40 Clever Uses For Baby Powder That Prove It Isn’t Just For Moms

Have you fallen into the trap of believing that baby powder is just for parents? If so, you’re in for a surprise. Talcum powder can actually be helpful in plenty of weird and wonderful ways, even if you’re nobody’s mom or dad! From skin care secrets to pet solutions, we’ve scoured the internet to find the most useful ways for you to get your money’s worth from your next pot of talc.

1. Set your make-up

To all the women out there – don’t you just hate it when your make-up starts to run in the middle of the day? Well, a helping of baby powder could prevent that from happening again, according to BT.com. Thanks to how absorbent it is, talcum powder should protect your cosmetics from greasy skin. Simply use the powder at the end of your beauty routine to set make-up in place. Just don’t forget to blend, or you’ll be looking more Casper the ghost than Carrie Bradshaw. 

2. Fix squeaky floors

Ah, squeaky floors – the bane of our existence. Just try naming a more irritating sound around the house! But before you think about tearing the boards up in frustration, it might be an idea to grab some baby powder. The website Home Hacks claims that dusting talc into the gaps between panels will help stifle the noise.

3. Rubber glove hack

Putting on a rubber glove isn’t as easy as you’d think. After all, the material has a tendency to stick to your skin. But there’s actually a way around it. Yes, Home Hacks argues that sprinkling a little bit of talcum powder on your mitts should help the glove slide on without any issues. Sorry if you now need to think of a new excuse for not having done the dishes!

4. Wax protection

Nobody looks forward to waxing, right? And hair removal above your lips is no exception. Now we can’t help with the pain, but did you know that baby powder can prevent any unfortunate after-effects? The product’s properties can apparently ease skin aggravation and stop red marks from forming, according to Home Hacks. All you need to do is dust it above your upper lip before you get going with the wax.

5. Freshen up your closet

Are you sick and tired of that dank smell in the closet that just won’t budge? Well, we’ve got a solution for that. First off, BT.com suggests grabbing an empty container and some baby powder. The rest is simple. Just add a small amount of powder into your container of choice, and let the talc get to work. In theory, it should absorb the dampness in the air — getting rid of the scent altogether. Result! 

6. Remove grease stains

Grease stains can be an absolute nightmare to deal with — especially if they end up on a favorite shirt or dress. Don’t fret, though. Try sprinkling a shake of talcum powder on a soft pad and scrubbing it into the dirty spot, Reader’s Digest recommends. It might take a few tries, but the greasy blemishes should eventually shift. Problem solved!

7. Freshen up your carpets

Over time, even the cleanest of carpets can develop an unpleasant smell. And that’s especially true when you’ve got animals in the house. Pets or no pets, we’ve got you covered! Start off by pouring a small amount of talc onto the rug, BT.com suggests. After that, allow it to rest for roughly 15 minutes — before running a vacuum cleaner over the powder. The result? One fresh, not funky carpet.

8. Untangle jewelry

Knotted-up jewelry can test even the most patient person. So, how can you sort out the mess without making it worse? Well, if there’s no one around with more patience to help you out, simply head to your bathroom cabinet. According to Home Hacks, dusting some talc over the problematic area will add lubrication to the surface. Now the tangles won’t be so difficult to fix!

9. Makeshift pet shampoo

Let’s be honest here – do any of you enjoy washing your pets? To say it’s a daunting job would be an understatement. Before the next bath time rolls around, though, give this a try. Sprinkle some baby powder over your furry friend and rub it into their hair, Home Hacks says. The product should soak up any skin grease. It’ll leave a nice scent when you wash it off in the tub, too!

10. Thicken your eyelashes

Struggling to add volume to your lashes? If you’re willing to get creative, then there could be a simple way to solve that problem. As per BT.com, all you need to do is dust a little bit of baby powder across your eyelashes ahead of grabbing your mascara. The talc works as a makeshift “primer” that should boost thickness in a flash. 

