Your toothbrush holder is one of the most frequently used items in your house, but chances are it’s been a while since you cleaned it. Even if you have a perfectly cleaned toothbrush, you need to wash out your holder periodically. Here are some tips for keeping your toothbrush holder clean and sanitary.
Clean Your Toothbrush Holder Weekly
Most households should clean their toothbrush holders once a week. This may not be necessary if you travel for work or split your time between your house and another location. However, if you have several kids using one toothbrush holder, you may want to clean it more frequently than once a week. Adjust your cleaning schedule to fit your lifestyle.
How to Clean Your Toothbrush Holder
Cleaning your toothbrush holder is an easy process. Some toothbrush holders have removable parts that make them easier to clean, but these tips will work for most holder styles:
- Rinse the toothbrush holder with hot water. If the holder has a solid base with rims, you may want to swish the water in the bottom before pouring it out.
- Use a pipe cleaner or small brush to scrub the bottom and sides of the holder. You could even repurpose an old toothbrush to handle this task for you. Rinse the holder again to remove loose debris.
- Pour antibacterial mouthwash into the holder and let it sit for several minutes. You could use warm soapy water as an alternative.
- Complete a final rinse with clean water, and leave the toothbrush holder out to air dry. Then put your toothbrushes back in their positions.
Clean Your Toothbrushes Before Storing Them
You can minimize residue on the toothbrush holder by thoroughly cleaning your toothbrush before storing it. Always store your toothbrush with the bristles up. If you put the bristles down into the holder, they’re more likely to get exposed to bacteria.
Clinton Dental Center has a comprehensive guide for How to Clean Your Toothbrush between Uses. Replace your toothbrush twice per year to keep it clean and functional. You can usually get a new toothbrush from your dentist’s office at your bi-annual teeth cleaning appointments. This is a convenient way to remember when to replace your toothbrush.
Get a Toothbrush Holder That’s Easy to Clean
If you’re having a hard time cleaning your toothbrush holder, you may want to change it out for a new design. Some people like using a basic cup that they can throw in the dishwasher or wipe out with a cloth. You may prefer individual toothbrush brackets that run along the wall or holders with removable bases.
Look over different styles of toothbrush holders in the bathroom aisle of your favorite home design store. Think about how easy each style will be to clean and how much it can store. This should narrow down your options until you find the perfect holder for your family.
