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Removing toothpaste stains
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Removing toothpaste stains
A blob that falls off the brush, a child who makes a mess while brushing, or a tube that bursts open in the toilet bag: toothpaste often ends up in places where you don’t want it. At first glance, it seems simple to wipe away, but toothpaste can actually leave streaks, dull spots or a white haze. Some types contain additional colourants or whitening ingredients, and virtually all toothpastes contain a combination of abrasive particles, binding agents and sometimes fatty components.
Acting quickly prevents the paste from drying out and hardening. Once it is stuck, you are more likely to scrub too hard, with the risk of causing damage.
The same advice applies to these stains: Toothpaste
Characteristics (anatomy) of a toothpaste stain
Toothpaste often consists of fine abrasive particles, thickeners, flavourings and sometimes whitening or colouring ingredients. Once it dries, it leaves behind a hard, white layer that sticks to fibres or the top layer of a floor. The abrasive particles can cause scratches or dull spots when rubbed, especially on sensitive floors. On textiles, toothpaste can get stuck between the fibres and cause a stiff spot. Some toothpastes also contain oils or gel components that leave a sticky residue, causing dirt to adhere more quickly and the stain to remain visible.
Toothpaste stains in carpets and rugs
Toothpaste is particularly difficult to remove from carpets due to the combination of water, binding agents and abrasive particles. It often leaves behind a light, greyish-white haze that you can only see clearly once it has dried. If there is colouring in the toothpaste, it may also give a slight blue or green tint. In deep-pile carpets, toothpaste can remain stuck between the fibres as small grains.
If it remains in place, it dries into a stiff layer that attracts dirt. The area may then become dull and rough to the touch, as the abrasive particles remain in the pile as small grains. On dark carpets, you often see it as a light haze, while on light carpets it appears more as a dull area that no longer looks even.
What you need to bear in mind is that rubbing can push the toothpaste deeper into the fibres and cause the grains to act as an abrasive. Circle formation can also occur when a lot of moisture is added. Toothpaste is typically a stain that does not so much colour as leave behind a residue that becomes visible due to its texture and light.
Treat with James Stainwonder
This stain can be treated with James Stainwonder. All you need is a bottle of James Stainwonder!
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain.
- The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be visible immediately.*
- Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.
* With wool: in the vast majority of cases, James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If a (slight) discolouration did occur, you should neutralise James Stainwonder as soon as the stain has disappeared. In this case, immediately place a damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.
Immediate treatment with water
This stain can be treated immediately with water. For this you need a white, cotton cloth and water. Follow the steps below:
- First remove, as far as possible, any loose substances using a spoon.
- Immediately hold a white cotton cloth under the cold tap, wring it out and place it flat on the stain.
- Leave the cotton cloth in place to dry completely, no peeking. Should the cloth become saturated, replace it with a fresh one as described above. Then leave the cloth until it is completely dry.
Note: Do not perform the above instructions if water causes aspect loss or discoloration on the material to be treated.
Toothpaste stains on hard floors
On hard floors, toothpaste often dries as a white film or streaky haze on the top layer. You notice it especially when light hits it, because it creates a matte veil. It may remain in the structure and along the edges as small grains. With textured floors, this can create a “dusty” appearance that is difficult to smooth out.
If it remains lying there, the grains will harden and the film may become stained. On PVC, vinyl, LVT and laminate, this is noticeable as dull streaks. With natural stone, toothpaste can become trapped in pores or texture, causing the haze to remain visible for longer, especially on matt stone.
What you need to bear in mind is that the abrasive particles can contribute to micro-scratches when rubbed. A thin layer of toothpaste may also appear almost invisible when wet, but reappear once it dries. Toothpaste is primarily a film and grain issue here, rather than a colour stain.
Treatment with James Remover
This stain can be treated with James Remover.
Before use, always test in an inconspicuous area for color and material resistance: apply, leave for 5 minutes, clean the tested area with water, allow to dry and evaluate.
- Spray directly onto the purpose area
- Leave to soak for about 1 to 5 minutes
- Then, use a white cotton cloth to remove the grease
- If necessary, gently treat stubborn stains with a soft brush or plastic spatula.
- After use, always clean the area with water.
Attention: be careful when working near a glue seams. Allow James Remover to soak in shortly. Do not let the product penetrate into cracks or seams.
Treat using a moist cotton cloth
This stain can be treated immediately with water. Use clean water and preferably a white, cotton cloth.
Toothpaste stains on upholstery
On upholstery fabric, toothpaste often appears as a white stain or smear, sometimes with a slight colour cast. Because toothpaste contains binding agents, it can adhere to fibres and feel stiff after drying. In fabrics with texture, it can remain between the fibres as grains, making the area rough.
