Toothpaste is typically stored in the bathroom of every home—after all, it is an essential part of your grooming routine. But did you know that you need a tube in the kitchen, too? This thick white goop can do more than clean your pearly whites. Here's a list of alternative uses that will surely come in handy in the cooking corner:
1. Clean your countertops.
Think about it this way: if it is gentle enough to clean your teeth, it can work for other sensitive materials, too. If you're dealing with stubborn stains on your steel sink or marble countertop, you can use toothpaste and a sponge to buff it away. Bonus: it leaves your space smelling minty fresh, too!
2. Remove water rings on wooden surfaces.
This is a tried and tested tip every seasoned homemaker knows: simply rub some toothpaste into the ring with a soft cloth and wipe dry with a clean, damp cloth.
3. It can soothe burns in an instant.
No matter how skilled you are at prepping meals, accidents can still happen. If in case you experience a minor burn, plunge the affected area into a cool (not cold—it can worsen the burn) water and smear non-gel toothpaste over it to bring the temperature down.
4. Get rid of odors in food containers.
Whether we admit it or not, we all have one or two food containers in our kitchen that reek of burnt garlic or leftover chicken stock. Using a dollop of toothpaste and a soft sponge will erase those odors for good!
5. Shine chrome and silver hardware.
Are your faucets, drawer handles, or range looking a little lackluster? Bring back the shine with a dab of toothpaste and a washcloth. Rub into whatever you're polishing and it'll be gleaming in minutes.
Sources: Apartment Therapy (Why You Should Keep Toothpaste in the Kitchen) and HowStuffWorks (5 Kitchen Cleanups Using Toothpaste and Other Bathroom Stuff)
This story originally appeared on RealLiving.com.ph.
*Minor edits have been made by FemaleNetwork.com editors.
