Does Using Toothpaste to Wash a Car Damage the Paint?
2 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.
