERTISEMENT

Get The Most Out Of Your Headlights

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Toothpaste on headlights
Pinterest/eHow
Pinterest/eHow
ADVERTISEMENT

Something that most people find incredibly frustrating is when a cloudy film begins to build up on the plastic that covers your headlights. Not only does this decrease the amount of light your headlights produce making driving at night dangerous, but it isn't very attractive in the daylight either.

ADVERTISEMENT

So, before you go spending your time and money on expensive cleaning products reach for your toothpaste. Using either a toothbrush or rag, buff your headlights to clear away all of the grime. After you wash it off, buff one more time with a dry rag.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Fret Over

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Glass of spilled red wine
Pinterest/Zsinotin
Pinterest/Zsinotin
ADVERTISEMENT

Although many people enjoy a nice glass of red wine to go with dinner or unwind after a long day at work, it's certainly a dangerous beverage. If you end up spilling even just a drop on any type of fabric it can stain, and you'll be kicking yourself for being careless.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, after blotting the spill with a rag, you can apply toothpaste that will help get out as much of the stain as possible.

ADVERTISEMENT

De-Stress With Toothpaste

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Balloon and toothpaste
Pinterest/Paula Fowler
Pinterest/Paula Fowler
ADVERTISEMENT

If you've ever used a stress ball, you know that they can actually help when you need to take your frustration out on something. However, not everyone has a stress ball lying around, but you can make your own using toothpaste!

ADVERTISEMENT

Take a common balloon and secure it over the tip of a tube of toothpaste. Squeeze in the desired amount of toothpaste into the balloon, tying the top of the balloon when finished. Now, squeeze away all that stress!

ADVERTISEMENT

Thread A Needle With Ease!

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Man trying to thread a needle
H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images
H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Threading a needle can be an incredibly frustrating task, especially if you don't have a needle threader. Sometimes, it can even take minutes before you finally get it right! Well, by using just a little bit of toothpaste, it can make this daunting task that much easier.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rub the tips of your fingers with a little bit of the paste and roll the tip of the thread between your two fingers. This will help to catch any loose threads and stiffen the tip of the thread to make threading the needle that much easier.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Smell Like An Onion

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
handling onions with your hands
INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images
INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

While there are few things more delicious than the aroma of onions cooking with butter and garlic, the smell of raw onions on your hands, as a result, isn't always the greatest. Once you're done slicing or handling onions, you may have noticed that the smell lingers on your hands, even if you wash them vigorously with soap.

ADVERTISEMENT

You can put an end to this by washing your hands with toothpaste rather than soap. Not only will the pungent smell of onions be gone, but your hands will smell nice as well!

ADVERTISEMENT

Permanent Marker, Be Gone!

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Applying toothpaste to permanent marker
Pinterest/Household Tips
Pinterest/Household Tips
ADVERTISEMENT

A permanent marker can be a useful tool at times until you accidentally mark something you weren't supposed to or it gets in the hands of the wrong person, like children. As it turns out, permanent marker isn't all that permanent if you have some toothpaste lying around.

ADVERTISEMENT

Because most toothpaste brands contain mild abrasives to help remove the plaque from your teeth, it can also help remove permanent marker. Place a dab on the spot that was marked, scrub with a toothbrush, and watch it disappear!

ADVERTISEMENT

Hang A Frame Correctly Every Time

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Toothpaste on the back of a frame
Pinterest/The Family Handyman
Pinterest/The Family Handyman
ADVERTISEMENT

Although it doesn't seem hard, hanging a frame correctly the first time isn't always a guarantee, but it can be with the help of toothpaste. The trick is to place a dab of toothpaste to the hangar on the back of the frame.

ADVERTISEMENT

Next, push it against the wall where you intend to hang it. After the frame is pressed against the wall, the toothpaste will leave a mark. This is where the nail should go, so your frame is centered and where you want it.

ADVERTISEMENT

A Quick Fix For Nail Holes

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Putting toothpaste in a small hole
Pinterest/Kimberly Walker-Ramos
Pinterest/Kimberly Walker-Ramos
ADVERTISEMENT

Although this hack only really works if you have white walls, it's a quick way to get rid of pesky nail holes left in walls. While you could go through the hassle of going to the store and buying spackle and paint for such a small hole, toothpaste is really all you need.

