It has happened to anyone to stain their clothes by brushing their teeth. Removing the toothpaste from the fabric is not difficult, but you will probably need to use some soap. Act quickly as the stain could become permanent if you don't remove it right away.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove Stain without Washing Entire Garment
Step 1. Do your best to scrape off the toothpaste
It will be easier to remove the stain using water and chemical cleaners if you can get rid of all the toothpaste that has not yet penetrated the fabric first.
- Try using a small knife or sharp object to scrape off as much of the toothpaste as possible. If you are a child, ask an adult for help. You will have to scratch very gently so as not to risk damaging the fabric. At this stage, you are trying to remove only the remaining toothpaste.
- Be careful not to rub the toothpaste too hard, otherwise you risk making it penetrate even deeper. You can also try using your fingers if you think the knife is not suitable for the type of garment. In any case, the sooner you intervene, the easier it will be to remove the stain.
- If the toothpaste stays on the fabric for a long time, it can affect the color of the garment. Especially those that contain chemicals to make teeth whiter can damage the tissues, especially if it takes action after a long time.
Step 2. Check the garment label
Many methods of removing stains require the use of water, so you need to make sure that particular fabric doesn't get ruined by wetting it.
- If the label indicates that it can only be dry cleaned, do not wet it with water at all or it will get stained.
- If you don't have time to take it to the laundry, you can use a dry stain remover.
Step 3. Dampen a soft cloth with warm water, then use it to blot the stained area
It will serve to slightly dissolve the toothpaste. Dissolve a few drops of laundry detergent or stain remover in a cup of water.
- First, try working directly on the stain. Dampen the cloth in the soapy water, then gently pat and scrub the area soiled with toothpaste. Penetrating the stain, the detergent should gradually dissolve it.
- Moisten and press the fabric to release the toothpaste. If it is still visibly white, it means there is some toothpaste residue left. It's the titanium dioxide dust that causes those white streaks, and you'll likely need to use detergent to get rid of it.
- Dab the stained fabric with water to rinse it off, then let it air dry. Do not use heat or you will risk sticking any toothpaste residue on the garment. It is possible that you do not need to do anything else, it depends on the nature of the stain. If it is still visible, you will need to do a deeper wash.
Method 2 of 3: Wash the Entire Garment
Step 1. Wash the garment in the washing machine using regular laundry detergent
If after trying to scrape and dissolve the toothpaste the stain is still visible, it is essential to wash the garment otherwise it will risk becoming permanent.
- If the garment in question can be comfortably washed in the washing machine, this is the easiest and most effective way to get it clean again.
- It is generally useful to pre-treat the stain with a pre-wash stain remover.
Step 2. Run hot water over the garment or soak it in a basin
Direct the stream of water to the back of the stain so that it can penetrate between the fibers and push the toothpaste outward.
- Gently rub the stain with your fingers under the water. Make sure it has disappeared completely before placing the garment in the dryer. Hot air tends to set dirt on fabrics, which will therefore be more difficult to remove.
- If the stain persists, soak the garment for a few hours in very hot water, to which you have added a little detergent. Don't put it in the dryer, let it air dry until you're sure it's perfectly clean. If traces of toothpaste are still visible, repeat the process.
Step 3. Try using dish soap
Scrape off the excess toothpaste, then scrub the fabric with dish soap to remove the residue.
- First, remove as much of the toothpaste as you can, then let the detergent sit on the stain for about 10 minutes. Finally, wash the garment as usual.
- A teaspoon of clear dish detergent is sufficient. Dissolve it in a cup of water, then rub it on the stain with a clean rag.
Method 3 of 3: Use other products to remove the toothpaste
Step 1. Add the olive oil to the soap and water mixture
You will need a napkin, water, detergent and some olive oil. First mix the water and detergent in a glass.
- Now pour the olive oil on the stain. A small amount is enough, otherwise you risk damaging the fabric.
- Also pour the soapy water over the stain. After a few minutes, start scrubbing to remove it. You may need to wash the garment in a basin or in the washing machine later, this additional wash will help get rid of the toothpaste.
Step 2. Use lemon
Cut it in half, then rub the pulp on the stain for about a minute.
- Wash it off with regular powdered laundry detergent. You can also mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with baking soda, which is a very effective natural ingredient for getting rid of dirt.
- Wait for the effervescent reaction to stop. At that point, mix it to get a paste and homogeneous mixture, then rub it gently on the stained fabric. Use a teaspoon of baking soda and two teaspoons of lemon juice. You can also try scrubbing the stain with disinfectant alcohol.
Step 3. Use vinegar
Vinegar can effectively remove stains and odors from most surfaces. If it's a very small garment, you can wash it with a cup of vinegar; alternatively, add some to a bowl full of water.
- You can also use vinegar to pre-treat the garment if it is very stained or smelly; then put it in the washing machine following the previous instructions.
- It is best to use white wine vinegar. Mix one part of vinegar with two parts of water. After mixing, apply the solution to the stain. Let it sit for about a minute, then blot the fabric with a clean, dry cloth. Finally, rinse the garment and wash it by hand or in the washing machine.
Advice
Brush your teeth while in the shower so you don't run the risk of getting your clothes dirty
Warnings
- Especially if you use whitening toothpaste, be especially careful when brushing your teeth to avoid the risk of dirtying and ruining your clothes.
- Remember that it is very important to check that the stain has completely disappeared before putting the garment in the dryer.
