How to Get Toothpaste Out of Clothes? The Complete Stain Removal Guide

We’ve all been there — rushing to get ready in the morning, and somehow a glob of toothpaste lands right on your favorite shirt. It’s one of those everyday accidents that feels minor but can quickly turn into a stubborn, set-in stain if you don’t act fast. The good news? Getting toothpaste out of clothes is easier than you think, and you likely already have everything you need at home.

In this guide, you’ll find proven, step-by-step methods to remove toothpaste stains from clothes — whether the stain is fresh or has already dried.

Why Toothpaste Stains Clothes in the First Place

Before jumping into removal methods, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with. Regular toothpaste typically contains titanium dioxide, a white pigment that gives it that bright, clean color. This compound doesn’t just sit on top of fabric — it penetrates between the fibers as it dries, which is why a simple rinse with water rarely does the trick.

Whitening toothpastes present an additional challenge because they often contain mild bleaching agents. Gel toothpastes may contain dyes that can discolor lighter fabrics. Knowing your toothpaste type helps you choose the most effective removal approach.

The Golden Rule: Act Fast

The single most important thing you can do is treat the stain as quickly as possible. The longer toothpaste sits on fabric, the more it bonds with the fibers — especially whitening formulas, which can start bleaching the material within minutes. If you can’t treat it immediately, at least scrape off the bulk and keep the fabric dry until you can.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Toothpaste Out of Clothes

Step 1: Remove Excess Toothpaste

Use a blunt object — the edge of a spoon, a butter knife, or even a credit card — to carefully lift the toothpaste off the fabric. Work from the outside edges of the stain inward to avoid spreading it. Do not rub or scrape aggressively, as this pushes the paste deeper into the fabric fibers.

Step 2: Blot with Cold Water

Dampen a clean white cloth with cold water and gently blot the stained area. Always use cold water at this stage — hot water can set the stain and make it permanent. Blot rather than rub; rubbing spreads the stain and embeds it further.

Step 3: Apply a Stain Remover or Pretreatment

Choose one of the treatment methods below based on what you have available. Apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before laundering.

Step 4: Wash According to the Care Label

After pretreating, wash the garment on the hottest temperature the care label allows. Use a quality laundry detergent — enzyme-based detergents work particularly well on toothpaste stains as they break down the compounds in the paste.

Step 5: Check Before Drying

This step is critical. Before placing the garment in the dryer, check to make sure the stain is completely gone. Heat from a dryer will permanently set any remaining stain. If the stain persists, repeat the treatment before drying.

Best Methods to Remove Toothpaste Stains

Method 1: Liquid Laundry Detergent (Most Reliable)

Liquid detergent — especially one with enzyme-boosting power — is the go-to for most toothpaste stains. Apply a few drops directly onto the stain and work it into the fabric using a gentle circular motion. Leave it for five minutes, then rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

Method 2: White Vinegar Solution

White vinegar is a natural stain remover and works surprisingly well on toothpaste residue. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts cold water. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and blot the stain, letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and washing. This is a good option if you want to avoid chemical-based products.

Method 3: Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

This combination creates a gentle fizzing reaction that helps lift stains from fabric. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain, then sprinkle baking soda over it. Rub the paste gently into the fabric and leave for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water. This method works particularly well on white cotton garments.

Method 4: Dish Soap (Washing-Up Liquid)

A teaspoon of mild dish soap diluted in a glass of water makes an effective spot treatment. Dab the solution onto the stain using a clean cloth and work it gently into the fabric. Rinse with cold water after a few minutes, then launder normally.

Method 5: Pre-Wash Stain Remover Gel

For particularly stubborn or set-in stains, a dedicated pre-wash stain remover gel applied generously before washing can work wonders. Massage it into the stain and pop the garment in the washing machine immediately — don’t let the gel dry on the fabric.