ADVERTISEMENT

Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste in and around the hole to fill it, then wipe the excess with a damp rag. Nobody will be able to tell!

ADVERTISEMENT

Clean Your Phone Screen

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
While phone next to toothpaste
Pinterest/Household Tips
Pinterest/Household Tips
ADVERTISEMENT

Keeping a smartphone screen clean is practically impossible since it's continuously being touched all over by your fingers. To get your phone screen looking right out of the box, spread a think layer of toothpaste over the screen and gently wipe it off with a damp cloth.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, if you're phone isn't waterproof, you might want to be extremely careful! This method can also help to eliminate any minor scratches buy rubbing the screen with a cotton swab dotted with toothpaste.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Let Your Iron Dirty Your Clothes

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Dirty iron and toothpaste
Pinterest/Of Life & Lisa
Pinterest/Of Life & Lisa
ADVERTISEMENT

If you've been using an iron for a long time, you might have noticed some discolored water stains appearing on your fresh and clean clothes. Although it's not at the top of a lot of people's to-do list, it is important to keep the bottom of your iron clean for this reason.

ADVERTISEMENT

A quick and easy way to do this is to take your iron when it's unplugged and cool and give it a rub-down with a little bit of toothpaste and water. This will help remove any unwanted gunk and build-up.

ADVERTISEMENT

You Can Save Scratched CD And DVDs

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Toothpaste on a CD
Pinterest/WonderHowTo
Pinterest/WonderHowTo
ADVERTISEMENT

CDs and DVDs are great ways to store large amounts of music, videos, and pictures. However, if they end up getting scratched, there's usually not a whole lot you can do, and everything on the disc can potentially be lost.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you have a disc that is having a hard time being read by a computer or DVD player, toothpaste may be your savior. If you polish the disc with toothpaste, it can help to fill in some of the scratches so they can be more easily read.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hang Pictures And Posters With No Damage To Anything!

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Woman haning polaroids
Pinterest/Cote Maison
Pinterest/Cote Maison
ADVERTISEMENT

Sometimes, people like to hang up pictures, posters, or other paper decorations without using expensive and space-taking frames. However, there's a way to do this without putting pin or nail holes in your walls and pictures either.

ADVERTISEMENT

Toothpaste can work as a temporary adhesive when it hardens, so if you dot the corners of what you'd like to display and hold it against the wall, it will stick. Although it won't last forever, it's quick, easy, and won't leave behind any marks or holes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Keep Those Keys Looking Fresh

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Toothpaste on piano keys
Pinterest/Architecture & Design
Pinterest/Architecture & Design
ADVERTISEMENT

Not everyone washes their hands before they sit down to play the piano, which means that the keys accumulate all of the dirt and oils from your fingers, making them dirty.

ADVERTISEMENT

Pianos aren't just for playing music, but can also serve as a piece of art in your home, and nobody wants a piece of art to be dirty. So, grab a damp towel and some toothpaste and give each key a little rub-down to make them shine like new.

ADVERTISEMENT

Refresh Tupperware

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Tupperware with food
Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Even if you clean Tupperware after every use, if you store it with the lid on, you may notice that they start to smell old and used. Since nobody wants to store food in something that smells bad, this is a problem but it doesn't require buying a new set of Tupperware.

ADVERTISEMENT

For a quick solution, brush the inside with toothpaste and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out. Then, store with the lid off.

ADVERTISEMENT

Get Your Straightener To Work Like It Should!

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
toothpaste in hair
Daily Fails/YouTube
Daily Fails/YouTube
ADVERTISEMENT

If you use a hair straightener on a regular basis, you may notice that the ceramic pieces begin to accumulate a coating of grime. This is typically caused by hair spray, shampoo, gel, dirt, or anything else that might be in your hair.

ADVERTISEMENT

In order to remove this, rub the afflicted areas with toothpaste and a towel, and the silica in the toothpaste will help clean it all off. Now, you'll get the results you want every time you pick up your straightener.

ADVERTISEMENT

Say Goodbye To Breakouts

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Say Goodbye To Breakouts
Noula Varda/Pinterest
Noula Varda/Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

Waking up to breakouts is never fun, especially if you have a date or something going on that evening. Well, there is a handy little toothpaste hack that will help the breakout start to die down a bit.

