Will Toothpaste Corrode Car Paint When Washing a Car?
3 Answers
Toothpaste can corrode car paint when used for washing, and the reason is: toothpaste contains abrasives. Using toothpaste to wash a car can wear down the paint to some extent, but it can also be used to repair minor scratches and dents on the car's paint surface. The method for removing car scratches with toothpaste is: 1. Wet a cloth and wipe off the dust on the scratched area; 2. Squeeze toothpaste onto a napkin; 3. Gently rub the scratched area with the toothpaste until the scratch is no longer visible; 4. Wet a cloth and wipe off the toothpaste from the car body. Methods for maintaining car paint include: 1. Promptly remove dust from the car body to minimize the adsorption of dust due to static electricity; 2. Rinse off rain stains with clean water as soon as possible after rain to avoid damaging the paint surface; 3. Avoid washing the car under direct sunlight or high temperatures; 4. Use clean, soft cloths or sponges when scrubbing the car to prevent metal shavings and sand particles from causing scratches.
I've been driving for twenty years and always take good care of my car. Using toothpaste to wash the car does require caution. Toothpaste contains abrasives, which might work for minor scratches, but long-term use can wear away the protective layer on the car's paint surface, commonly known as the clear coat. Once the clear coat is damaged, the paint is prone to oxidation and discoloration, and it also makes the paint more fragile. I remember a friend who used toothpaste to polish scratches, and a few months later, that area turned white and foggy. Actually, professional car wash soap is quite affordable, with a neutral formula that won't harm the paint—just use it with a sponge and gently wipe. Don't cut corners and overlook the details. Maintaining the paint well keeps the car's value, and repainting with original factory paint can cost thousands.
I'm a car enthusiast and have never neglected maintenance since buying my new car. Using toothpaste to wash a car might sound convenient, but it's not designed for vehicles. The abrasive particles in toothpaste can gradually scratch the car's paint. Especially for glossy paint, minor scratches on the surface make it easier for dirt to accumulate, making cleaning even more troublesome. I once tried using toothpaste to temporarily remove rain stains, but it ended up making the paint surface rough. I recommend buying dedicated car wash soap—it's affordable, just over ten yuan at the supermarket, and it's both eco-friendly and safe. A well-washed car looks more eye-catching, and my friends always compliment its appearance when I drive it out.
