How to Quickly Remove Toothpaste Stains from Clothes

It’s the morning rush. You’ve just brushed your teeth, and as you’re putting on your clothes, you realise that you’ve accidentally splattered toothpaste on your favourite shirt. While toothpaste is great for your teeth, it’s not so friendly when it comes to your clothes. Thankfully, there’s no need to panic. In this guide, we’ll show you how to quickly remove toothpaste stains from clothes and get your garment looking as good as new in no time.

Toothpaste stains might seem stubborn, but with the right knowledge and a few simple methods, you can easily clean toothpaste from clothes and keep your wardrobe looking fresh. Whether it’s a small dab or a big splatter, how to take out toothpaste stains from your clothes is easier than you think. Let’s explore how to get out a toothpaste stain with a few simple steps.

Toothpaste stains are often caused by a mix of ingredients, including baking soda, whitening agents, and coloured dyes that are used to add a fresh minty appearance. When toothpaste comes into contact with your clothing, these ingredients can seep into the fibres of the fabric, leaving behind unsightly marks. The good news is that toothpaste stains, unlike some other types of stains, are typically not permanent and can be removed with the right techniques.

If you’re wondering how to remove toothpaste stains from clothes efficiently, you’ll want to act quickly, as the longer the stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove.

Now, let’s get into the practical steps you can take to clean toothpaste from clothes and get your outfit back to normal. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to follow:

Act Quickly!

The first step in how to remove toothpaste stains from clothes is to act quickly. The longer toothpaste sits on the fabric, the more likely it is to set into the fibres. So, as soon as you notice the stain, it’s time to take action.

Blot the Stain: Use a clean paper towel or cloth to blot the stain gently. Avoid rubbing it, as this can push the toothpaste further into the fabric. If the toothpaste is fresh, this should lift most of it away from the fabric.

Rinse with Cold Water

To remove as much of the toothpaste as possible, rinse the affected area under cold water. Hold the stained part of the fabric under the tap and let the water run through from the back of the stain. This will help push the toothpaste out of the fibres.

Why Cold Water?: Cold water is effective in loosening toothpaste stains without setting them into the fabric. Avoid using hot water, as it could cause the stain to set.

Use Laundry Detergent

Once you’ve rinsed the area, the next step is to apply a stain-fighting solution. A mild laundry detergent works well for breaking down toothpaste stains.

How to Apply: Dab a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly onto the toothpaste stain. Gently rub it in using your fingers or a soft cloth, making sure to cover the entire stained area.

Let It Sit: Allow the detergent to sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes. This gives it time to break down the toothpaste and lift it from the fabric.

Gently Scrub the Stain

After the detergent has had time to sit, gently scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. This will help loosen any remaining toothpaste that’s clinging to the fabric.

Tip: If the toothpaste stain is on a delicate fabric like silk, use a soft cloth instead of a brush to avoid damaging the material.

Rinse and Repeat

Once you’ve scrubbed the stain, rinse the fabric again with cold water. You should see the toothpaste stain starting to lift. If the stain persists, repeat the process until it’s completely gone.

Launder as Usual

After the toothpaste stain has been removed, launder the garment as usual. Follow the care instructions on the label, but be sure to wash the garment in cold or lukewarm water to prevent any remaining toothpaste from setting.

Check Before Drying: Before placing your clothes in the dryer, check to ensure that the stain has been completely removed. Heat from the dryer can set the stain, making it harder to get out if it’s still visible.

If you’ve tried the basic method above and the stain is still there, don’t worry! There are a few alternative techniques you can try. These methods work especially well for tougher or older stains, and they can help you get out a toothpaste stain when traditional methods haven’t worked.

Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is known for its stain-fighting properties. You can create a simple paste using baking soda and water to target stubborn toothpaste stains.

• How to Use: Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply the paste directly to the toothpaste stain and gently rub it in. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
• Why It Works: Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, which helps lift the toothpaste from the fabric without damaging the fibres.

Vinegar and Water Solution

Vinegar is another powerful cleaning agent that can help with how to clean toothpaste from clothes. It’s particularly effective in breaking down the components in the toothpaste.

• How to Use: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the toothpaste stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, blot the area with a clean cloth to lift the stain.
• Tip: After using vinegar, be sure to rinse the fabric well to avoid any lingering smell.

Stain Remover Spray

For particularly stubborn stains, a dedicated stain remover spray can work wonders. Simply follow the product’s instructions and apply the spray directly to the toothpaste stain.

• How to Use: Spray the stain remover on the affected area, then let it sit for the time recommended on the product. Launder the garment as usual after treatment.

While it’s great to know how to take out toothpaste stains, it’s even better to prevent them in the first place. Here are a few tips to avoid toothpaste stains on your clothes in the future:

• Be Careful When Brushing: Try to avoid splashing toothpaste onto your clothes. If you’re brushing near your clothes, make sure to use a towel or cloth to protect them.
• Keep Toothpaste Tubes Closed: If you’re travelling, make sure to tightly seal your toothpaste tube to avoid accidental spills in your bag.
• Wear an Old Shirt: If you know you’re in a rush and might splatter toothpaste, consider wearing an old shirt or apron while brushing.