ADVERTISEMENT

All you'll want to do is get a tiny dab of toothpaste and apply it directly to the breakout. The ingredients in toothpaste will help the breakout dry out and shrink in no time! Amazing, right? You won't have to worry about caking on the foundation, trying to over up a blemish, anymore.

ADVERTISEMENT

Heal A Bruise Faster

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Dipping finger in mixture
Pinterest/The Hudsucker
Pinterest/The Hudsucker
ADVERTISEMENT

If you received a bad bruise that you are trying to get rid of as fast a possible a few household items, including toothpaste, can lend a hand. Take some regular skin lotion you have lying around and make a mixture using an equal amount of toothpaste.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cover with a large band aid before going to be to stop it from smearing and wash it off in the morning. Repeat this process for one or two more nights or until the bruise has disappeared.

ADVERTISEMENT

Clear Foggy Swimming Goggles

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Clear Foggy Swimming Goggles
Werner Schulze/ullstein bild via Getty Images
Werner Schulze/ullstein bild via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

There's nothing worse than having foggy goggles while swimming laps in the pool. How are you supposed to see the wall or people in front of you? Talk about running into unwanted objects! Well, thankfully, there is a way to fix that dilemma.

ADVERTISEMENT

All you're going to want to do is rub some toothpaste on the inside of the goggle lenses. Just applying a light film over the lenses will make that pesky fog a thing of the past. You can thank us later when you're not running into lane lines!

ADVERTISEMENT

Remove Pesky Dye Stains

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Remove Pesky Dye Stains
Andrew Woodley/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Andrew Woodley/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

If you've ever dyed your hair or clothing, then you know it beyond annoying to try and remove those pesky dye stains from your hands, clothing, and the sides of your shower. From personal experience, let us tell you that red dye is no joke to try and remove!

ADVERTISEMENT

To make life easier, try this hack out for size. Rub a bit of toothpaste into the stain, let it dry, and then either throw it into the wash to clean it or scrub your hands underneath some running watch with soap.

ADVERTISEMENT

Make Your Shoes Smell Fresh

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Make Your Shoes Smell Fresh
Peter Bischoff/Getty Images
Peter Bischoff/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Having smelly shoes is one way to put a personal bubble around yourself. And if those smelly shoes wind up on the floor next to your front door, say goodbye to anyone wanting to come over to hang out!

ADVERTISEMENT

If you have a funky smelling odor coming from the inside of your shoes, try this hack. Take some toothpaste and rub it inside the shoe, right along the sole. Let the toothpaste fully dry and volia! Your shoes will no longer have people running for the hills.

ADVERTISEMENT

Get Rid Of Those Minor Car Scratches

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Get Rid Of Those Minor Car Scratches
Barbara Hand/Pinterest
Barbara Hand/Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

There's nothing like a fender bender to ruin your day! Especially if that wreck happened to mess up the paint job on your car, something that cost a solid amount of money to get fixed. Thankfully, a little tube in your bathroom is going to save you a lot of money!

ADVERTISEMENT

Toothpaste, a soft cloth, and a little TLC will buff out any paint damage and have your car looking as good as new. You're welcome, by the way, for saving you a trip to the garage where they would have charged you some ridiculous sum of money.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ink Stains Are No Longer Permanent

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Ink Stains Are No Longer Permanent
Tom Kelley/Getty Images
Tom Kelley/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Have you ever made the mistake of leaving a pen in your pocket, and then it goes an explodes, leaving a nice stain behind? Yea, it's not fun, and it's a huge pain to get the stain removed. Well, we're here to make your life a bit easier.

ADVERTISEMENT

Run into your bathroom and grab your toothpaste, apply some directly onto the stain, let it dry overnight, and then throw it into the washing machine the very next day. You'll be happy, and your shirt or pants will be in ink stain-free!

ADVERTISEMENT

Clear Your Floor Of Water Stains

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Clear Your Floor Of Water Stains
M.J. Coonts/Pinterest
M.J. Coonts/Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

One thing that no one likes on their hardwood floors is water stains. Not only do they not look great, but there are no easy ways to get rid of the stains. Well, that is until toothpaste came into the picture.

ADVERTISEMENT

To get rid of pesky water stains, you're going to want to run into your bathroom, grab your tube of toothpaste, rub some into the stain, let it dry, and gently wipe the toothpaste off. You're floors, or any other wooden surface will look good as new!