If it remains, the spot will attract dirt and the stain will turn grey. The fabric may appear duller or lighter in that spot because a layer remains behind. With microfibre, the area may appear “polished” due to friction, resulting in a difference in texture in addition to the white mark.
What you need to bear in mind is that rubbing too hard will press the grains deeper into the fabric and may damage the fibres. A larger moisture zone may also remain visible later as a ring. With toothpaste, it is often a matter of completely removing residue, because it is precisely that residue that causes visibility.
Treat with James Stainwonder (*furniture fabrics)
This stain can be treated with James Stainwonder. Always test for colour fastness and material perpetuation in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry and evaluate.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain. Spread a little James Stainwonder on a clean, dry cotton cloth towel and use it to cover the stain. This is to prevent circles from appearing after drying.
- The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be immediate. Do not remove the cotton cloth until it is dry to see the result.*
- Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.
* With wool: in the vast majority of cases James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If there is a (slight) discolouration, neutralise James Stainwonder with water as soon as the stain has disappeared (to do this, however, lift the cotton cloth in between to be able to assess whether the stain has already disappeared). In this case, immediately place another damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.
Immediate treatment with water
This stain can be treated immediately with water. For this you need a white, cotton cloth and water. Follow the steps below:
- First remove, as far as possible, any loose substances using a spoon.
- Immediately hold a white cotton cloth under the cold tap, wring it out and place it flat on the stain.
- Leave the cotton cloth in place to dry completely, no peeking. Should the cloth become saturated, replace it with a fresh one as described above. Then leave the cloth until it is completely dry.
Note: Do not perform the above instructions if water causes aspect loss or discoloration on the material to be treated.
Would you also like to benefit from James’ effective stain removal? Discover our full range and order your James products easily online. You’ll soon be enjoying a clean and stain-free interior again!
Frequently asked questions and myths
There are all sorts of stories going around about how you should remove these toothpaste stains. From granny’s remedies to persistent tips from the internet – but what really works? In this section, we answer frequently asked questions and debunk a few myths. This allows you to get started with confidence.
Is toothpaste itself a useful cleaning agent for stains?
Toothpaste is often mentioned as a cleaning tip, but it is usually not a good idea. It contains abrasive particles that can scratch or dull surfaces, especially plastic, laminate and natural stone. Toothpaste also often leaves behind a white film that is difficult to remove. If you use toothpaste to clean, you can easily create a new problem. It is preferable to choose a cleaner that is suitable for the material and can be removed without scrubbing.
Does warm water help remove toothpaste?
Warm water can help to soften dried toothpaste, but it does not always dissolve the residue completely. Furthermore, too much water on carpet or upholstery can cause rings. The most important thing is to first remove any solid residues dry and then treat only the stained area with a suitable cleaning agent. It is preferable to use lukewarm water if you need moisture and dry thoroughly so that no haze or moisture spots remain.
Can I scrub toothpaste off with a scouring pad?
That's a myth and usually a bad plan. Toothpaste itself contains abrasive particles. If you also use a scouring pad, you increase the risk of scratches, dull spots and differences in shine. On floors, this can cause permanent damage to the top layer. On upholstery fabric or carpet, you roughen the fibres and the stain remains visible. It is better to work gently and use a cleaner that loosens the residue so that you can remove it.
Does vinegar work against toothpaste stains on the floor?
Vinegar is often mentioned for haze, but it is not always safe. Vinegar can damage the surface of natural stone. On some floors, this may cause differences in gloss or damage to the top layer. In addition, vinegar toothpaste does not always dissolve properly, leaving streaks behind. If you want to remove haze, choose a cleaner that is suitable for your floor type and then wipe and dry thoroughly. This usually gives a better and safer result.
Why is there still a white haze visible after cleaning?
This often happens when traces of toothpaste or cleaning products are left behind. Toothpaste contains binding agents and fine particles that dry to form a coating. If you use too little or work too wet, you spread those particles over a larger surface area. The solution is to work locally, absorb well and then finish with a dry finish. A second, gentle cleaning may be necessary to remove the last remnants without abrasion.
Deal with any stain using the right approach from James
Toothpaste stains may seem minor, but they can be stubborn due to the abrasive particles and the white haze they leave behind. By first removing dry dirt and then cleaning specific areas, you can prevent scratches, marks and streaks. With James’ products and advice, you can safely remove toothpaste from carpets, hard floors and upholstery without damaging fibres or surface layers. Tackle it quickly, and the stain will usually disappear in no time, leaving everything neat and even.