Can toothpaste be used for car scratches?
2 Answers
Minor scratches on a car can be treated with toothpaste. Here are some methods to remove scratches: 1. Polishing: Use a polishing machine to gently polish the area with small scratches, moving in circular motions a couple of times, then wipe clean with a towel to immediately remove the small scratches. 2. Using car wax: Apply car wax to the scratched area, then soak a towel in warm water and repeatedly wipe the waxed area several times to remove the small scratches and enhance the paint's shine. 3. Toothpaste: Apply toothpaste to the small scratches and gently wipe the area several times with a soft, damp towel to remove the scratches. 4. Touch-up paint: For some small scratches that remain visible after treatment, you can purchase paint that matches your car's color and lightly dab it onto the scratched area to cover the marks.
I used to deal with such issues frequently. When there are minor scratches on the car, toothpaste can indeed help a bit because it contains abrasive particles that can lightly polish the surface scratches, making them shallower or temporarily disappear. However, it's important to note that toothpaste is not specifically designed for cars. Its formula might be too harsh or contain chemical additives, which could cause the paint to become dull or accelerate oxidation, potentially worsening the damage. For deep scratches or cases where the paint has chipped, toothpaste is generally ineffective, and professional scratch repair paste or polishing services are needed. It's advisable to apply car wax after washing to prevent scratches, as protecting the car's paint is crucial. DIY methods are fine, but opt for gentle approaches, such as using a soft cloth dipped in toothpaste to test a small area once. Avoid repeated or forceful rubbing, as it could do more harm than good.
