The Toothpaste Hack That'll Leave Your Stained Countertops Looking Good As New

If you thought toothpaste was just for brushing teeth — it turns out the humble tube of plaque remover has a wealth of untapped power that stretches well beyond the bathroom. Cleaning sneakers, removing crayon marks from walls, deodorizing containers, and polishing silverware are just some of the genius tips for using toothpaste at home. But toothpaste's brilliance doesn't stop there. If you are tired of staring at mystery marks on your work surfaces, there is a toothpaste hack that'll leave your stained countertops looking as good as new. All it takes is a simple squeeze and a little elbow grease.

Toothpaste is mildly abrasive, which gives it sufficient coarseness to eliminate stubborn spots, yet it's gentle enough to avoid scratching delicate surfaces. This makes it ideal for restoring stained countertops, especially those made of synthetic materials like quartz, laminate, and acrylic. Countertops made of natural stone, such as granite and marble, can also be cleaned with toothpaste if they have been properly sealed and the tooth cleaner doesn't have a high level of acid. Fluoride is what makes toothpaste acidic, so as long as you clean with a brand that features a low pH level or one that is fluoride-free, you don't need to worry about damaging the natural stone.

Before you start randomly squeezing toothpaste on countertops, be sure you are using the non-gel variety. For cleaning purposes, you only want to use regular white toothpaste that is free of dyes found in gels and colored toothpaste marketed for children. Also, steer clear of whitening toothpastes and those containing active charcoal, as the ingredients may trigger a bleaching effect that could damage the surface of your countertops. If you're concerned about potential harm, test a small inconspicuous area by applying a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and examining the results.

Kitchen countertops marred with spaghetti sauce, coffee, grape juice, gravy, tea, or other protein stains can be treated by applying toothpaste directly to the marks. Then, using a microfiber cloth or magic eraser gently scrub the toothpaste on the countertops in a circular pattern. Finish by wiping the entire area with a damp sponge making sure to eliminate any residual toothpaste, then dry with a soft cloth.

For tougher stains like those made with a permanent marker, saturate the streaks with hair spray and blot with a clean cloth. Then, cover all of the ink stains with toothpaste and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes. Gently buff the marks as you rinse the area with a damp cloth. The stains should lift and can be wiped away along with any remaining toothpaste.