ADVERTISEMENT

Soothe Itchy Mosquito Bites

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Soothe Itchy Mosquito Bites
Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images
Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Mosquito bites are miserable and are enough to ruin any fun outdoor adventure. And while there are a bunch of over the counter remedies that supposedly help soothe the itchy bites, they are very pricey and sometimes don't entirely work.

ADVERTISEMENT

So, instead of breaking the bank, think about using toothpaste! If you apply a little dollop of toothpaste directly on the bite and enjoy immediate satisfaction as the itch begins to soothe and become almost nonexistent in your mind. (Then go and apply a bottle of bug spray!).

ADVERTISEMENT

Remove Nail Polish From Around Your Nail

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Remove Nail Polish From Around Your Nail
Stephanie George/Pinterest
Stephanie George/Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

When painting your own nails, getting polish on the skin surrounding your nails is the name of the game, especially when painting with your non-dominate hand. They only issue is removing the paint from your skin is a pain because you don't want to remove any of the nail color.

ADVERTISEMENT

Well, we're here to make your life a bit easier. All you're going to want to do is wait for the polish to dry on your skin, apply a bit of toothpaste to the area, and wipe it away! Yup, it's that easy and it'll look like you just left the salon.

ADVERTISEMENT

Just Another Way To Deep-Clean Your Hands

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Just Another Way To Deep-Clean Your Hands
Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance via Getty Images
Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Soap and water were so last year. If you're looking for a way to give your hands a nice thorough scrub without breaking the bank and going to a spa, look no further than your own bathroom. Just pop on into your medicine cabinet and grab your toothpaste.

ADVERTISEMENT

Not only will the toothpaste give your hands a nice minty-fresh scent, but the chemicals and baking soda in the paste will deep-clean, exfoliate, and give your hands the scrub down they've been waiting for.

ADVERTISEMENT

Have Discolored Nails? Try This

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
nail-bath-14866
Twitter/@Jessica_Int
Twitter/@Jessica_Int
ADVERTISEMENT

Fungi can transform your nails into yellowed, cracked fragments of what they used to be. Hydrogen peroxide can kill this fungus quickly and efficiently. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of hot water with one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide. For extra strength, include one teaspoon of baking soda.

ADVERTISEMENT

Soak your nails in this solution for about ten minutes. If you don't want your skin to soften, you can soak a cotton ball in the mixture and press it to your nails. If you need to, scrub stains off with a clean, unused toothbrush or a nail brush.

ADVERTISEMENT

Remove Ink Stains From Clothes

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
removing-clothes-stains-55955
YouTube/eHow
YouTube/eHow
ADVERTISEMENT

It's nearly impossible to rub ink out of clothing. At least, it would be if we didn’t have hydrogen peroxide. For light-colored clothing, you can soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and dab it on the infected area. Then wash your clothes as normal.

ADVERTISEMENT

If this doesn’t work, your fabric may need a heavy-duty recipe. Create a solution of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% ammonia. The ammonia catalyzes the peroxide to work better. Only use clear ammonia, and don’t use it on wool or silk since the ammonia will eat through the proteins on both fabrics.

ADVERTISEMENT

Time For Teeth Whitening

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-129378525-78896
Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

According to a 2004 study in the Journal of Dentistry, hydrogen peroxide effectively bleaches teeth. To whiten your teeth, create a solution of 1/2 water and 1/2 hydrogen peroxide. Swish it around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds, or as long as you can stand. Spit the solution out if it hurts your mouth, and don't swallow it.

ADVERTISEMENT

The higher the concentration, the brighter the whitening. However, a 2006 study from the same journal reported that higher concentrations could harm the enamel. If you use a higher concentration (25% or 35%), shorten the amount of time that the peroxide is in your mouth.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wash Your Fruits And Vegetables

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
fruit-and-vegetables-21866
Pinterest/Hometalk | DIY Home & Garden
Pinterest/Hometalk | DIY Home & Garden
ADVERTISEMENT

It's essential to wash your fruits and vegetables when you bring them home. You never know who touched them or which pesticides they came into contact with. But instead of paying $8 for a veggie wash, why don’t you use a little bit of hydrogen peroxide?