11. Freshen up musty books

Books sitting in a damp space for too long tend to start smelling a little funky. Don’t banish them to the recycling bin just yet, though. Turns out you can remove fusty odors by sprinkling baby powder straight onto the pages, according to Home Hacks. Once the paper’s dry, let the talc drop throughout the book and allow it to rest until the next day. When morning rolls around, simply get rid of the powder, and voilà!

12. High heels hack

Anyone who’s pulled a Cinderella in a pair of flashy shoes will tell you that high heels get uncomfortable fast. There’s a whole host of ways they can cause pain — rubbing, swelling, aching, the lot! And frankly, who wants a set of puffed-up trotters come the end of the day. Surely there’s a way to stop all that? Well, Home Hacks claims that talcum powder could be your savior. If you pour some into the heels before slipping them on, it’ll shield your feet from problematic friction.

13. Beat sweat stains

Urgh, sweat stains. These horrible marks have ruined many a shirt through the years. Though some clever thinking can stop the spots from appearing altogether, Home Hacks claims. Yes, just dust a bit of baby powder around the arms and collar of the item when you come to iron it. After rubbing the talc in, your clothes should now be impervious to perspiration!

14. Cool your sheets

As the weather starts to get warmer, your bed can transform into a waking nightmare. But before ditching your sheets entirely and researching alternative ways to get those all-important z’s, just grab your trusty talc. According to BT.com, you can cool the material down by scattering baby powder across it. This simple act should stop you from sweating buckets or selling your bed. Thank us later!

15. Makeshift modeling paste

Running low on modeling paste for your latest project? Well, don’t worry: there’s no need to rush out to the store to buy more. You can actually whip up a makeshift batch yourself! All you need is some mod podge, paint, and talcum powder, Home Hacks says. Then, just stir those three together, and the job is done.

16. Loosen shoelace knots

We’ve all been there at one time or another when a shoelace knot becomes impossible to untangle. Yet your life can be made a lot easier in those instances with just a bit of talc. Simply tap the powder over the shoelaces and carefully work them free, Home Hacks suggests. Yep, you’ll be done before you know it.

17. Bargain air freshener

Is your house smelling a little stale? Well, often, an air freshener can solve that problem. But why go out and buy one when you can create it yourself? The combination of baby powder and essential oils will give off a super pleasant scent. So, combine the talc and oil in a jar and get spraying. You’ll notice the difference in no time!

18. Lipstick hack

Certain lipsticks have a tendency to come off after what feels like no time at all. It’s pretty annoying, right? Well, to prevent that from happening, Home Hacks recommends adding baby powder to your beautifying regime. Once the first layer of lippy is in place, dab a fine layer of powder on top. Then, add the second layer as normal. You should be left with a perfect pout and no need to re-apply in a hurry.

19. Soothe dry skin

Baby powder is known for its absorbent qualities, but believe it or not, it can actually be used as a makeshift moisturizer for dry skin. By dusting the product over the problematic spots, DIY & Crafts claims that it’ll smooth out the roughness. Pretty neat, huh? And baby powder is quite effective in fighting cracked heels, too. So, if you’ve exhausted your skin care options, it’s worth a go.

20. Protect your plants

Is there a sadder sight for a gardener than a dead plant? It hurts to see! Mind you, this can be avoided if you’ve got a tub of baby powder handy. Before sticking your latest blooms into the soil, Home Hacks recommends dusting both the roots and bulbs with talc. Apparently, that simple action will stop it from withering away.

21. Deter rabbits and beetles

It’s not always easy to maintain the plants in your garden – especially if you’re being pestered by pests. Yet baby powder could be the perfect deterrent. According to DIY Everywhere, you can keep rabbits away from growing flowers with a dusting of talc on the plagued plants. It’ll also stop Japanese beetles from wreaking havoc as well. Talk about an effective shield!

