HOW TO REMOVE TOOTHPASTE STAINS
Toothpaste stains may seem hard to remove, but they can actually come out with a single wash or quick blot and rinse. Some toothpastes may contain bleaching agents. Treat stains immediately, and always check your clothing's care tag for specific requirements like dry cleaning.
Read the guide below to learn more about toothpaste stain removal and tips and tricks for how to get toothpaste out of clothes.
DOES TOOTHPASTE STAIN CLOTHES PERMANENTLY?
Toothpaste stains are not usually permanent. It is important to act quickly, to know what ingredients are in your toothpaste to help you take the best course of action, and to follow your garment’s care tag instructions for proper laundering.
HOW TO REMOVE TOOTHPASTE STAINS FROM CLOTHES
Although toothpaste stain removal may seem difficult, with quick action and a few steps, you can take care of it. Follow the steps below to help you remove toothpaste stains from your clothing and have them clean again in no time.
SUPPLIES
Butter knife or spoon
White, wet cloth
STEP 1: REMOVE EXCESS TOOTHPASTE & WASH THE ITEM
Check your garment’s care tag before washing. If you have time, wash the item in your washer with cool or warm water. If not, use a butter knife or spoon to lift away any remaining toothpaste on the surface of the fabric, then continue to the next steps.
STEP 2: USE A WET CLOTH TO BLOT THE ITEM
Wet a clean white cloth and gently blot the toothpaste stain.
STEP 3: SOAK THE STAIN WITH COLD WATER
If the stain still remains, submerge it in cool water, gently rubbing to help with removal.
STEP 4: AIR DRY THE ITEM
Air dry. Do not put in the dryer. Heat can set stains that aren't completely removed. If the stain still remains, machine wash with cool or warm water.
NEVER TREAT TOOTHPASTE STAINS WITH A PLUSH OR DARK-COLORED CLOTH
Always treat toothpaste stains with a smooth, white washcloth or white, unprinted paper towel. More plush, fluffy fabrics, like your basic terrycloth, can leave behind lint, while a dark cloth may transfer colors to what you’re treating.
HOW TO REMOVE OLD TOOTHPASTE STAINS FROM CLOTHES
- Flush the toothpaste stain with cool water, gently rubbing it to help removal.
- Machine wash in cool or warm water, depending on the care tag instructions.
- Air dry. Do not put in the dryer. Heat can set stains that aren't completely removed. If the stain still remains, repeat these steps.
Even if the stain has been sitting, your washer’s normal cycle should remove it. Learn about common washer settings with this cycle guide.
TOOTHPASTE STAIN REMOVAL TIPS
- Act quickly. The sooner you begin the stain removal process, the more likely you are to be successful.
- For stubborn toothpaste stains, use a mild dish soap or a stain pretreatment.
- Be careful not to rub the stain vigorously, running the risk of setting the stain in further. Gentle scrubbing action, similar to the treatment of makeup stains, will help break up the toothpaste residue.
- A small dot of hand soap can be helpful for removal.
- To make sure all remnants of toothpaste are removed, use an enzyme-based detergent when you launder the garment.
- If you get toothpaste on a silk garment, fully soak the garment rather than spot cleaning and be sure to check the care tag before washing or removing stains.
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHERS
Maytag takes stain fighting seriously with cycles and options built to push the limits of power. Explore washers from Maytag brand with features like the Extra Power Button and the Sanitize Cycle on select models.
