Many of us have white bread stashed away in the pantry, fridge, or freezer for meals, but have you ever considered using it for cleaning purposes?
While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, this humble staple has surprising cleaning capabilities.
Here, a cleaning expert shares her cleaning hacks using bread, detailing what surfaces to clean and why this method proves effective.
Why White Bread Works for Cleaning
Although it may seem odd, Karina Toner, a cleaning expert and operations manager, explains that 'white bread is an unexpectedly effective, gentle cleaner for delicate surfaces.'
'Its soft, porous texture excels at absorbing fine particles and moisture without causing damage. I've used it on picture frames and minor wall marks—it's low-effort and surprisingly satisfying.'
1. Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Use a slice of bread to lift dust and light grime without scratching.
When it comes to cleaning a mirror or window, you might typically grab a microfiber cloth and a cleaning spray, like the Method Glass Cleaner + Surface Cleaner found at Walmart. However, Karina suggests that a slice of bread could suffice.
'Gently press a slice of white bread against smudges on mirrors or framed pictures,' she advises. 'It eliminates dust and light grime without scratching.'
I've previously cleaned my mirror with shaving foam and achieved impressive results, reinforcing that sometimes the least expected methods can yield the best outcomes.
2. Removing Marks from Walls
Buff away scuffs with a slice of bread to eliminate fingerprints and smudges.
While a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser available at Amazon is an excellent solution for scuff marks, you might find that a slice of white bread can be effective too.
Karina suggests, 'Gently dab at scuff marks or fingerprints with the soft side of the bread—it acts like an eraser and works wonderfully on matte paint, where traditional cleaners might leave streaks.'
So, while your breakfast toast may not tackle heavy-duty cleaning tasks, such as mud or mold removal, it's worth trying for light marks and smudges.
3. Absorbing Grease Spills
The absorbent nature of bread makes it ideal for soaking up grease and oil.
Moreover, just as you might use a slice to mop up olive oil during meals, white bread can also assist in cleaning kitchen grease, according to Karina.
'It can blot small oil spills on counters or fabrics—simply press and lift to absorb,' she recommends.
Additional Cleaning Products to Consider
If you prefer not to rely solely on bread for your weekly cleaning tasks, consider these essentials to complement your efforts.
Durable and reusable
Scrub Daddy Damp Duster
This Damp Duster comes highly recommended by content editor Chiana Dickson, who claims it has 'made a positive difference in her life' when it comes to dust removal without harsh chemicals—all you need is water.
Machine washable
HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
When bread isn't enough for tough stains, grime, or larger spills, these machine-washable microfiber cloths are soft, absorbent, and lint-free.
Plant-based cleaner
Aunt Fannie's All-Purpose Cleaning Vinegar Spray
If you're looking for another pantry staple, this all-natural, plant-based cleaner made with essential oils is a great option to try.
Meet Our Expert
As the operations manager, Karina has six years of experience in overseeing operations and quality control. Her cleaning tips have appeared in various publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you clean wallpaper with bread?
Bread can effectively absorb grease stains from wallpaper. Simply cut off the crusts of a slice of white bread, roll it into a ball, and blot the stain for gentle removal.
I've also experimented with cleaning my shower with a potato, but unfortunately, I was left disappointed as the results were streaky and stained, highlighting the need for caution when using pantry items for cleaning.
