How to remove scratches from glass? Try the power of toothpaste!

Using toothpaste to clean around the house is a hack that's been around for some time, but what can and can't it be used on? Here we’ll share some top tips on how to remove car scratches with toothpaste and other handy uses of toothpaste for household tasks.

Assess the depth of the scratch before you start. Toothpaste works for light, surface scratches only. If you can put a fingernail into it, you probably need a different treatment.

Can you use toothpaste to remove scratches?

Yes, you read that right. Whether you’re wondering how to remove scratches from a car or how to remove scratches from sunglasses, toothpaste may do the trick. Here’s how:

1. Use a damp cloth to rub toothpaste into the scratch.

2. Work in circular motions to gently sand down the uneven surface.

3. Wipe clean once done.

Simple, right? 

Top ways to start cleaning with toothpaste at home

If you’ve used toothpaste to remove scratches on a car and are inspired by its cleaning potential, here are some other common uses of toothpaste for cleaning around the home:

• Remove soap scum: use a damp cloth and a spot of toothpaste to remove soap scum in your shower, sink and other places around your bathroom. Once removed, give the bathroom a once over with a solution like Handy Andy.

• Spruce up your iron: not sure how to clean an iron with toothpaste? Rub a little of it over any grime or limescale and polish. Make sure the iron is cold and unplugged first.

• Use toothpaste on headlights: if you’re impressed with how toothpaste got rid of scratches on your car then you might want to use it elsewhere on your vehicle. Try cleaning headlights by scrubbing toothpaste over the surface for gleaming results.

• Get rid of scuff marks: similar to removing light scratches on cars and phone screens, toothpaste can be used to remove scuff marks from shoes! This works best on leather shoes.

When should you NOT use toothpaste for cleaning?

Toothpaste is an effective cleaner, but not on every surface. You should not use it on:

• Diamond jewellery. Although diamonds can be cleaned with toothpaste, they are usually set in soft metals such as gold and silver. Toothpaste's hard, abrasive nature could damage the setting so it’s best to steer clear!

• Suede shoes. Whilst toothpaste is great for cleaning scuff marks on leather shoes, it won’t work on suede. Instead, use a soft bristled brush to rub specialist cleaners into the suede before wiping clean with a damp cloth.

And there you have it: how to fix scratches on your car and clean items in the home with everyday toothpaste. 

• Always use a damp cloth and non-gel toothpaste for cleaning.

• Use toothpaste to remove light scratches from phones, headlights, and cars.

• Toothpaste also works on metal surfaces, for example removing grime from iron and limescale from chrome bathroom fixtures.