22. Laptop hack

Thanks to sweaty and greasy fingers, a laptop’s touchpad can get pretty dirty over time. And of course, that muck will have an impact on the surface’s sensitivity. But did you know that baby powder can help? Home Hacks recommends dusting some talcum powder over the pad, and just like that, you’ll be able to slide along your touchpad like it was brand-new.

23. Ward off nighttime critters

Oh, raccoons — why do you have to be so destructive in the garden? If you’ve grown tired of their antics, don’t despair. Just grab the baby powder from your bathroom cabinet instead! The DIY Everywhere website suggests that sprinkling it directly on the soil around your plants should stop them from being harassed by nighttime visitors. You see, raccoons don’t seem to like that powdery texture getting on their paws.

24. Say goodbye to chafing

If you’re a keen exerciser — or just a person with two legs — then there’s a good chance you’ll be familiar with chafing. The marks it leaves leave even the toughest among us wincing. But why not get ahead of the issue? According to BT.com, pouring a bit of baby powder over your thighs should stop the skin in those areas from rubbing when you’re moving about. We can sense the relief from here.

25. Shine, be gone

To explain this next hack, the owner of the website LesBijouteries.com spoke to StyleCaster. Geri Barnes said, “I learned this little trick from a photographer working on [a] photoshoot. [Talcum powder] absorbs the perspiration on the face and keeps down the shine. [It really works] with darker skin tones, because [those] tones reflect more under the cameras!” Similar to setting your makeup, just dust the powder on top of a finished face for optimum shine-free results.

26. DIY deodorant

Harsh chemicals and white stains on your clothes — sound familiar? If you’re struggling to find a deodorant that works for you, then it might be time to give baby powder a try instead. Yes, we’re being serious. Turns out that talc is more than capable of dealing with underarm sweat and taking out bad smells. You only need to dust your hands and then rub them into the pits.

27. Remove sand

As Anakin Skywalker once said, “I don’t like sand. It’s coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere.” Well, maybe if the Star Wars character knew about this hack, he’d think differently! You see, talcum powder can help remove sand when it sticks to your arms or legs, according to Home Hacks. Just sprinkle it on and you’re away.

28. Ant repellent

Ants can become a big problem if they start to find ways into your house. And it’s especially frustrating when you can’t locate the entry point. But instead of losing your rag, try calling upon the baby powder in your bathroom. The product can act like a makeshift repellent, as the bugs won’t want to wade through it. Oh, and it’s much cheaper than shop-bought repellants or an exterminator. What are you waiting for?

29. Card deck hack

“Pick a card – any card! Oh, the deck’s stuck together.” After a while, you’ll probably experience this with your pack of cards as the material gets worn away. No need to buy another box, though. According to Home Hacks, all you’ve got to do is massage a helping of talc onto the surface and start shuffling.

30. Remove blood stains

We’ve all seen Dexter on HBO — dealing with blood stains isn’t a simple job. Hopefully, we’re talking about a less murderous mark for your home-remedy needs, though! Unfortunately, water alone won’t rid your shirts or carpets of stubborn blood stains. In fact, it could actually make things worse. But fear not: according to Home Hacks, you just need to mix a helping of water with baby powder. The resulting blend can then be smeared over the area. Once it hardens, you then simply wipe the concoction off!

31. Makeshift dry shampoo

If you’re looking to save money on dry shampoos, why not try fixing up a batch yourself? To pull that off, Home Hacks says, you’d need baking soda and baby powder. Once you’ve got hold of them, stir a quarter-cup of both ahead of rubbing the mixture on your head. Then, comb it into your hair – the grease won’t stand a chance! If you’ve got darker hair, try adding in some cocoa powder to help with the blending. Just make sure it’s the kind without sugar, or you’ll be a walking beehive!

32. Aftershave substitute

Finding the right aftershave can be a real challenge for some — especially if you’ve got sensitive skin. Then again, baby powder could be a more-than-worthy substitute for shop-bought products. Think about it: talcum powder has a nice scent and its ingredients shouldn’t agitate the area you’re shaving. Plus, it’s less costly. Worth a go at least, right?

