In this day and age, people are trying to get the most use out of their products before they throw them away or compost them. While bamboo toothbrushes are compostable, your everyday plastic toothbrush still needs to be thrown in the garbage after you’re finished using it. If you want to get the most use out of your old toothbrush, Parkcrest Dental Group has some tips on disinfecting your toothbrush and getting it ready for a second run.
How to Disinfect
There are several ways you can disinfect your toothbrush for its second run. Since you won’t be putting it in your mouth again, it’s recommended to use these cleaning methods to make sure your toothbrush is fully clean.
- Soak your toothbrush in a cup of mouthwash
- Place the top of your toothbrush in boiling hot water for several minutes
- Throw your toothbrush in the dishwasher
- Rinse it with hydrogen peroxide
- Rinse the bristles with bleach
Whatever way you decide to clean it, one or several of these methods will be sure to kill any bacteria or germs left on your brush.
Art Projects
One alternative use for old toothbrushes is as a craft for school art projects. Whether you’re trying to add a bit of texture to a painting or brush off excess glitter, it can also be used to add an equal distribution of splatter paint. Just coat the bristles with a layer of paint and start flicking. Since you won’t be brushing your teeth with it again, it’s okay if it’s not cleaned all the way after painting.
Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Explains Different Toothbrush Bristles
Cleaning Grout
Some places in your home are very difficult to clean due to being in hard to reach places. One of these places is found between your tile known as grout. If a regular scrub brush or cleaner doesn’t seem to be doing the job, try using a toothbrush. Because of its narrow design, a toothbrush is perfect for small cracks and crevices. Simply wet the toothbrush with bleach or your favorite cleaner and start scrubbing.
Removing Stains from Clothing
Just using a stain remover on an article of clothing sometimes isn’t enough to get a stain out. A toothbrush is gentle enough to not damage the fabric but tough enough to work out anything stuck to your clothing fibers. Apply your stain remover to your piece of clothing and start scrubbing until the stain is gone.
Contact Parkcrest Dental Group
As long as you replace your toothbrush within the recommended 3 to 4 month time frame, you can use your old toothbrush any way you want. If you’re looking for more advice on your dental hygiene routine or you need a checkup, visit us at our Springfield, MO location for an appointment.
