How to Use Toothpaste to Treat Car Scratches?
2 Answers
The method to treat car scratches with toothpaste is as follows: 1. First, use a small spray bottle to spray water on the scratch, then wipe the scratched area clean with a tissue; 2. Apply toothpaste to the scratch and gently rub and spread it over the scratched area and surrounding regions using your hand and a tissue; 3. After waiting for about half a minute, slowly wipe off the toothpaste from the car body with a tissue. The principle of using toothpaste to remove scratches is similar to waxing. Toothpaste contains some abrasive components that can smooth out minor scratches on the paint surface. However, this method is not suitable for deeper scratches. If the scratch is deep, it is recommended that the car owner visit an auto beauty shop for polishing or repainting to remedy the issue.
I recently dealt with minor scratches on my car: first, I cleaned the surface with water to ensure there was no dust or sand, as these could worsen the damage. Then, I applied a small amount of regular white toothpaste onto a soft, damp cloth and gently rubbed the scratched area in circular motions for about one to two minutes. The movements should be gentle and the pressure even. After wiping it off, I checked the results—light scratches usually fade or disappear. This method works by using the mild abrasives in toothpaste to lightly polish the paint, similar to a simple repair. However, it should only be used for very shallow scratches; deeper scratches or those exposing the primer should not be treated this way. Here’s a lesson I learned: once, I tried this on a friend’s car without testing first and nearly damaged the clear coat by rubbing too aggressively. So, it’s best to practice on an inconspicuous spot first. Overall, it’s a quick and economical solution, but requires careful handling.