ADVERTISEMENT

To create a veggie cleaner, fill your sink with cold water and add 1/4 cup of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide. Wash your fruit and vegetables in the mixture, and then rinse them thoroughly with fresh water. According to Poison Control, hydrogen peroxide isn’t toxic, except in large amounts.

ADVERTISEMENT

You Can Safely Remove Wax From Your Ears Using Peroxide

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-179790610-71688
BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

A 2015 study from Australian Family Physician supports ear irrigation as the most effective way to remove ear wax. Ear irrigation involves a liquid that softens the wax and dislodges it. Since hydrogen peroxide makes the wax bubble and weaken, it's a safe way to clean your ears.

ADVERTISEMENT

Start by lying on your side. Place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your upward-facing ear. Wait five minutes, then sit up and use a tissue to absorb any excess liquid. Then do the same on your other ear. Remember to consult your doctor before trying these home remedies.

ADVERTISEMENT

Disinfect Your Walls, Windows, Mirrors, And Countertops

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Home-cleaning-18156
Twitter/@Gala_Cleaning
Twitter/@Gala_Cleaning
ADVERTISEMENT

Hydrogen peroxide is an anti-viral and anti-bacterial. That's why many household cleaners include this ingredient. If you’re running low on kitchen cleaners, use 3% hydrogen peroxide instead. Store it in a spray bottle and use as you would any other household cleaner.

ADVERTISEMENT

Although hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant, it takes time to work. You might want to leave the solution on your countertops or walls for a minute before wiping. A mixture of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and plain soap makes an efficient cleaning solution for windows and mirrors.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sometimes The Air Needs Cleaning, Too

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
diffuser-67224
Twitter/@Independent
Twitter/@Independent
ADVERTISEMENT

Clean air can improve your quality of life. Well, you can combine hydrogen peroxide and a humidifier to reduce the germs floating through your home.

ADVERTISEMENT

You'll want to dilute your 3% hydrogen peroxide a lot. Mix one part of peroxide with eight parts of water, and add the mixture to your humidifier. If you have a diffuser, you can add some drops of essential oils for a pleasant smell. Then let the machine work its magic. Don’t use this technique if you have pets around.

ADVERTISEMENT

Reshine Your Rusty Tools

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
rusted-hammer-68003
YouTube/@David Bennett
YouTube/@David Bennett
ADVERTISEMENT

When is the last time you cleaned your gardening shovel, screws, or hammer? Probably never. If your tools begin to rust, it's time for a scrub. Pour a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide onto the rusted area and rub it with steel wool or a brush.

ADVERTISEMENT

Before you dive into this DIY, test a small of hydrogen peroxide. H202 may react with some metallic irons, although it shouldn’t affect stainless steel, aluminum, or brass. Double-check what your tools are made of before experimenting.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bye Bye, Burn Residue

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
6_ygs-29598
Pinterest
Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

Burn residue can take ages to scrub off. Since burned debris cakes onto the surface of pots and pans, just scrubbing won't do much. You need a substance that dissolves and lifts the residue. Use hydrogen peroxide to remove the grime without having to scrub.

ADVERTISEMENT

Pour a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide (3% is fine) to cover all the burned areas. Then stir in a pile of baking soda. Leave it for at least a couple of hours; aim for six hours. The debris should lift right off! Wipe off any sticky remains until your pot or pan looks like new.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hydrogen Peroxide Is A Natural Deodorant

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-586119342-23312
BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When bacteria breaks down sweat, it creates body odor. Because our armpits sweat more than any other area, they're the main culprit of body odor. Some people use 3% hydrogen peroxide to kill these germs, and hence halt the B.O.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hydrogen peroxide is not an antiperspirant, so it won’t inhibit your sweating. But neither do deodorants. Swipe or spray some hydrogen peroxide wherever you’re sweating for odor relief. And it’s certainly cheaper than paying for a deodorant that could contain harmful substances like aluminum.

ADVERTISEMENT

Remove Labels Or Glue

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
incredible-secret-cleaning-hack-60763
Facebook/FCT Surface Cleaning
Facebook/FCT Surface Cleaning
ADVERTISEMENT

It can be difficult and frustrating trying to remove a label or a sticker from a product you purchased. More often than not, the label or sticker will break apart into irritating small bits that take way too much work to get off. Plus you end up getting the label or sticker stuck under your nails, and it makes a big mess.