33. Freshen up kitty litter

As anyone with a cat will tell you, the litter box can quickly build up a less than desirable odor if you’re not too careful. One way to avoid unwanted smells is by dusting baby powder right into the litter itself. The perfumed scent will counteract any nasties. It’s worth noting, though, that this only works if you stick with it — so continue replenishing the talc as and when the tray gets washed.

34. Beat tight clothes

Don’t you just hate it when your pants no longer zip up with ease? No matter what you try, they just won’t budge. Well, before throwing them out, try this instead. By sprinkling a bit of talcum powder on your legs, you should be able to shimmy into your favorite outfit just like before. The powder acts as a lubricant of sorts.

35. Close small cuts

Shaving nicks can be pretty painful and produce a surprising amount of blood for such a small cut. Normally, a torn bit of tissue should be enough to stop the bleeding, but there are other options. According to StyleCaster, talc can help stem the flow when you apply it to the laceration. One for the first aid kit, then.

36. Spills and odors

Spills are bad enough by themselves — but smelly spillages? Oh boy. They’re the worst, aren’t they? Don’t let your house fall victim to them! To swerve the stench, be sure to get rid of the liquid and the resulting marks first. After that, dust a helping of baby powder over the surface, Home Hacks recommends. Give it a couple of hours or so, and then hoover up the talc.

37. Treat eczema

To explain this next hack, a skin expert named Dr. Justine Hextall spoke to BT.com. She said, “If you find that eczema-prone areas of skin get hot and sweaty throughout the day and are making the irritation worse, use a mild medicated talcum powder to calm the affected skin. The zinc and allantoin in [there] will help to soothe the symptoms and therefore prevent scratching.”

38. Smooth legs

Are you planning to wax your legs any time soon? Well, you might want to take this on board. When the time comes, BT.com recommends wiping some baby powder along them first. The product will soak up any sweat or grease on your skin. In turn, the hair-removal part should be a lot easier as the wax will cling better to the hair.

39. Anti-acne mask

Ah acne, the skin condition that nobody invited to the face party. The perpetrator behind many people’s skin woes should watch out, though. For some of us, acne can continue — or even crop up — far beyond our teenage years. And if you’re one of these people, then it can seem like nothing will clear up the problem. But talc could be a potential solution. By mixing it with a dab of water in a bowl, the paste can then supposedly be used as an anti-acne mask.

40. Freshen up your shoes

After a long day on your feet, there’s a good chance that the interior of your shoes will less than fresh. Before all that unwanted sweat has time to leave behind a horrible scent, just grab the baby powder from your cupboard. From there, sprinkle it into each shoe. It’ll freshen those sneakers up in no time! Fresh out of baby powder? Don’t stress! There’s actually another — even more commonplace — bathroom staple that can help rescue roughed-up shoes. This one usually goes in your mouth, though...

41. Eliminate scuff marks

Who says toothpaste is only for oral hygiene? Next time you want to clean your leather shoes, don’t seek out expensive polishes. Instead, as Reader’s Digest says, grab your trusty tube of toothpaste. You simply need to rub a drop onto a scuff with a soft cloth before cleaning the area with a damp rag. The marks should come off before your eyes — leaving your footwear looking and smelling good.

42. Relieve insect bites

Anyone who’s fallen victim to an insect bite will know that they can be irritating as hell. However, according to Reader’s Digest, these itching little lumps can be soothed with just a dab of toothpaste. Top tip: toothpaste can apparently be used in the same way to treat burns, too.

43. Brighten up your bling

Reader’s Digest claims that a tube of toothpaste is all you need to restore a diamond ring to its former glory. Simply use a toothbrush to apply the formula to your jewelry and then wipe off the residue using a damp cloth. After that, you should be left with bling that truly glistens — meaning you may never want to take it off.

