I’d heard the fizzy denture-cleaning tablets could tackle everything from coffee makers to commodes, so I decided to put them through their paces.
After all, swapping out four or five different cleaners in my home for a single $6 box of denture tabs could add up to real savings!
But would it actually perform well?
Turns out, it pretty much blew my expectations away.
How to Save Money with Denture Cleanser
No one in my household wears dentures, a retainer or any appliance that normally gets the denture-cleaning treatment.
I bought the tablets solely for cleaning around the house.
I grabbed the store-brand option at Walgreen’s — the Well antibacterial three-minute denture cleanser, which is comparable to Polident. A box with 84 tablets sells for $5.49 in-store.
It worked on practically everything!
Here’s how I applied denture cleanser throughout the house and what I’d normally spend instead.
1. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
32-ounceSeventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner: $2.99
To clean the toilet, drop a few tablets into the bowl. Many sources recommend letting them fizz for about 10–15 minutes before scrubbing.
I used three quick-acting tabs, so I only let them sit about three minutes before scrubbing — and the bowl was spotless!
With roughly 10 uses per 32-ounce bottle, toilet bowl cleaner costs around 30 cents per use. Three denture tablets achieve the same result for about 21 cents.
2. Sink Cleaner
26-ounceSeventh Generation All PurposeCleaner: $2.99
After seeing the toilet result, I wondered how far the tablets would go. Could they handle the rest of the bathroom?
I filled the sink about halfway with warm water and dropped in two tablets. After a few minutes of fizzing, I wiped it down.
It looked just as clean as when I use the Lysol I normally reach for.
If a bottle of all-purpose cleaner gives about 26 cleanings, each sink scrub costs around 12 cents. One denture tablet achieves the same for about 7 cents.
3. Bathtub Cleaner
Next up: the bathtub — my least favorite chore of all. I avoid it like the grime that’s likely accumulating along the tub edges.
I knew denture cleanser is formulated to work while dental appliances are submerged and soaking in bubbling water.
Filling the toilet and sink had the same cleaning effect on their porcelain surfaces.
I wasn’t going to fill my entire tub and toss in a bunch of tablets, though. Instead, I used three tablets in a small bucket of warm water.
I didn’t expect much.
But. It. Worked.
I let the tabs fizz for a minute or two, then carefully poured the solution over the grimy bottom of the tub, keeping the drain plugged. I spread it a bit with a brush and let it sit a few minutes more.
Then I scrubbed.
Cleaning a bathtub will never be enjoyable, but denture cleanser made it easier than I imagined. I was honestly surprised.
And instead of breathing bleach and harsh chemical fumes, the whole bathroom smelled minty-fresh.
Remember: these products are made for your (fake) teeth, so their ingredients are safe enough to touch your mouth (though you should never swallow them and be aware of potential allergic reactions).
Conservatively, I figure I use about five times the all-purpose cleaner on the tub compared with the sink, so that’s roughly 60 cents per cleaning.
Three denture tablets left my tub minty-clean for only about 21 cents.
4. Coffee Stain Remover
I tried the tablets on my glass coffee carafe and two ceramic mugs, all of which had stubborn coffee or tea stains.
They worked wonderfully on the mugs. I filled each with warm water, dropped in a tablet, and wiped them after three minutes — like new.
The glass pot responded less dramatically. I used one tablet in warm water; it was cleaner after three minutes, but not perfectly clear.
I’ll probably keep using vinegar on the glass coffee maker. It gets it clearer, even if the smell isn’t as pleasantly minty.
For most other odd jobs — pots, pans, earbuds and other tricky items around the home — I’m officially converted to denture cleanser.
Your Turn: Have you used denture tablets for unconventional household cleaning?
Jordan Reeves is a lifestyle writer. He contributes to Savinly and other outlets, mixing helpful tips with a dash of humor whenever possible.
