When you’re brushing your teeth, it can be almost impossible to contain the toothpaste only to your brush. Somehow it ends up on the mirror, in the sink, maybe even on your hands.

It seems like the only good place for that paste is in your mouth, but as it turns out, there are a lot of other places you might want your toothpaste to go. It can help out all over the house if you know how to use it.

Here are 10 things other than your teeth you’ll be happy you got toothpaste on:

Relieve the Irritation of Bug Bites

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Stop trying to contain your toothpaste to your mouth: it can do wonders on the outside on the outside as well! Applying toothpaste to bug bites will dry up any weeping, decrease swelling and help to eliminate the itchy sensations.

Defog Goggles

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Goggles are pretty amazing. They give you a superpower, the ability to see underwater—until, that is, you’re defeated by goggles’ arch-nemesis: fog. Say hello to your new weapon! Smear a small amount of toothpaste on the inside of your goggle, rinse, and wear for a fog-free view.

De-Stink Hands

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You’ve spent all day chopping the onions, deboning the fish and mincing the garlic for the gourmet meal you’re cooking. Everything is perfect, except for that lingering cooking scent stuck on your skin. Rinse your hands with toothpaste instead of standard soap, and you’ll end up with a delightful, minty smell. Who needs cologne?

Clean Jewelry

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No one’s impressed by dingy bling. Remedy that by taking an old toothbrush and scrubbing a small amount of toothpaste onto dull metal jewelry, rinse, and polish with a soft cloth. (Works extra well on grills.)

Hide Drink Rings

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Of course you have coasters strategically placed, but that doesn’t mean your guests will notice. If you end up with water rings on your wooden furniture, you can rub them off with toothpaste and a soft cloth. Voila! No need to find better-mannered friends.

Fill Holes in the Wall

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That velvet Elvis seemed like a great art piece for a few years, but of late your tastes have changed. No need to leave it there or live with the nail holes forever. Fill the holes with a bit of toothpaste, let it dry and cover with some fresh paint, and you can pretend the whole thing never happened.

Shine Nails

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You have a busy life—manicures twice a week just aren’t in your schedule. Keep your nails shiny by using a nailbrush and some toothpaste. Beautiful hands with no hassle!

Clean Shoes

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White shoes, clogs, and plastic and leather shoes will advertise where you’ve been with the grit and grime that build up. Rub some toothpaste on them, rinse with a damp towel, and ensure your mouth is the only part of you telling tales.

Hair Gel

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Staring in the mirror while you brush your teeth? Flyaways got you down? Beat a bad hair day with a bit of that toothpaste. Just a tiny dab on the offending spot will whip your hair into place.

Clean Piano Keys

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You may only have that piano to look classy, but the dull keys make it a little too obvious that no one’s been tickling the ivories lately. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to scrub your way back into the cultured class.

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