Gather Materials
- Collect cold water, liquid laundry detergent, white vinegar, a soft-bristle brush (like an old toothbrush), and a clean cloth.
- Prepare a small bowl or container for mixing cleaning solutions.
- Ensure the garment label is checked for any specific instructions regarding water temperature or cleaning agent restrictions.
Remove Excess Toothpaste
- Gently scrape off any dried toothpaste using a spoon or the edge of a dull knife.
- Avoid harsh scraping, which may damage the fabric fibers.
- Discard the scraped-off residue carefully.
Flush with Cold Water
- Run cold water directly over the stained area, ideally from the backside of the fabric.
- This helps to force the toothpaste particles out of the fibers without driving them deeper.
- Do this step for several minutes until you see a significant reduction in residue.
Apply a Pre-treatment Solution
- Mix a small amount of liquid detergent with cold water in a container, and add a splash of white vinegar to boost stain-fighting power.
- Using a clean cloth, dab the solution onto the stained area. Ensure the solution saturates the fibers.
- Allow the solution to sit on the stain for about 10 to 15 minutes to break down the residue.
Gently Scrub the Stain
- With a soft-bristle brush, gently scrub the treated area in a circular motion to lift the stain.
- Be mindful not to scrub too hard to avoid damaging the fabric.
- If the fabric is delicate, use a soft cloth instead of a brush.
Rinse Thoroughly
- Rinse the area under a steady stream of cold water until all traces of toothpaste and cleaning solution are removed.
- Ensure that no detergent or vinegar residues remain, as these could cause new marks or stiffness in the fabric.
Air Dry and Reassess
- Lay the garment flat on a clean towel or hang it in a well-ventilated area to air dry naturally.
- Avoid using a dryer at this stage, as heat may set any remaining stain permanently.
- Once dry, inspect the area to determine if additional treatment is needed.
Machine Wash if Necessary
- If the stain persists, proceed with a machine wash on a cold water cycle using a gentle detergent.
- For stubborn stains, consider applying a commercial stain remover before the wash.
- Air dry the garment after washing to ensure the stain does not become permanently set by heat.