ADVERTISEMENT

An easier way to remove labels and stickers is by using hydrogen peroxide. Set the product on a flat surface and spray the label or sticker with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit. After about 10 minutes, the label should easily come off with a little light scrubbing.

ADVERTISEMENT

Lighten Your Hair At Half The Price

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
lightened-hair-97577
YouTube/ROSEBUD
YouTube/ROSEBUD
ADVERTISEMENT

Hydrogen peroxide makes up 6% to 10% of most blonde hair dyes. To save money, you can use the liquid chemical to lighten your hair instead of a lengthy routine. Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda, an alkaline chemical that will lower the acidity. Spread the paste through your hair and leave it on from 15 to 60 minutes. Then, rinse your hair with cold water.

ADVERTISEMENT

While the solution won't turn your hair bleach blonde, it will lighten the color noticeably. Be careful handling hydrogen peroxide, because it easily irritates the eyes. And if you use too much, it can damage your hair and skin.

ADVERTISEMENT

Help Your Plants Grow Big And Strong

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
helping-plants-43663
YouTube/Daisy Creek Farms with Jag Singh
YouTube/Daisy Creek Farms with Jag Singh
ADVERTISEMENT

Hydrogen peroxide works by releasing oxygen. Because plants use oxygen to absorb nutrients from the soil, they love this extra oxygen molecule. This promotes healthier, more vigorous plant growth for your garden.

ADVERTISEMENT

To encourage garden growth, mix one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide per one cup of water. After you pour the mixture into a spray bottle, mist your plants. If you want to cover an entire garden, increase your dosage to 35% hydrogen peroxide. You can also use this to pre-treat seeds. Since peroxide kills fungi, it also wards off potential diseases such as root infections.

ADVERTISEMENT

Soften Those Cracked Heels

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
foot-bath-51574
Twitter/@Lifestyles1031
Twitter/@Lifestyles1031
ADVERTISEMENT

Why spend your money on spa foot treatments when you have so many other things to pay for? If you have cracked, rough callouses on the edges of your feet, hydrogen peroxide can soften that skin by breaking down the tissue around it.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dilute two cups of hydrogen peroxide into two cups of hot water. Soak feet for 30 minutes. After you dry them off, scrub off all the dead skin. Then lather your feet with lotion, pop on some warm fuzzy socks, and hit the hay. Your feet will feel super soft in the morning.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mix Hydrogen Peroxide With Borax For An Even Deeper Rust Clean

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
rust-removal-83365
YouTube/DT
YouTube/DT
ADVERTISEMENT

We already told you that scrubbing 3% hydrogen peroxide with steel wool will help remove rust from old metal tools. If even that doesn't do the trick, try mixing 3% hydrogen peroxide with borax and dish soap for an even deeper clean.

ADVERTISEMENT

Combine 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of regular dish soap, and a scoop of borax to make a solution that will pre-cleanse the rusted surface. Cover the rusted surface entirely and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then you can srub the rust away as normal.

ADVERTISEMENT

This Can Alleviate A Painful Canker Sore

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-151042170-56350
BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images
BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Anyone who has had a canker sore knows that it hurts. While hydrogen peroxide can't make a canker sore disappear, it can speed up the healing. The peroxide kills growing bacteria in your mouth, which may ameliorate some pain.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with water–no more than half and half. Apply the mixture to your canker sore. Either dip a cotton ball in the solution and press it to your sore, or swish the liquid in your mouth. Either way, make sure not to swallow any of the peroxide. Oh, and it might sting a bit.

ADVERTISEMENT

Here's How To Clean Your Toothbrushes

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
toothbrush-26516
Pinterest/@thesavvycouple
Pinterest/@thesavvycouple
ADVERTISEMENT

Have you ever thought about how many germs gather on your toothbrushes? The reality is that they attract plenty of bacteria, and yet most people never clean their toothbrushes. According to the Children's Oral Health Institute, hydrogen peroxide is a safe method of disinfecting your child’s toothbrushes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a cup, and place your toothbrushes into it bristles-down. Leave the toothbrushes in there until the liquid stops bubbling. Afterward, rinse the toothbrush thoroughly before use. Another method is to swish your toothbrush through a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide before use.

