I found another use for Colgate toothpaste!
By Katlady2
@Katlady2 (9904)
United States
August 30, 2007 11:03am CST
I'm sure a lot of you already know that toothpaste is awesome for cleaning jewelry. Am I right? Well, I found out what else it's good for. I have this silver ring that I had put into my jewelry cleaning solution and it was in for about an hour (I always seem to forget about it every time LOL). When I took out all of my rings, I noticed that there was what looked to be tarnish on my silver ring. After I dried it off, it looked as if the solution had eaten away some of the silver. So my beautiful ring has been sitting in the jewelry box for months because I thought it was ruined. Well, this morning, as I was finally putting my rings back on since they'd been off from the attempted MRI last week, I decided to grab the silver one and try the toothpaste trick on it. I rubbed some on the bad spots, and lo and behold, the spots started coming off! It turns out that it WAS tarnish on the ring, but also there was a residue on it as well from the cleaning solution. Colgate took it all off and my baby is as good as new! As a matter of fact I'm wearing it right now! LOL So if you have tarnished silver jewelry, give the toothpaste a try...it just might do the trick. Hugs to all.
12 people like this
28 responses
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
30 Aug 07
I never tried toothpaste on rings or jewelry but my mother did tell me to use it on watch faces that were scratched or cloudy and it does the trick on those. I will have to keep in mind that it's useful for jewelry too. I have some nice rings but they too are probably dirty and dull since I haven't had them on in a while.
5 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
30 Aug 07
I've heard of using gel toothpaste for glasses scratched somewhere. Never tried it on mine though. Afraid to ruin them even more. HAHAHA!
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
2 people like this
@alamode (3071)
• United States
30 Aug 07
Thats one of the great standbys... things to try first, before you spend lots of money!LOL! I also use a soak in diluted white vinegar... cleans tarnish and residue off quickly!
I personally LOVE silver jewelry... and we all should be showin' our bling!
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
31 Aug 07
I have used toothpaste to clean my jewelery for years. It does a wonderful job. You can also use it to clean the bottom of your copper pots too. Got a stain on your clothing, use toothpaste to remove it. Often times it gets out coffee and tea stains better than using just detergent.
2 people like this
@loujac3 (1188)
• United States
31 Aug 07
I have found that most commercial jewelry cleaners leave a nasty residue on my silver jewelry. One product turned my jewelry that tarnished color. A tarnish remover cloth works but not in the nooks and crannies. I will try the paste with the little brush and see for myself. I prefer paste over gel for cleaning my teeth.
It is always better to use something we already have around the house than to have run out and spend more money. I am a full time student currently and I am counting every penny. Thanks!
3 people like this
@creematee (2810)
• United States
30 Aug 07
I discovered that by accident as well! We have some metal trivets hanging in our bathroom, and my youngest (who was 2 at the time) decided to smear toothpaste all over EVERYTHING! The trivets, the walls, the counter, the toilet seat, Anyway, it cleaned up easy enough, and it did clean those trivets up beautifully. Now, I wonder if she'd spread toothpaste on my good silver?? LOL!
I also like to use toothpaste on bugbites. The gel kind doesn't work as well as the REAL paste, but it does help relieve the itching, and the sticky residue helps remind me not to itch, as it is just so yucky to touch. :)
Glad you have your ring back!!
3 people like this
@sunshinecup (7871)
•
31 Aug 07
yeah the toothpaste trick works great and I use it over store bought cleaners. The only thing is don't rub too hard cause that will scratch the surface, learned that one the hard way :o(
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
31 Aug 07
I had just cleaned a favorite silver pendant and all the black tarnish was gone but it was not shiny so before I responded to your tip I tried it out with toothpaste and it worked. You are correct is must have been some residue left over from the cleaning solution. Thanks for your tip it now sparkles like brand new.
2 people like this
@jayalaksmi (1039)
• India
31 Aug 07
Thanks for sharing the information about toothpaste. I know one of its extra use and that is if someone gets hurt by cut in his body then one can apply toothpaste there and the bleeding can be stopped.
2 people like this
@kuting (885)
• Philippines
31 Aug 07
it was my sister how taught me about this. i like silver earings a lot and i had one that is my favorite, she noticed that is was a bit dirty, she said she's clean it for me. i let her and when she came back it was really clean and is shiny again. i asked her if had a cleaner or what she used, she said she'd tell me a secret.. and the secret was.. colgate! amazing! hehe
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
31 Aug 07
Snap out of it! Pea Pod Partner...It is just toothpaste and you know what? Your ring is probably going to dissolve over night while you are fast asleep....LOL...How do I know this? I don't. I just made it up to make you laugh....No I am not drinking anything but coffee. I fell wired tho. I got up at 6 pm after sleeping 17 hours. I need therapy..Will you go with me Pea Pod Partner???
2 people like this
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
31 Aug 07
Well some of what you saw was the baking soda working. Other blends of toothpaste have oxygenation/peroxide properties and that also helps with some stains. Glad you discovered the tip. The reason why I don't use it as much is because I like saving the toothpaste for me teeth. Gotta keep the smile pretty somehow!
2 people like this
@ArsonCuff (3114)
• United States
30 Aug 07
Sounds like info out of one of those tips books I see floating around. thanks for sharing
2 people like this
@crazynurse (7482)
• United States
31 Aug 07
Wow, thanks for the tip! I have some old silver jewelry from the '70s that I would love to wear again. I do know that toothpaste works wonders on my diamond engament ring and my wedding band. I use a soft toothbrush and a little toothpaste and lightly clean the diamonds...they sparkle when I am finished!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
31 Aug 07
Hehe--I've been using toothpaste for years to remove tarnish off my silver jewelry, found it worked so much better than the silver polish stuff--also great is baking soda...in fact if you use a combo of the toothpaste and soda it's fantastic...gee, I wonder what that toothpaste is doing to our teeth though..LOL
2 people like this
@3lilangels (4639)
• United States
30 Aug 07
wow what a great tip,i will have to try that.it will make my life alot easier.thanks.pattie
2 people like this
