Myth Busting In Mary Esther: Does Toothpaste Remove Car Scratches?

If you’ve ever been frustrated by a car scratch, you may have considered using toothpaste as a remedy. After all, it’s something that’s always on hand and seems like it could do the trick. But does toothpaste remove scratches from cars?

The answer is – sort of. Let’s take a closer look at how toothpaste can help (and when you should call in the professionals).

Step 1: Wash and Dry

Before fixing a scratch, you’ll need to ensure the area is clean. First, wash your car with soap and water. Then, dry it off completely. This will help the toothpaste adhere to the affected area and allow you to see the full extent of the damage.

Step 2: Identify

Once your car is shiny and dry, you can get a better look at the scratches. Minor imperfections, like clearcoat scratches, can usually be buffed out with toothpaste. However, if the scratch is deep enough to reach the paint layer, you’ll need to take your car to a professional for repairs.

Step 3: Prepare

The upside about this process is that it doesn’t require any special tools or materials. All the necessary materials you can find at home:

• a couple of small, gentle pieces of cloth or an old, flannel shirt
• some water
• whitening toothpaste with medium to high Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA)

The medium to high RDA will give you a better chance of removing the scratch with minimum to manageable effort. A lower RDA will likely not do the job as well. Avoid harmfully abrasive toothpaste, however, as it might damage the paint.

Step 4: Apply

Never apply the toothpaste directly onto the scratch. Instead, start with squeezing a bit of toothpaste onto your cloth.

With very little pressure, rub into the scratch using circular motions. You should see the toothpaste start to fill in the scratch. Try to work quickly, as toothpaste can dry out and become difficult to remove.

If you’re working in a sunny spot, you might want to wet your cloth first.

Step 5: Wipe

Grab another cloth and wet it with clean water. Wipe away the excess toothpaste, going in the same direction as before.

Be careful not to remove the toothpaste that’s filling the scratch. You can always add more toothpaste if needed. If the scratch is still obvious, repeat steps 4 and 5 until it’s no longer noticeable.

Does Toothpaste Actually Work on Car Scratches?

On light clear-coat scuffs it can, but on deeper scratches it won’t, and too much rubbing can damage the paint.

Rubbing too much or too hard with toothpaste can damage your car’s paint, so it’s essential to be careful. If you push too far, you’ll rub away the clearcoat and expose the paint, opening a new can of worms for you.

One result you should expect to find after a day or two is that your car’s scratches will return. That’s because toothpaste removal only works for a short while. You’ll have to take your car for professional scratch repair if you want the issue gone for good.

What Should You Do About Deeper Scratches?

Have them looked at by a professional, because a scratch through the clear coat needs real paint repair to stop it from spreading or rusting.

For a long-term solution to your car’s scratches, visit BMW of Fort Walton Beach. We’ll inspect the damage and offer a reliable solution that will have your car looking as good as new in no time.

Not sure how deep the scratch is? Bring your BMW to our service department for a look, or schedule service online and have it inspected.

You’ll find us serving Mary Esther, FL, and we look forward to meeting you soon. Schedule with us today!

Frequently Asked Questions: Toothpaste and Car Scratches

Does toothpaste remove car scratches?

Only very light ones. Toothpaste is a mild abrasive, so it can smooth out a shallow scuff in the clear coat. It cannot repair scratches that reach the paint or primer.

How can you tell if a scratch is too deep for toothpaste?

Run a fingernail across it. If your nail catches, the scratch has likely gone through the clear coat and needs proper paint repair rather than toothpaste.

Can toothpaste damage car paint?

Yes, if you rub too hard or too long. Because it is abrasive, toothpaste can dull or haze the finish around the scratch. Use a soft microfiber cloth and light pressure, and test a small area first.