ADVERTISEMENT

If You Have Carpet Stains, Check This Out

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
coffee-spill-56952
Twitter/@AbingdonCarpets
Twitter/@AbingdonCarpets
ADVERTISEMENT

Commercial carpet-cleaning products contain sodium percarbonate, which is a powdered form of hydrogen peroxide. That's why cleaners often have "Oxy" or “Oxi” in the name. Why don’t you skip the extra charge and use hydrogen peroxide instead?

ADVERTISEMENT

Before you start pouring, dilute the peroxide. Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with five parts water. Spray it on the dirty spot and wait for a couple of minutes, and then scrub the stain away. You might want to test it on a small area first.

ADVERTISEMENT

Give Your Dishwasher More Oomph

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1131659727-44468
Martin Gerten/picture alliance via Getty Images
Martin Gerten/picture alliance via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Dishwashers make everything easier–when they work. If you don't clean your dishwasher, the extra residue will cake the walls and leave your dishes less than lustrous. Plus, the hydrogen peroxide will lend your dishwasher soap more cleaning power.

ADVERTISEMENT

Before you run your next load, add 1/4 cup (or three ounces) of 3% hydrogen peroxide to your dishwasher. Close the door and run it. The hot water will swirl it around, and the peroxide will disinfect the surface. That’s all you have to do!

ADVERTISEMENT

Help Unclog Your Drain

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
hydrogen-peroxidehack-73945
Pinterest
Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

If your sink drain keeps clogging, hydrogen peroxide may be able to help! Try pouring one cup of hydrogen peroxide down the drain and let it sit for an hour. After an hour has passed, run several hot cups of water down the drain to encourage the gunk to pass through.

ADVERTISEMENT

For best results, repeat the process every two weeks to keep your drain from clogging up again. It's always handy to keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide under the sink!

ADVERTISEMENT

Protect Your Shower From Mildew

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
yeet-18906
YouTube/Sandra J Schultz
YouTube/Sandra J Schultz
ADVERTISEMENT

Nobody likes cleaning their shower. That's why it’s best to clean a shower and shield it from future mold at the same time. Fill a spray bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Spritz the walls of your shower and let it work its magic for 10 minutes. Then, wipe the mildew away.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to a 2013 study in BMC Research Notes, hydrogen peroxide effectively kills microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria. It also demolishes budding yeast systems, so you won’t have to clean your shower for a while longer.

ADVERTISEMENT

It Can Save Your Dog's Life

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-73808444-25625
Matt Cardy/Getty Images
Matt Cardy/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Dog owners understand the risk of accidental poisoning. As soon as your dog eats a lot of grapes or chocolate, you're on the clock. You can safely induce vomiting by feeding your dog a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide creates a mild reaction but not extreme enough to cause harm.

ADVERTISEMENT

To induce vomiting, give your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide (any higher concentration is toxic). Feed your dog one teaspoon per five pounds of their body weight. The vomiting works ten to 15 minutes after eating, and it can last for up to 45 minutes. Afterward, follow up with your vet.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kill Mold Without Using Harsh Chemicals

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
cleaning-mold-51100
Twitter/@NIOSH
Twitter/@NIOSH
ADVERTISEMENT

Mold can develop within 24 hours. Leaving it unattended can result in respiratory illnesses; it's a hazard to those with allergies. While it’s important to kill mold quickly, most people don’t want to spray chemicals everywhere. Here’s a way to eradicate mold without those dangerous cleaners.

ADVERTISEMENT

Add 3% hydrogen peroxide to a spray bottle. Saturate the mold-infected walls with the solution, and leave it there for ten minutes. Over time, the anti-fungal liquid will destroy the organisms. After ten minutes pass, scrub the area to remove all the stains. Then wipe the surface to dislodge any remaining mold stains.

ADVERTISEMENT

Finally, An Easy Way To Clean Your Retainer Or Mouthguard

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
How-To-Clean-Retainers-and-Night-Guards-0-53-screenshot-78676
YouTube/Teeth Talk Girl
YouTube/Teeth Talk Girl
ADVERTISEMENT

That tiny plastic mold that you have to stuff into your mouth every night is hard to keep clean. But you can clean your retainer for little-to-no money by using hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and water.

ADVERTISEMENT

Place your retainer into a jar and submerge it in water. Add one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and a sprinkle of baking soda. Leave the retainer in there for about ten minutes. Afterward, take it out and rinse all the residue off. Make sure to rinse your retainer thoroughly before popping it back in your mouth.

