How to Get Toothpaste Out of Clothes: Different Ways

Accidentally getting toothpaste on your clothes while brushing your teeth is a common occurrence. While it may seem like an easy clean-up at first glance, toothpaste stains can sometimes set into fabrics, especially if they contain whitening agents or dyes. The good news is that toothpaste stains are relatively easy to remove with the right methods.

In this guide, we’ll cover various ways to get toothpaste out of clothes, whether it’s a fresh stain or one that has dried.

Understanding Toothpaste Stains

Toothpaste, especially whitening varieties, contains various chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, abrasives, and even dyes. These ingredients can leave a mark on fabrics and may be harder to remove if not addressed promptly.

Types of Toothpaste Stains

Whitening Toothpaste: Contains bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide that can leave visible marks, especially on darker fabrics.
Gel Toothpaste: Often contains dyes that can leave colored stains on lighter clothes.
Traditional Toothpaste: Contains abrasives and fluoride, which may leave a gritty residue but are usually easier to remove.

Why Act Quickly?

The sooner you treat a toothpaste stain, the easier it is to remove. Fresh stains are much easier to clean than dried ones because the paste hasn’t had time to settle into the fabric fibers.

Tools and Materials for Removing Toothpaste Stains

Before starting, gather the necessary tools and materials for removing toothpaste from your clothes.

Basic Supplies Needed

Cold Water: To rinse the stain and loosen the toothpaste.
Liquid Laundry Detergent: To treat the stained area before washing.
White Vinegar: A natural stain remover that works well on various types of stains.
Rubbing Alcohol: For tough stains, especially those caused by gel toothpaste.
Soft-Bristle Brush: To gently scrub the stained area.
Spoon or Dull Knife: To scrape off excess toothpaste.
Microfiber Cloth or Sponge: For blotting the stain.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Effective for removing stains caused by whitening toothpaste.
Stain Remover Spray: An additional treatment option for stubborn stains.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Toothpaste from Clothes

Step 1: Scrape Off Excess Toothpaste

Before you begin treating the stain, you’ll need to remove any excess toothpaste that is sitting on the surface of the fabric. This prevents the toothpaste from spreading during the cleaning process.

Use a Spoon or Dull Knife: Gently scrape the toothpaste off the fabric, being careful not to push it deeper into the fibers.
Avoid Rubbing: Do not rub the toothpaste stain, as this can cause it to spread and set deeper into the material.

Step 2: Rinse with Cold Water

After scraping off the excess toothpaste, rinse the stained area under cold water. It’s important to do this from the back of the stain to push the toothpaste out of the fabric, rather than driving it deeper.

Hold the Fabric Under Cold Running Water: Rinse the stained area thoroughly. The water should be cold because hot water can cause the stain to set.
Gently Rub the Fabric Together: If the stain is light, you can rub the fabric gently to loosen the toothpaste.

Different Ways to Get Toothpaste Out of Clothes

There are several effective methods for removing toothpaste stains from clothes, depending on the type of toothpaste and how long the stain has been on the fabric. Let’s explore different methods step by step.

1. Using Liquid Laundry Detergent

One of the simplest and most effective ways to remove a toothpaste stain is by using liquid laundry detergent. This method works well on both fresh and dried stains.

How to Use Laundry Detergent

Apply a Small Amount of Detergent: Place a drop of liquid laundry detergent directly onto the stained area.
Rub Gently: Using your fingers or a soft-bristle brush, gently rub the detergent into the stain.
Let It Sit for 5-10 Minutes: Allow the detergent to sit on the stain for a few minutes to break down the toothpaste.
Rinse with Cold Water: Rinse the fabric thoroughly under cold water to remove the detergent and the stain.
Repeat if Necessary: If the stain persists, repeat the process before washing the garment.

2. Treating with White Vinegar

White vinegar is a powerful, natural cleaning agent that can help dissolve toothpaste stains, especially if the stain contains dyes or whitening agents.

How to Use White Vinegar

Dilute the Vinegar: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and cold water in a bowl.
Blot the Stain: Soak a clean cloth or sponge in the vinegar solution and gently blot the stained area.
Let It Sit for 10 Minutes: Allow the vinegar to penetrate the fabric for about 10 minutes.
Rinse with Cold Water: Rinse the garment under cold running water.
Launder as Usual: Once the stain is gone, launder the item according to the care label instructions.