44. Dry out pimples

If you need an overnight fix for a pesky spot, simply apply a bit of toothpaste to the offending area before you go to bed. The formula will both help to dry out the pimple and absorb excess oil. But be warned: the paste only really works its magic on spots that already have heads. Avoid this hack if you struggle with sensitive skin, too.

45. Deodorize hands

Home cooks will know that there are some smells that seem to stick on hands forever. Sometimes the stink just won’t shift! However, Reader’s Digest claims that the ingredients in toothpaste that deodorize your mouth can do the very same thing for your hands — an easy trick to banish the garlic scent from your mitts.

46. Get crayon off walls

Don’t despair when your kids next use your beautiful, clean walls as blank canvases. Instead, just grab some toothpaste and use it to scrub the crayon away. The slightly abrasive nature of the common toiletry product makes it perfect for removing waxy messes. And it’s easily removed from the wall, too, with just a bit of water needed to wash away all traces.

47. Hang posters

If you can’t fix nails to your walls, then you can try using toothpaste to hang your pictures. Yes, according to the website Home Hacks, the bathroom staple can be used as a nifty makeshift adhesive that will come in handy when sprucing up your place. And unlike tack, tape, or glue, it won’t damage your walls when you come to take it off, either.

48. Remove fabric stains

Just like talc, toothpaste works like a charm when it comes to removing stubborn lipstick or ink stains from clothes. Use a non-gel variety to treat the fabric and rub forcefully to work the paste in, and do it again and again until the mark is removed. After that, you may want to place the item in the laundry to remove the remaining menthol smell.

49. Clean up piano keys

If all your piano playing has left the keys looking grubby, then it’s time to call upon your trusty toothpaste. According to the good people at Reader’s Digest, you can simply apply the stuff with a toothbrush and then use a dampened rag to remove it. This method apparently works wonders on ivory-coated piano keys as well as modern plastic keys.

50. Tackle carpet stains

It may seem counterintuitive to rub toothpaste into an already soiled carpet, but Reader’s Digest insists that the bathroom staple is actually an effective stain remover. Using a sponge or toothbrush, you simply need to rub the paste onto the fibers where the offending mark lies. Then wash away with water and repeat until your carpet’s clean.

51. Banish watermarks

Coasters are the easiest way to avoid unsightly watermarks on furniture. However, don’t worry if you or someone else has forgotten to use one. Simply apply some non-gel toothpaste to the stain using a soft cloth, and then wipe the mixture away with a slightly wet one. After that, let the wood dry before giving it a spritz of polish.

52. Clean phone cameras

If your camera phone images are coming out hazy, it may be worth giving the lens a little polish. And by now, it will probably come as no surprise to learn that toothpaste is perfect for this task. Simply smooth the substance onto the camera before sponging it away to remove any debris, and see how much your photography game improves.

53. Remove gunk from straighteners and curling irons

The Spruce says that toothpaste is the answer to removing all of that sticky build-up on hair straighteners or curling irons without damaging them in the process. Simply rub the paste onto the surfaces of the styling tools before removing the excess product. Complete the process by giving your appliances the once-over with a damp cloth and then allowing them to dry.

54. Deodorize baby bottles

After a while, baby bottles can wind up stinking of sour milk. To eliminate this unpleasant odor, Reader’s Digest recommends that you take some toothpaste and a bottle brush to the offending item before rinsing it thoroughly with water. The same method can be used on Tupperware and plastic storage boxes to remove any lingering smells of last night’s leftovers.

55. Quick toilet clean

If your toilet’s in need of a quick fix but you’re fresh out of cleaner, you could use toothpaste instead. According to The Spruce, you can simply squirt the bathroom staple around the bowl and work it in with a toilet brush. And while the toothpaste won’t kill all nasties in the same manner as a more specialized cleaning product, it will produce sparkling results.

