I’ve always relied on toothpaste for minor cleaning tasks, thinking it’s a quick fix for everything. But there are several surfaces and items where using toothpaste can do more harm than good. It’s surprising to realize that something so commonly found in my bathroom cabinet isn’t suitable for all cleaning jobs.
In this article, I’ll share ten things I discovered you should never clean with toothpaste. Knowing what not to use it on can save time and prevent damage, ensuring my cleaning routine stays effective and safe.
1. Granite countertops
I’ve learned the hard way not to use toothpaste on my granite countertops. It can scratch the surface and dull the finish. Toothpaste contains abrasives that aren’t suitable for this material.
Instead, I opt for warm water and mild soap for cleaning. It keeps the granite looking fresh without risking damage. If there are tough stains, a stone-specific cleaner works wonders.
2. Leather car seats
I learned the hard way that using toothpaste on leather car seats is a no-go. It might seem like a quick fix for stains, but toothpaste can actually damage the leather.
The abrasives in toothpaste can scratch the surface, leading to more issues down the line. Plus, it can cause discoloration, making your seats look worse.
For cleaning leather, I’d recommend sticking to products specifically formulated for it. These will clean without harming the material.
3. Non-stick cookware
I’ve learned the hard way that using toothpaste on non-stick cookware is a no-go. Toothpaste can be abrasive, which might scratch the surface. That can really ruin the non-stick coating.
Instead, I prefer a soft sponge and some dish soap. It’s effective and keeps my pans looking good. Keeping them scratch-free ensures they last longer and perform better.
4. Glass lenses
I learned the hard way that using toothpaste on glass lenses is a big mistake. It may seem like a good idea since toothpaste is abrasive, but this can scratch your lenses.
Scratches can lead to blurry vision and costly repairs. Instead of toothpaste, I use a lens cleaner or a microfiber cloth.
Keeping my glasses clean is important, so I always opt for products designed specifically for lenses. It’s just not worth risking damage with toothpaste.
5. Wood furniture
I’ve learned the hard way that toothpaste is not a friend to wood furniture. The ingredients in toothpaste can cause damage to the finish.
Using it can leave behind a cloudy residue that’s tough to remove.
Instead, I stick to a gentle wood cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. It’s safer and keeps my furniture looking great.
6. Smartphone screens
Using toothpaste on smartphone screens is a no-go for me. The grit in toothpaste can scratch the glass, which is the last thing I want.
Many modern smartphones use various coatings, like oleophobic or hydrophobic glass, that help reduce smudges and fingerprints. Toothpaste can interfere with these coatings.
Instead, I find a microfiber cloth and a little water works wonders. For tougher spots, a gentle screen cleaner designed for electronics is my go-to. Keeping my screen clean without risking damage is important.
7. Antique furniture
I’ve always loved the charm of antique furniture. The details and craftsmanship tell a story that modern pieces often lack.
Using toothpaste to clean these items? That’s a definite no-go for me. Toothpaste can be abrasive and might scratch the delicate surfaces of wood finishes.
Plus, the whitening agents can ruin the patina developed over years. Instead, I opt for a gentle furniture polish to keep my antiques looking beautiful without risking damage.
8. Stainless steel appliances
I used to think toothpaste was great for stainless steel appliances. It seemed like a quick fix for fingerprints and smudges.
The problem is, toothpaste can be abrasive. It can scratch the surface and dull the shine over time.
Instead, I found using a soft cloth with a mild detergent works wonders. It’s much safer and keeps my appliances looking great without the risk of damage.
9. Jewelry with stones
I learned the hard way that using toothpaste to clean jewelry with stones can be risky. The abrasive texture can scratch delicate surfaces, particularly softer stones like opal or turquoise.
Instead, I prefer a gentle soap and water solution. Using a soft cloth or a soft brush works wonders without damaging the stones.
It’s always best to check how each stone reacts to cleaning products. I’m careful with precious stones since they can be more sensitive.
10. LCD/LED screens
I learned the hard way that using toothpaste on LCD or LED screens is a no-go. The ingredients in toothpaste can scratch the surface or leave behind a greasy residue.
Instead of brightening my screen, it dulled the colors and made things worse. I stick to microfiber cloths and specialized screen cleaners now.
They do a much better job without risking damage. Keeping my screens clean is essential, but I’ve found safer methods that actually work.
