How to Clean Your Toothbrush

The thought of putting a nasty, germ-laden toothbrush in your mouth is disgusting! But unless you maintain good habits regarding cleaning your toothbrush, that is exactly what you're doing.

Here are some suggestions for cleaning your toothbrush and keeping it clean.

Cleaning Your Toothbrush Tip #1: Wash It

1. To deep clean your toothbrush, occasionally run it though the dishwasher. Be sure to place it on the top rack, so the toothbrush doesn't melt or bend due to the heat.

2. A less drastic method is to simply wash your toothbrush before and after every use by holding it under hot running water, and rubbing your thumb over it forcefully for five or ten seconds. Of course, be sure to wash your hands before using this method!

Cleaning Your Toothbrush Tip #2: Swish It

Effective toothbrush cleaning often involves swishing your toothbrush in various liquids. Some of the most common solutions for cleaning your toothbrush by swishing include the following:

1. Listerine, or another mouthwash that contains alcohol. Although some people opt to keep their toothbrush in Listerine except when they're actually using it, swishing your toothbrush in mouthwash for thirty seconds, prior to use, is sufficient.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide. Place 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in 1 cup of water, and swish your toothbrush in it prior to use. If you don't like the taste of hydrogen peroxide, you may rinse your toothbrush with clean water prior to use, but if you opt not to rinse the peroxide mixture off before brushing your teeth, in addition to disinfecting your toothbrush, the hydrogen peroxide will help whiten your teeth.

3. Bleach. Place the toothbrush in a cup with one part water and one part bleach - just enough to cover the bristles of the toothbrush. Swish it around for thirty seconds, then rinse. Be careful not to splash any bleach on your clothing or in your eyes, and be sure to rinse out the cup thoroughly immediately after use so that no one accidentally drinks the bleach mixture. Also, be sure to rinse off the bleach mixture prior to using the toothbrush.

Cleaning Your Toothbrush Tip #3: Soak It