56. Defog goggles

Whether you’re doing some DIY or diving into the deep seas, foggy goggles can be a real headache. To prevent your eyewear from steaming up, then, work toothpaste into them and then clean it off. Not only will you be left with perfectly clear eyewear, but they should stay see-through while you work or swim, too.

57. Keep silverware gleaming

With just a little bit of toothpaste, you can make tarnished silverware a thing of the past. Just apply the substance using a soft cloth and watch the dull build-up come away before your eyes. According to The Spruce, the hack even works on copper pots that are badly corroded.

58. Remove soap scum

Toothpaste is also particularly effective in tackling soap scum build-up in the bathroom, and apparently it works perfectly on shower doors. Simply apply the paste with a damp sponge, then rinse it away and shine the chosen surface with a dry cloth. You’ll be left with a pristine finish devoid of any unsightly watermarks.

59. Fix up scuffed phones

Given the amount we use our phones, they’re often susceptible to scratches. But did you know that toothpaste can be used to reduce such marks, going some way to restoring our devices to their former glory? According to the YouTube channel Bokin DIY, rubbing the paste over your phone and then removing it with a cloth could be the solution to a scratched device.

60. Glue for your scrapbook

If you’re caught on the road without a gluestick and need to keep photos and memories in order, look no further than your trusty tube of toothpaste. The handy substance can be used as a makeshift adhesive, and you can use it in the same way you would any regular glue. Now, you can keep all your mementos together on the go.

61. Fix scratched glasses

Before you’re tempted to throw scratched spectacles away, try this handy hack. Rub them using a cotton ball and some toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. And after a couple of attempts, scratches may just start to disappear, according to budgeting website A Cultivated Nest. However, beware of trying this tip on glasses with specialist coatings, as the toothpaste may damage these instead.

62. Freshen up your toilet cistern

If you want to keep your toilet smelling sweet between cleans, why not use toothpaste? Simply pierce holes into the tube and place it inside your cistern. This nifty trick will send a fresh smell into your bathroom without you having to scrub away, The Sun claims. The menthol in the paste may also act as a mild disinfectant — making it a win-win.

63. Keep your fingernails clean

If your nails have been stained from cooking, cleaning, or gardening, turn to toothpaste for a quick manicure. According to A Cultivated Nest, all you need to do is scrub your nails with toothpaste and a toothbrush for around a minute before rinsing them clean. This hack is best left for emergencies, though, as too much paste could dry nails out and make them brittle.

64. Prevent your bathroom mirror from steaming over

Trying to brush your teeth, shave your face, or apply makeup can be downright impossible with a fogged-up mirror. So, to help your morning routine go more smoothly, Reader’s Digest recommends wiping your reflective surface down with toothpaste before you hop in the shower. That way, it will remain steam-free while you’re getting ready.

65. Clean white patio furniture

Whitening toothpaste can come in handy when cleaning pale-colored patio furniture. According to A Cultivated Nest, it’s especially great at removing grass stains. Just rub on the paste, then rinse and repeat until your table or chair is clean. If you need to, you could spruce up an entire item in this manner — although you’d need a big tube of toothpaste.

66. Fill small holes

If you need a quick fix for small holes in your walls, consider filling them with toothpaste. Specifically, push the formula into the crevice before smoothing it off with an old credit card to ensure that it’s flat on the wall. Then, once the paste has dried, you can paint your wall as normal.

67. Polish kitchen chrome

Many supermarket chrome cleaners contain a very gentle abrasive to help make surfaces shiny. And guess what? Toothpaste also has to be slightly abrasive in order to clean our teeth. So, if you don’t have your usual product handy, simply smear some toothpaste onto dirty chrome and then polish it off using a dry cloth.

68. Clean car headlamps

Car headlamps can become cloudy over time as they oxidize. This can decrease your visibility in the dark and can therefore become a danger. So, to get your lights shining brightly, turn to your trusty toothpaste. Grab a sponge and rub the substance onto the headlamps in circular motions before rinsing it off with water or a damp cloth.

