Does Toothpaste Remove Stains?

5 steps

Step by step

1. 1

   Pick a non-gel toothpaste

   Choose a non-gel formula, since the instructions for both wood and skin name non-gel toothpaste. Gel versions are not the ones these methods describe.

2. 2

   Try the gentlest step first on wood

   Wipe the ring very gently with a cloth slightly dampened with denatured alcohol. Check whether the ring is still visible before going further.

3. 3

   Buff with baking soda and toothpaste

   Mix baking soda with non-gel toothpaste and apply it to a soft, damp cloth. Buff in a gentle circular motion, and keep track of time, since about five minutes is the limit.

4. 4

   Stop if the ring stays

   If the ring is still there after about five minutes of buffing, stop. The piece likely needs refinishing rather than more buffing.

5. 5

   Use it on hair dye on skin

   Rub a little non-gel toothpaste on the stain and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Wipe it off with a damp cloth, paper towel or cotton.

What Toothpaste Is Good For

Toothpaste is a paste of mild abrasives that help to remove debris and surface stains on teeth. It also contains detergents for the foaming action, plus humectants, flavoring and binders.

The abrasives are what lift a surface mark, and they are described as mild. Two uses come up again and again: light white rings in a wood finish and hair dye on skin. Outside those two, there is no basis here for expecting results.

Using It on White Rings in Wood

Start with the gentlest option first. Wipe the ring very gently with a cloth that is only slightly dampened with denatured alcohol.

If the ring is still there, buff it with baking soda mixed with non-gel toothpaste on a soft, damp cloth, moving in a gentle circular motion. Work slowly and check the spot as you go, so you do not rub more of the finish than you need to.

Using It on Hair Dye on Skin

Rub a little non-gel toothpaste onto the stain. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

Then wipe it off with a damp cloth, paper towel or cotton. The timing is the part to keep, since the method depends on that sitting period before you wipe.

Where Toothpaste Can Do Harm

The main risk is on wood. Buffing can leave the spot with a different sheen from the rest of the finish.

To even it out, the wood finish maker suggests paste wax over the whole top, or a light sand and recoat. A ring that is still there after about five minutes of buffing is too deep for gentle methods, and the piece likely needs refinishing.

Common Myths About Toothpaste and Stains

A common belief is that any toothpaste will do the job. Both the wood finish and hair dye instructions specify non-gel toothpaste, so gel versions are not the ones they describe.

Another myth is that toothpaste removes any white ring from wood. Once the ring has not come out after about five minutes of buffing, that is the sign it is too deep for this method.

What Not to Mix Toothpaste With

No products are listed that toothpaste should be mixed with, so do not improvise combinations. The one mix that appears is baking soda with non-gel toothpaste for buffing a wood ring. Use one product at a time, and rinse in between when you switch.

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