If you thought you'd heard all the life hacks involving toothpaste—from cleaning silverware to applying it to pimples before bed—then get ready for a new level of creativity. This simple yet ingenious idea involving freezing toothpaste may sound like another internet fad, but it's actually a lot more useful than you might think. And no, it's not ice therapy for your gums, but a downright practical solution to stubborn household challenges that regular cleaning products often fail to tackle.
At a time when we are looking for more sustainable and affordable alternatives to expensive cleaners, ideas like these – although eccentric at first glance – are proving to be surprisingly effective. Toothpaste, which is already formulated as a mild abrasive with antibacterial effects, gains a new dimension of usefulness in frozen form. Below, we reveal why this trick is worth more than just a "like", and how to incorporate it into your daily cleaning routine - without unnecessary complications and with a hint of minty freshness.
Frozen toothpaste: why does it even work?
Toothpaste is not just a refreshing gel for brushing your teeth. It contains a range of active ingredients that are also useful outside the oral cavity:
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- Mild abrasives (e.g. calcium carbonate or silica) that mechanically remove dirt and stains without damaging the surface.
- Antibacterial agents, such as triclosan (in older formulations) or more modern natural substitutes that help kill bacteria and prevent unpleasant odors.
- Essential oils and aromatic compounds (menthol, eucalyptus), which act as natural fresheners and deodorants.
Freezing toothpaste has a very simple physical effect: its solid form makes it useful for targeted, more precise rubbing and application – without smearing. In addition, the cold acts as a mild natural preservative and a temporary disinfectant, which further increases the effect.
The biggest mistake in the kitchen? That the cutting board is really clean after washing
If you're one of those who regularly prepares garlic, onions, fish or fermented delicacies, then you know: Cutting boards often retain intense odors long after washing – and with them bacteria. The worst part about it? They're hard to detect until they've been transferred to the next food. And let's face it – salmon-flavored watermelon is no one's idea of gourmet pleasure.
This is where frozen toothpaste comes in. It acts as a hard, yet gentle scrubbing pad that disinfects and neutralizes odors without harsh chemicals. Simply take a cube (more on how to make it below), rub it on a damp board, leave it for a few minutes, and rinse with hot water. The result? The board will be clean, fragrant, and microbiologically less risky. In other words: you'll finally be able to cut fruit on the board where garlic used to reign supreme.
Some more practical uses:
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- Cleaning white sneakers: Especially the soles and edges, which are often smeared by conventional cleaners. A hard menthol cube simply polishes them.
- Joints between tiles: The frozen paste does not spill between the joints, but acts specifically on dirt and mold.
- Sinks, taps and kitchen units: Polished finishes without harsh chemicals? This is your new favorite ritual.
- Refrigerator, microwave and other sources of unpleasant odors: Mild, but effective.
DIY: How to make menthol cleansing cubes at home?
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- Choose a paste – preferably free of microplastics, with antibacterial effect. Avoid gels with too many dyes.
- Press into ice cube trays. – you can also use silicone molds for pralines.
- Freeze overnight.
- Store in a closed container. – Toothpaste tends to absorb odors from the freezer.
If you want extra strength: mix the paste with a teaspoon of baking soda or a drop of essential oil (lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus).
Mini tips for use:
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- Use it rubber gloves or wrap the toothpick in a thin kitchen towel - this way it will melt more slowly and won't stick to your fingers.
- Always test on a less visible surface – some surfaces are sensitive, especially natural stone and wood.
Conclusion: A modest trick with a lot of potential
Frozen Toothpaste is perhaps the most underrated household trick of the year. It combines economy, efficiency, and the almost therapeutic satisfaction of watching your cutting board take on a new lease of life—smell-free and stain-free. In an age where we're looking for more sustainable and creative solutions to everyday tasks, this trick is more than just an internet sensation. It's your new best friend in the fight against dirt.
