Even if you clean and disinfect your bathroom often, you might forget to clean one key spot—your toothbrush holder. This useful but often neglected accessory can collect viruses, bacteria, and mold. Many people don’t remember to clean it, and if you don’t, it can become very dirty with harmful germs that could end up on your toothbrush.
When you and your family put wet toothbrushes in a holder, the water drips down and gathers at the bottom, forming a pool of germs that can move from one toothbrush to another. To keep your toothbrushes and teeth healthy, it’s important to learn how to clean the toothbrush holder and make it part of your regular cleaning routine.
Why Do I Need to Clean My Toothbrush Holder?
Bathrooms are damp and warm, which are perfect conditions for bacteria and other germs to grow. When you add the moisture from toothbrushes and a dark spot like a toothbrush holder, it’s no surprise that it becomes a breeding ground for all sorts of nasty things.
According to the National Science Foundation, a toothbrush holder can be one of the germiest spots in your home. Each time you or your family brush your teeth, you might be transferring bacteria into your mouths. Although it’s rare to get sick from your toothbrush, harmful bacteria can still cause dental issues such as:
- Canker sores
- Gingivitis
- Oral thrush
- Oral herpes
If you need more reasons, think about the horror stories of finding maggots in toothbrush holders because they were so dirty. Now that you’re convinced, it’s time to learn how to clean your toothbrush holder.
How Do I Clean a Toothbrush Holder?
After reading the above, you’re probably eager to learn how to clean your toothbrush holder. If it’s safe for the dishwasher, you can clean and disinfect it by running it through a sanitizing cycle. Just be sure to remove any gunk from the bottom first. If you’re washing it by hand, here’s what you’ll need:
- Liquid dish soap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Dish scrubber
- Microfiber cloth
Here’s how to clean your toothbrush holder and get rid of germs:
- Fill the sink halfway with water and add a few drops of dish soap.
- Let the toothbrush holder soak for 10 minutes.
- Scrub the inside and outside with a dish towel, reaching all the way to the bottom.
- Rinse it in warm water.
- Fill it with rubbing alcohol and swirl it around to cover the entire inside.
- Dry it with a microfiber cloth.
How to Clean an Electric Toothbrush Holder
Electric toothbrush holders and caps can get as dirty as regular ones, even though they are faster and more advanced. Luckily, they’re easy to clean with safe and natural ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dish soap
- Distilled white vinegar
- Microfiber cloths
- Hair Dryer
Here’s how to clean your electric toothbrush holder and cap:
- Unplug your electric toothbrush and holder.
- Fill your sink halfway with hot water and add a couple of drops of dish soap.
- Wet a microfiber cloth with soap and water and wipe the outside of the toothbrush holder.
- Clean off the soap with another cloth moistened with just water.
- Make a mix of half water and half distilled white vinegar in a bowl. Soak the toothbrush cap and any other parts that can go in water.
- Wipe the inside of the holder with a cloth dampened with the vinegar solution to clean and sanitize it.
- Take the cap out of the vinegar mix and rinse it with warm water.
- Dry the holder, cap, and any other parts with a hair dryer on the lowest setting.
- Put the lid back on your toothbrush, place it in the holder, and plug it back in.
Make sure the toothbrushes are clean, disinfected, and dry before you put them back in the holder. To clean and disinfect your toothbrush, pour antibacterial mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide over it and let it air dry before storing it. Alternatively, you can use baking soda to disinfect and freshen your toothbrush. Just mix two teaspoons of baking soda in a cup of water and soak your toothbrush in it for an hour.
How To Get Rid Of Mold in a Toothbrush Holder
Mold can lead to congestion, wheezing, or shortness of breath, as well as red eyes and itchy skin. Although small amounts of mold usually don’t make most people seriously ill, it can be dangerous for those with asthma or other breathing problems. But should you be concerned about mold in your toothbrush holder?
Since the conditions that help bacteria grow are also perfect for mold, it might be growing at the bottom of your toothbrush holder. But you don’t need to worry for long, because you can easily remove mold and prevent it from coming back.
When cleaning a toothbrush holder, use hot water and dish soap to remove most of the mold, and finish with rubbing alcohol. To prevent mold in the future, regularly clean and dry your toothbrush before putting it away.