Does Using Toothpaste to Wash a Car Damage the Paint?
2 Answers
Using toothpaste to wash a car can damage the paint. This is because toothpaste contains abrasives, which can wear down the car paint to some extent. However, toothpaste can be used to repair minor scratches and dents on the car's paint surface, with noticeable results. When washing your car, avoid using hard-textured towels. Using stiff towels or cloths, especially without rinsing off dirt from the car's surface, can easily scratch the paint. It's best to use soft-textured towels or cloths for washing. Additionally, avoid washing your car under direct sunlight, as dust or dirt particles in the air can settle on the paint, causing secondary damage. Moreover, water droplets left on the car's surface can act as magnifying lenses under sunlight, potentially damaging the paint over time due to intense light refraction. Lastly, when using a high-pressure water gun, it's advisable to wash the car from top to bottom. This method helps to effectively rinse away impurities from the car's surface.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I used to believe in the folk remedy of using toothpaste to remove scratches when I was younger. Back then, I saw friends trying it with apparent success, so I followed suit to treat minor scratches on my new car. At first, the surface looked as good as new, but within days, the paint became hazy, revealing fine scratches under strong light. Later, I learned that the calcium carbonate in toothpaste acts like micro-sandpaper, wearing down the clear protective coating during rubbing, leading to accelerated aging and loss of gloss over time. My blue car suffered severe fading as a result, and I had to take it to a detailing shop for polishing to salvage it—costing me money and damaging my beloved car. So now, I only recommend specialized car products: things like automotive scratch removers or protective wax. Don't skimp on car washing; just use a neutral detergent and a soft microfiber towel for gentle cleaning, and maintain regular maintenance to prevent permanent damage. Remember, car paint is as thin as paper, and improper care can create bigger problems. Wisdom lies in taking the long view.
