How Long Can Toothpaste Maintain the Effect of Removing Car Scratches?
4 Answers
Using toothpaste to remove car scratches will be washed away by the next heavy rain. The abrasive components in toothpaste provide a similar effect to car wax, offering a simple protective layer that can prevent rusting in the short term. Since toothpaste is not specifically designed for repairing car scratches, it will not permanently adhere to the scratches. Car polishing can effectively remove scratches, address issues like oxidation, dullness, and lack of gloss in the car paint, and handle most scratch problems. Additionally, car polishing can clean the car body, effectively removing dirt and corrosive substances, restoring the cleanliness of the paint. Polishing the car body before waxing or sealing can enhance the results and prolong the maintenance period. Another method is using a touch-up pen to color the scratches. For deeper scratches, it is necessary to apply a primer before the touch-up paint. The steps include waxing, sanding, and cleaning. When waxing, avoid using too much wax—just enough to cover the damaged area of the paint. Nail polish can also be used to fill in scratches on the car's paint. After cleaning and drying the scratched area, apply nail polish of the same color as the car paint evenly over the scratch and let it dry for about 30 minutes.
The effectiveness of toothpaste in removing car scratches is actually quite short-lived. I've seen many car owners try it, and they all consider it a temporary fix. This is because toothpaste contains tiny abrasive particles that can polish the surface of the car paint, making shallow scratches less noticeable, but it's more like covering up rather than repairing. Once the car is washed, exposed to rain, or sunlight, the toothpaste coating is easily washed away or worn off, especially for deeper scratches, which it doesn't help at all. Under normal circumstances, it might last from a few days to a few weeks, but if you frequently drive long distances or park outdoors, it might not even last a week. The key is not to rely too much on it; it's better to use professional wax or repair agents early on to extend protection. Overall, this method is convenient but too short-lived, suitable for emergency situations, such as when you don't want to spend money fixing minor scratches.
I've tried using toothpaste to deal with car scratches several times, and it feels like a makeshift solution. The first time I applied it, the surface became shiny and the scratches faded, which made me quite happy. But it didn't last long—after just two car washes, the scratches reappeared, not even holding up for a week. The main issue is that toothpaste's composition is too light; once exposed to rain and sun, it quickly wears off. If you ask me, don't count on this for deep scratches. For minor ones, it might last a bit longer, but the effect is very limited. Regular maintenance like frequent waxing can help a little.
Using toothpaste to remove scratches is just a temporary DIY fix. After applying it and wiping with a cloth, it slightly smoothens the surface, creating a short-term visual improvement, but it doesn't address the root cause. The duration of the effect depends on the depth of the scratch and environmental factors—light scratches may last a few weeks, while deeper ones might only hold up for a few days. Don't rely on it as a long-term solution; seek professional treatment or apply a layer of car wax for protection. Harsh weather conditions, like rain, can wash it away, causing the effect to fade even faster.
