I wanted my security deposit back but the tub was already orange and stained when we moved in.

luckily, I knew the toothpaste trick.

  1. while whatever your cleaning is bone dry, squeeze a little toothpaste on the discolored area.

  2. spread it out with a disposable plastic glove or whatever, make sure that the toothpaste is rubbed in and touching all the discolored parts.

  3. wait an hour or four. waiting is optional, it just makes it easier to clean off later.

  4. use a damp cloth to clean off the toothpaste and the orange, yellow whatever stains from your tub, shower, countertop or toilet.

  5. repeat as needed, it won’t take many applications to have your fixture looking new.

any tile or anything with a glossy finish is fine to use toothpaste on, and the plastic shower and tubs are made out of is fine and won’t be damaged.

get that deposit back for the price of a tube of toothpaste.

honorable mention:

are you in 1999 and your CD keeps skipping?

toothpaste!

  • BearOfaTime@lemm.eeEnglish
    2·
    24 days ago

    There are actual cleaners for such things.

    Orange stains in the bath are generally rust, removable with things like lime-a-way.

    Stoves are generally enamel, which scrubs clean with hot water and most kitchen cleaners.

    As for things like prior damage, in the Way Back Times, written documentation when you moved in was key (everywhere I’ve lived had a move in inspection sheet, to protect landlords as much as the tenant). Then Polaroids when they became ubiquitous. Today you have a camera in your pocket, why did you not take a bunch of pictures?

    All that said, don’t be afraid to file a case in Small Claims court to get your deposit back. Judge’s there see the same landlords all the time, and “are tired of their shit” (actual quote from a Small Claims judge). They seem to enjoy settling cases against shitty landlords.

    • VarykOPMEnglish
      41·
      24 days ago

      “There are actual cleaners for such things.”

      nothing as cheap, abundant and non-toxic as toothpaste.

      “why did you not take a bunch of pictures?”

      i did!

      “don’t be afraid to file a case in Small Claims court to get your deposit back.”

      or! if your problem is the tricky residue on the above fixtures, just use toothpaste and save yourself exorbitant time and hassle while still getting your money back!

      • Doom@ttrpg.networkEnglish
        3·
        24 days ago

        I agree with you. Dunno why that commenter is being such a condescending wet blanket.

        • VarykOPMEnglish
          21·
          24 days ago

          appreciate it.

          it’s all good, I make it a rule to never take anyone who gets hyperdefensive about toothpaste seriously.

          • Aussiemandeus@aussie.zoneEnglish
            2·
            24 days ago

            As i was reading your post I was thinking wow it does this too and cleans cds. Then I saw the cd thing haha.

            • VarykOPMEnglish
              2·
              24 days ago

              hahaha, secret late 90s alchemy

      • Universal MonkEnglish
        23·
        12 days ago

        nothing as cheap, abundant and non-toxic as toothpaste.

        Which is why I love your post. Thanks for posting OP, and ignore the haters.

        • VarykOPMEnglish
          2·
          12 days ago

          appreciate it! have a good day