ADVERTISEMENT

Your Humidifier Needs Cleaning, Too

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
humidifier-70228
Pinterest/Chrissy Yoder
Pinterest/Chrissy Yoder
ADVERTISEMENT

When's the last time you cleaned your humidifier or diffuser? Bacteria adore wet, warm places. Humidifiers remain damp for a long time. Plus, standing water allows bacteria to multiply. Dirty humidifiers can trigger allergy symptoms rather than help them.

ADVERTISEMENT

To clean a humidifier or diffuser, add two cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide to one gallon of water. Pour it into the humidifier’s water tank and filter, scrub it, and let it sit for 10 to 30 minutes. Then rinse the base in clean water and leave it to air dry.

ADVERTISEMENT

Re-Beautify Your Makeup Brushes

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
cleaning-makeup-brushes-34890
Pinterest/Jill Nystul | One Good Thing by Jillee
Pinterest/Jill Nystul | One Good Thing by Jillee
ADVERTISEMENT

"Through daily use, makeup brushes can accumulate dead skin cells, dirt, oil, pollution, and bacteria, says dermatologist Dr. Debbie Palmer, who co-founded the Dermatology Associates of New York. Dirty makeup brushes can result in staph infections if they aren't cleaned properly. Fortunately, hydrogen peroxide sufficiently disinfects them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Add a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to a bowl of warm water. Soak your brushes in the mixture for ten minutes. Swish the brushes around every now again. Afterward, remove your makeup brushes, rinse them with cold water, and let them air dry. If there’s any remaining residue, you can wash it off with soap.

ADVERTISEMENT

Treat Acne Spots

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
acne-10555
Twitter/@pigssart
Twitter/@pigssart
ADVERTISEMENT

Hydrogen peroxide works as a spot treatment for acne. When the peroxide touches your skin, it loses an extra oxygen atom. That oxidization process kills off the bacteria, which allows your skin to heal faster. Don't use it for acne scars, as overuse can damage your skin further.

ADVERTISEMENT

To spot-treat your acne, saturate a cotton ball with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Dab the cotton ball over the infected areas, leave for five minutes, and then rinse your face with cold water. Limit your use to three times a week, and make sure to wash your face before applying hydrogen peroxide.

ADVERTISEMENT

Beat That Bad Breath

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-563934775-62475
H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images
H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Hydrogen peroxide not only whitens your teeth, but it also eliminates bad breath. Gargling hydrogen peroxide kills the bacteria in your throat, so it can also assuage sore throats and gum inflammation. Before you pour it straight into your mouth, dilute the peroxide in water.

ADVERTISEMENT

Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into water: one part peroxide per two parts water. This will lower the concentration to 1% hydrogen peroxide. Gargle and swish the solution around your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds and then spit it out. Do not swallow. Rinse your mouth afterward, and you're ready to go!

ADVERTISEMENT

Clear Your Contact Lenses

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
contacts-26619
Unsplash/Hubble
Unsplash/Hubble
ADVERTISEMENT

If you don't clean your contact lenses, you run the risk of spreading an eye infection. Instead of buying a solution, you can clear your lenses with hydrogen peroxide. This technique may help people who are sensitive to the preservatives used in contact solutions. To prevent hydrogen peroxide from stinging your eyes, you’ll need a neutralizer as well.

ADVERTISEMENT

To clean your contact lenses, you can place them in 3% hydrogen peroxide for a little while. Afterward, leave them in a neutralizer for a couple of hours. Usually, the directions on the bottle will tell you exactly how long to leave them in.

ADVERTISEMENT

Disinfect Your Sponges

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-544622483-71566
Stefan Klein/ullstein bild via Getty Images
Stefan Klein/ullstein bild via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When your sponge starts smelling, it's time to clean it. You don’t have to throw your sponge away every time it smells germ-infested. Hydrogen peroxide will soak into the sponge and kill all bacteria inside the tiniest crevices.

ADVERTISEMENT

To start, place your sponge in a container. Pour hydrogen peroxide until the sponge is mostly submerged, and watch for the white bubbles. That means the bacteria is dying. After a few minutes, flip the sponge over and leave it for a few more minutes. Then take out the sponge and rinse it. You’re done!