Does Using Toothpaste to Wash a Car Damage the Paint?
4 Answers
Using toothpaste to wash a car can damage the paint. Why toothpaste is harmful to the car body: Because toothpaste contains abrasives, using it to wash a car can wear down the paint to some extent. How to maintain car paint: The most common basic method of car paint care is waxing. Waxing is the most widely used car care method. However, if done too frequently, it may not beautify and protect the car body effectively but could instead damage the paint. Many people only know about waxing but do not fully understand its specific purpose. Waxing can protect the car paint, maintain the car's shine, and as a car paint care product, car wax can enhance the brightness of the paint surface and also provide some anti-oxidation effects.
I believe that using toothpaste to wash a car can damage the paint because toothpaste contains fine particles, similar to a scrub. Each time you wash the car, these particles can wear away the glossy clear coat on the surface of the paint. Over time, this can leave scratches and small spots, making the car look duller and older. I once saw a friend use toothpaste to remove stains, only to end up with a patchy paint job. Later, they had to use a repair wax to fix it, but the results weren’t as good as the original finish. For washing a car, it’s best to use dedicated automotive cleaners or neutral soap, as these products are gentle on the paint and can also protect the anti-rust layer. Especially for new cars, the paint is more delicate, so anything with abrasives should be avoided. Developing good habits and choosing the right cleaning methods can keep your car shiny for a long time and save you a lot of repair trouble.
I've tried using toothpaste to wash my car, and I think it's a double-edged sword: on the surface, it can remove some stains because toothpaste has a mild cleaning effect, but the abrasive ingredients inside are too harsh on the car paint, especially on dark-colored cars. Every wipe leaves micro-scratches, and over time, the surface becomes rough. Like my own car, after just one try, fine cracks appeared on the surface, and the clear coat was damaged, making repairs time-consuming and labor-intensive. My advice is not to skimp on this small expense—just buy a dedicated car wash detergent, which costs only a few dollars per bottle, making it convenient and safe. Also, remember not to wash your car with hot water to avoid paint cracking. If you get these small details right, your car's paint can last several more years, saving you money and hassle.
The abrasive particles in toothpaste, such as calcium carbonate or silica, can scratch the car paint during washing. The damage may not be obvious in the short term, but repeated use can destroy the protective layer. I have witnessed this phenomenon multiple times, where the paint surface loses its gloss and develops rough edges. For safety, it's better to use a neutral car wash solution instead, as it is gentler on the paint surface.