3. Using Rubbing Alcohol for Gel Toothpaste

Gel toothpaste, especially those with bright dyes, can leave more stubborn stains that may not come out with just water or detergent. Rubbing alcohol can help break down these tough stains.

How to Use Rubbing Alcohol

Test a Small Area First: Rubbing alcohol can sometimes damage delicate fabrics, so it’s important to test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first.
Apply Rubbing Alcohol: Dampen a cotton ball or cloth with rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the stain.
Blot the Stain: Blot the stained area with a clean cloth to lift the stain.
Rinse with Cold Water: After treating the stain, rinse the fabric thoroughly with cold water.
Wash the Garment: Launder the clothing as usual to remove any remaining alcohol or stain.

Removing Toothpaste from Delicate Fabrics

Some fabrics, such as silk, wool, and cashmere, require extra care when removing toothpaste stains. These materials are more delicate and can be damaged by harsh cleaning agents or excessive scrubbing.

1. Removing Stains from Silk

Silk is a delicate fabric that can be damaged by water and strong cleaning products. To remove toothpaste from silk:

Blot the Stain with a Dry Cloth: Gently blot away as much toothpaste as possible without rubbing the fabric.
Use a Mild Detergent Solution: Mix a few drops of gentle detergent with cold water and apply it to the stain using a cloth.
Blot with Clean Water: Use another cloth dampened with clean water to blot away the detergent.
Let It Air Dry: Allow the silk to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat.

2. Removing Stains from Wool

Wool is another fabric that requires delicate care. Here’s how to remove toothpaste from wool:

Blot the Stain with a Dry Cloth: Remove excess toothpaste by blotting gently.
Use a Wool-Safe Detergent: Apply a small amount of wool-safe detergent mixed with water to the stain.
Gently Dab the Stain: Use a clean cloth to dab the detergent solution into the stain.
Rinse with Cold Water: Rinse the wool garment with cold water and allow it to air dry.

Treating Dried Toothpaste Stains

Dried toothpaste stains can be a bit trickier to remove since the paste has already set into the fabric. However, with the right approach, you can still remove these stains.

1. Soaking in Warm Water and Detergent

For dried stains, soaking the garment in warm water mixed with detergent can help loosen the toothpaste from the fabric fibers.

Fill a Basin with Warm Water: Add a few drops of liquid laundry detergent to the water.
Soak the Garment: Submerge the stained garment in the soapy water and let it soak for 30 minutes.
Gently Scrub the Stain: After soaking, gently scrub the stain with a soft brush or your fingers.
Rinse and Wash: Rinse the fabric under cold water and then launder as usual.

2. Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste stains, particularly from dried toothpaste, may respond well to hydrogen peroxide.

Apply Hydrogen Peroxide: Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. This works best on white or light-colored fabrics.
Let It Sit: Allow the peroxide to sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes.
Blot and Rinse: Blot the stain with a clean cloth, then rinse the garment with cold water.
Launder the Garment: Wash the fabric according to the care label.

When to Use a Stain Remover

If the stain persists after trying home remedies, you may need to use a commercial stain remover.

How to Use a Stain Remover

Apply the Stain Remover: Follow the instructions on the stain remover bottle, applying it directly to the toothpaste stain.
Let It Sit: Allow the stain remover to work for the recommended time.
Rinse and Launder: Rinse the garment and then wash it as usual.

Preventing Toothpaste Stains in the Future

Toothpaste stains are easy to prevent with a few simple precautions.

Brush Over the Sink: To avoid getting toothpaste on your clothes, lean over the sink while brushing your teeth.
Wear an Old Shirt: If you tend to get messy while brushing, wear an old shirt or apron to protect your clothes.
Rinse Your Mouth Well: Thoroughly rinse your mouth after brushing to prevent drips that can stain your clothes.

Conclusion

Toothpaste stains may be a common annoyance, but they don’t have to ruin your clothes. With the right methods and quick action, you can easily remove toothpaste from various types of fabrics.

Whether you prefer using basic household items like vinegar and detergent or need a more powerful solution like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, this guide provides several approaches to ensure your clothes are stain-free and looking their best again.