How To Get Toothpaste Stains Out Of Clothes

Toothpaste stains may seem hard to remove because of the white residue they leave behind, but they can actually come out with a single wash or quick blot and rinse. However, some toothpastes contain bleaching agents, so treat stains immediately, and always check your clothing's care tag for specific requirements like dry cleaning.

Water splashing in a Maytag® washing machine.

How To Remove Toothpaste Stains from Clothes Right Away

If you have time, wash the item in your washer with cool or warm water. If not, use a butter knife or spoon to lift away any remaining toothpaste on the surface of the fabric, then continue to the next steps.
Wet a clean white cloth and gently blot the toothpaste stain.
If the stain still remains, flush the stain with cool water, gently rubbing to help with removal.
Air dry. Do not put in the dryer. Heat can set stains that aren't completely removed. If the stain still remains, machine wash with cool or warm water.

Always treat stains with a smooth, white washcloth or white, unprinted paper towel. More plush, fluffy fabrics, like your basic terrycloth, can leave behind lint, while a dark cloth may transfer colours to what you’re treating.

Blue clothes tumbling in a front load washer.

How To Remove Old Toothpaste Stains From Clothes

Flush the toothpaste stain with cool water, gently rubbing it to help removal.
Machine wash in cool or warm water, depending on the care tag instructions.
Air dry. Do not put in the dryer. Heat can set stains that aren't completely removed. If the stain still remains, repeat these steps.

Even if the stain has been sitting, your washer’s normal cycle should remove it. Learn about common washer settings with this cycle guide.