The combination of dish soap and toothpaste is a popular DIY cleaning hack that’s circulated online, and it’s used for a variety of cleaning purposes. Here’s a breakdown of what happens when you combine them, and the potential results:
What Happens When You Combine Them:
- Dish Soap:
- This is a surfactant, meaning it breaks down grease and grime.
- It’s designed to lift dirt and oils from surfaces.
- Toothpaste:
- Toothpaste often contains mild abrasives, like silica, which help to scrub away plaque from teeth.
- It can also have detergents and other cleaning agents.
When combined, you get a mixture that has:
- Degreasing properties from the dish soap.
- Mild abrasive properties from the toothpaste.
Potential Results:
This combination is often used for:
- Cleaning Stains:
- The abrasive nature of toothpaste, combined with the grease-cutting power of dish soap, can help remove tough stains from various surfaces.
- This is sometimes used for things like cleaning shoes, or getting stains off of certain hard surfaces.
- Polishing:
- The mild abrasives in toothpaste can help to polish metal surfaces, such as stainless steel or chrome.
- General Cleaning:
- The mixture can be used as a general-purpose cleaner for various household items.
Important Considerations:
- Abrasiveness:
- Toothpaste can be abrasive, so it’s essential to test the mixture on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on delicate surfaces.
- Avoid using it on surfaces that scratch easily.
- Residue:
- Toothpaste can leave a residue, so it’s important to rinse the cleaned surface thoroughly.
- Type of Toothpaste:
- Plain white toothpaste is generally recommended for cleaning purposes. Gel toothpastes or those with added ingredients may not be as effective.
- Purpose:
- While this can be a usefull cleaning hack, it is not a replacement for dedicated cleaning products designed for specific purposes.
In essence, combining dish soap and toothpaste creates a cleaning mixture with degreasing and mild abrasive properties. While it can be useful for certain cleaning tasks, it’s essential to use it cautiously and test it on a small area first.
