Since the bathroom is a breeding ground for bacterial growth, it's important to keep your toothbrush clean. The head should be washed regularly in a solution of water and bleach. In the meantime, the same mixture can be used to sanitize the handle. The brush head must be replaced periodically, as the bristles accumulate dirt and lose stiffness.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Clean the Toothbrush Head
Step 1. Make a water and bleach solution
Thoroughly clean your toothbrush once a month. In a container (such as a cup), mix 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. Make sure the bowl is large enough to allow you to completely submerge the head.
Put on a pair of gloves before handling the bleach
Step 2. Scrub the head with the water-based bleach solution
Before dipping it into the mixture, clean the handle. Soak a clean cloth in the solution, then wipe the handle to remove toothpaste, dirt, and other residue.
Step 3. Leave the toothbrush to soak for an hour
Put the head in the solution. Make sure you immerse it completely. Set a timer for an hour, then let it soak to disinfect it.
Step 4. Rinse your toothbrush well
After an hour, remove the head from the solution. Rinse it well under running water. Make sure you remove the mixture completely, as it is not safe to use a toothbrush that has traces of bleach left on it.
Rinse your toothbrush until the water runs clean and the bristles no longer smell of bleach
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Toothbrush Handle
Step 1. Dampen a cloth with the water-based bleach solution
To clean the base of the toothbrush, use the same mixture used for the brush head. Soak a cloth or cotton pad in the solution, then wipe the handle to remove the toothpaste and grime that has accumulated in the bathroom.
- Make sure the plug of the toothbrush is unplugged from the power outlet during cleaning.
- Put on a pair of gloves before handling the bleach.
Step 2. Clean the joint area between the head and the handle
If the handle can be detached from the head, there should be a small groove at the top. Clean it using a cotton swab or cloth. You need to remove all bacteria that are hiding in this area.
Step 3. Do not immerse the brush handle in water
Never put it in the solution. Since it can cause an electric shock, it is dangerous; it can also damage your toothbrush, forcing you to buy a new one. The handle should only be cleaned with a cloth, paper towel or cotton swab.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping the Toothbrush Clean
Step 1. Rinse your toothbrush after each use
Each time you use it, rinse the head under running water. Remove all traces of toothpaste from the bristles after brushing your teeth. This way you can keep it clean day after day.
Step 2. Do not immerse the toothbrush in a disinfectant solution
Some people prefer to store it in mouthwash or another disinfectant solution. In addition to being useless, this process can cause contamination if the solution is shared by multiple people. Instead, keep it in a toothbrush holder or empty glass.
Step 3. Replace the print head regularly
The heads of electric toothbrushes can be changed. Do this every three to four months. While cleaning it regularly, the brush head should be replaced periodically.
When the bristles begin to wear out and spread out, then it is a good idea to replace the brush head
Step 4. Keep your toothbrush in an open container
Avoid storing it in a closed container, as it will not protect it from bacteria. In fact, high humidity can increase exposure to bacteria. Instead, store it in an open container and keep it in the bathroom.
