How to Remove Toothpaste Stains From Clothes, Carpets, and Furniture
Treat fast to prevent bleaching action of whitening toothpaste
Removing spatters of toothpaste is not as simple as wiping them away with a damp cloth because they reappear. Some toothpastes have whiteners and dyes that can cause permanent bleaching or discoloration if you don't work quickly. The best cleaning solution is laundry detergent for clothes and a mild dish soap for carpet and upholstery.
Some no-nos to avoid: Never try rubbing the stain away. Rubbing only makes it worse by pushing the toothpaste further into the fibers. Also, never put the garment into a clothes dryer until the fabric has been checked to ensure the stain is gone.
Follow these quick and easy steps to eliminate toothpaste stains from clothes, carpet, or upholstered furniture—for good.
Warning
If the toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide, rinse or wash your garment immediately. Peroxide acts as a bleaching agent and can discolor some articles of clothing.
Stain type | Toothpaste |
Detergent type | Heavy-duty laundry detergent |
Water temperature | Cold |
Cycle type | Varies depending on the type of fabric |
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Clothes
- Dull knife or plastic edge
- Clean white cloths
Carpet and Upholstery
- Dull knife or plastic edge
- Clean white cloths, sponge, or soft-bristled brush
Materials
Clothes
- Water
- Liquid laundry detergent
Carpet and Upholstery
- Water
- Liquid dishwashing soap
Instructions
How to Remove Toothpaste Stains From Clothes
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Lift Off the Solid Residue
If a blob of toothpaste lands on your clothes, use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to lift the stain away from the fabric's surface. Do not rub because you will only push the toothpaste deeper into the fibers, making it harder to remove.
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Dilute Laundry Detergent
Mix one teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent in one cup of water. Stir to mix well.
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Rub Cleaning Solution Into the Stain
Dip a clean white cloth in the solution and gently rub it into the stain. Do not over-saturate the fabric. Finish by dipping another clean white cloth in cool water and wiping away any detergent or toothpaste residue.
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Air Dry
Allow the stain to air dry.
How to Remove Toothpaste Stains From Carpet and Upholstery
For the most part, the instructions are the same for cleaning toothpaste from carpet or upholstery; only the detergent is different. A milder soap, like liquid dishwashing detergent, should be sufficient to remove the stain. Upholstery is cleaned the same way as carpet—just take extra care not to saturate the fabric to avoid excess moisture in the cushions.
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Scrape Away the Residue
When the toothpaste blob hits the carpet or bathroom rug, quickly remove it with a dull knife or spoon to prevent the stain from spreading deeper into the fibers.
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Dilute Dishwashing Liquid
Mix a solution of two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid and two cups of cool water.
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Blot the Stain With the Solution
Dip a sponge, white cloth, or soft-bristled brush in the solution. Start at the outside edge of the stain and work the cleaning solution into the stained area. Blot with a clean white cloth or paper towel to remove the stain from the carpet. Keep moving to a clean, dry area of the cloth until no more stain is transferred.
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Rinse the Area
Dip a clean white cloth into some plain water to rinse the area. It is essential to rinse away any cleaning solution that can attract soil to the area. Blot until no more soapy residue remains.
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Air Dry and Vacuum
Allow the carpet to air dry away from direct sunlight and heat. Vacuum to lift carpet fibers.
Additional Tips for Handling Toothpaste Stains
Toothpaste stains should wash out when laundering the garment. The surfactants and enzymes in your laundry detergent will solve the problem. Wash as usual, following the care guidelines for the garment. Most toothpaste stains will come out on the first attempt. If the stain persists for any reason, repeat the steps as necessary.
For dry-clean-only clothes, carefully remove any large blobs of toothpaste with a dull knife or spoon to prevent the paste from working deeper into the fabric. Do not rub the stain into the fabric. Then, take the item to a professional dry cleaner.
If the toothpaste stain spatters on silk, vintage clothing, or antique upholstery, consult a professional upholstery cleaner to avoid damaging the fabric.
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How to get toothpaste stains out of clothes without washing?
If you're about to run out the door and just got toothpaste spatter on your shirt, try dabbing two-parts water and one-part vinegar solution on the stain. Blot it dry. Then dab only water on it. Blot it dry again.
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Are toothpaste stains permanent?
Most toothpaste stains are not permanent. However, if you let a whitening toothpaste stain with bleaching agents remain on a delicate fabric untreated, you can get a bleach spot on the fabric.
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What is in toothpaste that stains clothes?
It depends on the toothpaste, but some contain titanium dioxide, whitening toothpastes have mild bleaching agents like peroxide, and others can have colored dyes that can stain fabric.
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How to get rid of toothpaste stains using natural ingredients?
Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are natural cleaning agents that can remove stains. To try one, mix it with water, gently dab it on the stain, and rinse off with water. Only use lemon juice on white items since the acid in lemons can bleach an item, resulting in color loss.