Quick Comparison: Toothpaste Stain Removal Methods

Method	Best For	Time Needed	Effectiveness
Liquid Laundry Detergent	All fabric types	5–10 mins	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
White Vinegar Solution	Most fabrics, eco-friendly	5–10 mins	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Baking Soda + Lemon	White/cotton fabrics	5–10 mins	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dish Soap	Light stains, quick fix	5 mins	⭐⭐⭐
Pre-Wash Stain Remover	Stubborn/dried stains	5–15 mins	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How to Remove Dried Toothpaste Stains from Clothes

If the toothpaste has already dried and hardened on the fabric, don’t panic. Start by gently breaking up the dried paste with a soft toothbrush or the edge of a spoon. Soak the stained area in cold water for 10–15 minutes to rehydrate the dried residue, making it easier to lift.

After soaking, apply an enzyme-based liquid detergent directly to the stain. For particularly old stains, add a small amount of household soap and let it absorb for at least 30 minutes before washing. Enzyme-based detergents are especially effective here because they break down the protein and mineral compounds in dried toothpaste.

Also Read this: How to Get Putty Out of Clothes? 

Dealing with Different Types of Toothpaste Stains

Whitening Toothpaste Stains

Whitening formulas contain mild bleaching agents that can act on fabric color quickly. Treat these stains immediately — every minute counts. Follow the standard removal steps but work as fast as possible. On dark fabrics, if bleaching has already occurred, it may unfortunately be permanent.

Gel Toothpaste Stains

Colored gel toothpastes contain dyes that can transfer to fabric, particularly white or light-colored clothing. After removing the stain, try hanging the garment in direct sunlight to dry. Natural sunlight acts as a gentle bleaching agent and can help fade any remaining discoloration on white fabrics.

Toothpaste on Delicate Fabrics (Silk, Wool)

For dry-clean-only garments, do not apply water or any liquid solutions. Carefully scrape off the excess with a blunt knife, then take the item to a professional dry cleaner as soon as possible. If you need an interim solution, dry cleaning spot remover products can be used carefully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rubbing the stain — This pushes the toothpaste deeper into the fibers and makes it harder to remove.
• Using hot water first — Hot water can set the stain before you’ve had a chance to treat it.
• Putting the garment in the dryer before the stain is gone — Heat permanently sets stains. Always air dry and check before tumble drying.
• Ignoring the care label — Always check washing instructions, especially for delicate fabrics.

FAQ’s

Can toothpaste permanently stain clothes?

In most cases, no — toothpaste stains can be removed if treated promptly and correctly. However, whitening toothpaste can cause permanent bleaching on dark fabrics if left untreated.

Does toothpaste come out in the wash on its own?

Not reliably. Because toothpaste contains titanium dioxide and other binding agents, a regular wash without pretreating the stain often leaves a residue behind.

What removes dried toothpaste from clothes?

Soaking in cold water followed by an enzyme-based detergent or a baking soda and lemon paste works well on dried stains. You may need to repeat the treatment once or twice.

Is cold or hot water better for toothpaste stains?

Always start with cold water. Hot water can set the stain into the fabric, making it much harder — or impossible — to remove completely.

Can I use toothpaste to remove other stains from clothes?

Interestingly, white toothpaste (non-gel) can be used as a mild abrasive cleaner for certain stains like ink or scuff marks on sneakers. However, it’s not a recommended laundry treatment for fabric stains.

Will baking soda remove toothpaste from clothes?

Yes, especially when combined with lemon juice. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive and natural deodorizer that helps lift staining compounds from fabric fibers.

Conclusion

Getting toothpaste out of clothes is a straightforward task when you know the right approach. The key steps are: remove excess paste immediately without rubbing, blot with cold water, apply your chosen stain remover (liquid detergent, vinegar, or baking soda work great), and always check the stain is gone before tumble drying. Acting quickly is your biggest advantage — especially with whitening toothpastes, which can affect fabric color fast.

Whether you’re dealing with a fresh drip down your shirt or a dried crusty patch you just discovered, these methods will help you restore your clothes without a trip to the dry cleaner. Keep a bottle of white vinegar and a good enzyme-based detergent in your laundry room, and no toothpaste stain will stand a chance.