69. Remove nail polish

If you’re out of nail polish remover but need to fix up your talons, look no further than toothpaste. Simply rub it on your fingernails in the same way you would use acetone, Home Hacks argues. As an added bonus, your hands will be left smelling lovely and minty — which you don’t typically get from store-bought removers.

70. Restore white sneakers

When the white rubber parts of your sneakers become marked, try cleaning them with non-gel toothpaste. Reader’s Digest advises using a cleaning pad or toothbrush to apply the formula and letting it dry onto the shoes. Then, when you come to wipe the paste off, use a cloth dampened with water and soap. Your sneakers should look box-fresh again.

71. Clean your iron plate

The semi-abrasive nature of toothpaste makes it perfect for cleaning sticky, starch build-ups off irons. Wait for the plate to cool before rubbing the paste onto the metal with a cloth, and then scrub it clean once more with a damp rag. You should be left with a gleaming iron that will make smoothing out laundry a breeze in the future.

72. Repair CDs and DVDs

CDs and DVDs are pretty old school nowadays, but many of us still have piles of them in our homes. And while CDs were once touted as being “indestructible,” music fans will know that the discs are still susceptible to scratches. According to the website Awesome Inventions, though, you can easily fix them up by wiping them over with toothpaste.

73. Remove permanent marker from wood

Next time your children’s doodles make it onto your wooden furniture, don’t despair, as Awesome Inventions claims that even permanent marker can be removed with a squeeze or two of toothpaste. Just rub the paste gently onto the affected area and then take it off after a few minutes. You may need to repeat the process if the scribbles don’t budge first time.

74. Clean the bathroom sink

Toothpaste is pretty miraculous stuff, so don’t let it go to waste if you drop a dollop in the bathroom sink. Instead, scrub it into the basin using a sponge before rinsing it away with water. You can even squeeze a bit down the drain to leave it smelling fresh.

75. Get gum out of hair or clothes

Removing gum from clothes or hair can be a difficult task, but once again toothpaste can help — and all you’ll need is a little bit of patience. Awesome Inventions recommends applying some of the bathroom staple to the sticky area before allowing it to dry out naturally. Then, once the paste has fully set, the gum should come away more easily.

76. Heal bruises

In one of its more unusual uses, toothpaste can apparently be used to help bruises heal more quickly. According to A Cultivated Nest, you simply need to apply a thin layer of the substance to the skin, then cover it over with a bandage and leave it overnight before washing it off. Repeat the process for the next few days until you see a difference in coloration.

77. Clean your credit card microchip

If you’re having trouble using your credit card, then try cleaning the chip with toothpaste before getting in touch with your bank. Apply the formula to the metallic strip with a cotton swab and then remove gently with a cloth, the YouTube channel Addyology suggests. The same method can be used on faulty SD and sim cards in a last-ditch attempt to get them working again.

78. Freshen up your footwear

It seems that toothpaste has you covered for all your footwear needs. Not only can the wonder substance buff away scuffs and clean up white soles, but it can also leave your shoes smelling sweet. Yes, if your best kicks are in need of some freshening up, rub toothpaste into the soles to give them a fragrant boost.

79. Make coins shine

It turns out that toothpaste isn’t just great at making your teeth sparkle. According to the YouTube channel Addyology, you should stir some paste into a cup of water before leaving old coins to soak in the formula. Then, when you come to remove the pieces of metal, they’ll look so good you may want to think twice about spending them.

80. Remove scratches from your car

But toothpaste isn’t just able to remove scrapes and scratches from glasses and phones. Home Hacks claims that it may just work on scraped-up cars, too — providing a low-cost method for making sure your wheels are always looking their best.

81. Whiten computer keys

Apple users don’t need to spend any additional money to fix grimy laptop keys. With a cloth and a bit of toothpaste, you can lightly buff at the keys to restore them to their former glory. But before you go getting carried away, there are some things about toothpaste that people are still getting wrong.