How to Deal with Car Scratches Using Toothpaste?
3 Answers
Toothpaste can be used to deal with car scratches by evenly applying it on a cloth and gently rubbing the scratched area. Here are some specific tips for handling scratches: 1. Touch-up Pen: Use a touch-up pen to color the scratched area. While this method may not be as effective as professional treatment at a beauty shop, it can help prevent rust from spreading or worsening, especially for small or inconspicuous scratches. 2. Apply Toothpaste: When you notice new small scratches on the car body, gently apply toothpaste in circular motions on the scratched area. Reapply after rain or washing the car. This can generally reduce the visibility of the scratch and act as a simple barrier to prevent rust, providing a short-term solution. 3. Waxing: Very minor damage can be removed with regular maintenance wax. For more severe scratches, use a wax commonly known as "polishing wax," which has stronger polishing properties. Before waxing, make sure to wash the car thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. Be cautious not to use too much wax; just enough to cover the damaged area is sufficient.
I've tried using toothpaste to deal with car scratches, and it works pretty well, especially for minor surface scratches. The basic steps are to first clean the car's paint surface thoroughly to ensure there's no dust, then apply a small amount of regular white toothpaste to a clean, soft cloth and gently rub the scratched area back and forth. The fine abrasive particles in the toothpaste can smooth out the shallow layer of the paint. After a few minutes, rinse it off with water. However, remember that this is only a temporary solution and is suitable for cases where the base coat isn't damaged. If the scratch is deep or if you use the wrong type (like on transparent paint, where toothpaste might leave a white residue), it could actually damage the paint. I recommend testing it first on an inconspicuous spot in the trunk. If the car is often parked outdoors, the paint may age under sun exposure, reducing the effectiveness of toothpaste. It's better to regularly wax the car to prevent scratches and protect the paint for longer durability.
As someone who loves tinkering, I often use toothpaste to deal with minor scratches because it's cost-effective and convenient. Just prepare a soft cloth or sponge, water, and a tube of regular toothpaste—avoid whitening or mouthwash varieties. The key is to clean the scratched area first, then apply the toothpaste evenly and gently rub in circular motions without applying too much pressure. From my experience, shallow scratches become nearly invisible after treatment. However, there are limitations: deep scratches or exposed metal shouldn’t be treated this way, as it could worsen the damage; avoid doing it under high temperatures or rain, as watermarks may form. Additionally, DIY fixes might affect insurance claims for serious damage—professional repainting is better in such cases. This quick fix saves a few bucks on labor costs and works well as a temporary solution.
