How to Remove a Toothpaste Stain

Co-authored by Francesca Ortega

Toothpaste is great for cleaning teeth, but it’s pretty annoying when it leaves stains on fabric or in the sink. Thankfully, it can be quickly and easily removed with common cleaning products. If the stain is on carpet or upholstery, use a liquid detergent and water solution to dissolve the stain, and then leave the area to dry. If your clothes have a toothpaste stain, use a toothbrush and laundry detergent to remove any residue, and then wash them as usual. If the stain is in the sink, rub the toothpaste off with a cloth and surface cleaner.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Toothpaste out of Carpet and Upholstery

1
Use a clean cloth to remove any crusty patches. Moisten the area of the stain with a clean cloth. Rub the cloth back and forth over the area until the crusty top layer of the stain is gone. This will make it easier for the detergent to penetrate the stain underneath.^{[1]
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- If the stain is on delicate fabric that is easily damaged by friction, avoid rubbing the area, and just moisten it instead.
- This method also works for cleaning rugs.
2
Mix 2 cups (470 mL) of water with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of liquid detergent.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Francesca Ortega
Cleaning & Organization Expert
Expert Interview. 3 March 2022.} Measure the water and detergent into a small bowl. Use liquid dishwashing or clothes washing detergent -- either will work. Stir the water and detergent until they are just combined.^{[3]
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- Avoid using a whitening or bleaching detergent as this can damage the fabric that you are trying to clean.
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3
Rub the detergent and water solution into the stain with a clean cloth. Dunk a cloth into the cleaning solution and wring out any excess liquid. Gently rub the cloth back and forth over the stain. Continue to rub the area until the stain disappears.^{[4]
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- Use a white cloth to avoid any colour from the cloth leaking onto the fabric. Cotton or microfibre cloths work well for removing stains.
4
Dry the area with a towel. Leaving wet patches on the fabric can cause mould to grow. Place a towel over the wet area and press down on it to absorb the water. Continue to blot the area until the fabric is dry to touch.^{[5]
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- If you are having trouble removing all the liquid from the fabric, place a fan in front of the area to remove the remaining liquid.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Getting Toothpaste Stains out of Clothes

1
Dampen the stain with a wet cloth. Saturate a cloth in cold water and then squeeze it tightly to wring out any excess water. Moisten the marked area with the cloth and rub off any crusty toothpaste residue that is sitting on the surface of the fabric.
- Cotton cloths or face cloths work well for removing stains from clothes.
2
Rub laundry detergent into the stain with a toothbrush. Wet a clean toothbrush with cold water and then dip it into laundry detergent. Gently scrub the stained area to agitate and dissolve any toothpaste that is stuck in the fibres of the fabric. Continue to scrub the stain until you can’t see any toothpaste residue left in the fabric.
- If the fabric pills easily, rub the stain very gently to avoid damaging it. If the clothing is made from silk or suede, don’t rub the detergent into the fabric, just let it sit on top.
3
Launder the item as usual. This helps to remove any remaining residue from the fabric and helps to prevent water marks forming.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Francesca Ortega
Cleaning & Organization Expert
Expert Interview. 3 March 2022.} Read the label on the inside of the clothing to find the washing instructions. Add laundry detergent to the washing machine and then press start.^{[8]
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- If you can’t find the instructions on the label, set the machine to a cold and gentle cycle.
- If the stain is on silk or suede fabric, set the wash to a slow and gentle cycle.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Removing Toothpaste Residue in the Sink

1
Wipe the stain up with a damp cloth immediately, if possible. Toothpaste stains are easiest to clean up when they are fresh. If you notice the stain when it is fresh, rub a damp cloth back and forth over the area until all the toothpaste residue is gone.^{[9]
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- If the cloth is smearing the stain, rinse it with water and then try again.
- Microfibre and cotton cloths work well for rubbing stains.
2
Spray a surface cleaner over the stain and leave it to sit for 4 minutes. Choose a spray-on surface cleaner that is designed for the bathroom or for removing surface stains. Spray the cleaner liberally over the stain and leave it to dissolve the toothpaste residue.^{[10]
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- Purchase a spray-on surface cleaner from the cleaning aisle of the supermarket. Make sure that the product is suitable for the material for your sink. For example, if you sink is ceramic, look for a surface cleaner that says that it is “ceramic-friendly.”
- Set a timer to remind you to finish cleaning the stain.
- If you want a more natural option, look for a surface cleaner that has baking soda in it.
3
Wipe the stain away with a paper towel.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Francesca Ortega
Cleaning & Organization Expert
Expert Interview. 3 March 2022.} This absorbs the surface cleaner and helps to agitate any remaining toothpaste residue off the sink. If necessary, apply pressure and rub the area back and forth with a paper towel to remove any remaining remnants of the stain.^{[12]
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- If you don’t have paper towels, use a cleaning cloth instead.
4
Rub scouring gel over the stain, if necessary. If the toothpaste stain remains on the sink after using a surface cleaner, use scouring gel to grind the stain off. This gel has a thick and gritty texture that helps to remove the stain. Pour the gel over the area and use a cotton cloth rub to it into the stain. Continue to rub the area until the stain is completely removed.^{[13]
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- Purchase a scouring gel from a cleaning or home store. Look for a non-abrasive scouring cleaner as this won’t damage the surface of your sink.

Expert Q&A

Question

What is the fastest way to remove toothpaste stains?

Francesca Ortega
Cleaning & Organization Expert
Francesca Ortega is a Cleaning & Organization Expert and the Co-Founder of Excellence Cleaning Pros based in Santa Clarita, California. With more than six years of experience, she specializes in organizing and thorough cleanings of residential spaces. Excellence Cleaning Pros has also been featured in "This is LA" as one of the best local cleaning companies. Francesca and her team are extensively trained and insured.

Francesca Ortega

Cleaning & Organization Expert

Expert Answer

Definitely a metal sponge. It can remove all kinds of residue, even hard water and toothpaste stains. Just scrub it with water and dish soap.
Question

How do you get hardened toothpaste off?

Francesca Ortega
Cleaning & Organization Expert
Francesca Ortega is a Cleaning & Organization Expert and the Co-Founder of Excellence Cleaning Pros based in Santa Clarita, California. With more than six years of experience, she specializes in organizing and thorough cleanings of residential spaces. Excellence Cleaning Pros has also been featured in "This is LA" as one of the best local cleaning companies. Francesca and her team are extensively trained and insured.

Francesca Ortega

Cleaning & Organization Expert

Expert Answer

Try using a small blade to scrape it off. However, it has to be the flat square shaped blade that's usually used to open boxes and such, not the camping or key chain type.