Did you know that toothbrush is one of the dirtiest item in the house? Well, keep reading! I’ll show you how to clean toothbrush with vinegar easily!
A toothbrush is a small device that helps keep your teeth clean. It has bristles on one end that are used to scrub your teeth.
Most toothbrushes have a handle made of plastic or wood, while the bristles are made from nylon, polyester, or other synthetic materials.
However, people tend to forget to clean the toothbrush. According to onhealth, a toothbrush contain about 100 million bacteria including E. coli and staphylococci (Staph).
You should do something to keep hygienic.
One of the simplest ways to clean your toothbrush is by cleaning it with vinegar.
Let me show you how to clean toothbrush with vinegar easily!
Contents
Why you should use vinegar to clean toothbrushes?
1. Vinegar could disinfect the toothbrush
Vinegar has antibacterial properties that kill germs on your toothbrush and remove stains caused by food particles or bacteria that could make you sick if they remained there for too long.
You can also use vinegar to remove yellow stains in bathtub!
2. Vinegar removes plaque build-up
The acidity of vinegar helps reduce the amount of plaque buildup on your toothbrush bristles over time.
It makes it easier for you to remove plaque from your teeth when brushing them with the cotton bud later on.
3. Vinegar is cheap and easy to find
Vinegar is one of the cheapest natural cleaning agents. You can get it for a few dollars. It is also easy to find in any grocery store.
How to clean toothbrush with vinegar
1. Prepare the following materials:
To clean the toothbrush with vinegar, prepare the following materials:
- vinegar
- water
- a container
- a cotton bud
2. Pre-cleaning the toothbrush
The first step is to rinse the toothbrush under running water. After that, use a little brush cleaner to clean the head of the toothbrush.
If you find any stain or mold, scrub it with the brush completely.
3. Create the baking soda solution
Make the vinegar solution by combining the same ratio of vinegar and water in a container.
It’s important to use enough solution so that the toothbrush is completely submerged, as prolonged exposure to undiluted vinegar can damage it or cause it to fall apart.
4. Soak the toothbrush in the mixture.
After that, soak the toothbrush in the mixture.
Let the toothbrush soak in the mixture for 15 minutes. The acidity of the vinegar will dissolve plaque, so this step will help prevent your mouth from getting cavities while you’re cleaning your teeth.
This helps kill bacteria and remove stains from your toothbrush while also disinfecting it!
If you’re using an electric toothbrush that has been left on its holder overnight (or longer), remove and rinse it off before soaking it in a vinegar solution.
5. Scrub it with a cotton bud
Dip a cotton bud into the vinegar solution and wipe it across your toothbrush head until all of the debris has been removed.
It will make the hidden dirt and residue gone.
6. Rinse it under running water
After scrubbing the toothbrush, rinse it thoroughly under running water.
Do this several times to make sure there is no residue left.
7. Store upright to air dry.
Put your toothbrush upright in the holder. This will help the bristles dry faster than if you left it lying on its side or wedged in water from your sink.
It is also necessary to prevent water from settling on the brush and handle, which can lead to mold growth.
If you don’t have the toothbrush holder, hang your toothbrush from a hook in the bathroom or store it upright in a cup holder.
How to keep your toothbrush clean
1. Always use a toothbrush cover
To keep your toothbrush clean, use the toothbrush cover. This simple device protects the brush from germs and bacteria in the environment.
It makes your toothbrush cleaner by covering it from dust and dirt.
2. Store it in a dry area
Always store your toothbrush in a dry area. It helps to keep the dirt and germs away.
If you have a bathroom cabinet, put it there because it keeps the direct sunlight and moisture away.
In fact, wet bristles harbor more bacteria than dry bristles.
Make sure that you’re not storing your toothbrush near any other items that may have germs on them (like soap or lotion).
If you don’t have room for a toothbrush in your bathroom cabinet, try storing it on its side or standing upright in an empty cup.
3. Never share the toothbrush with anyone
To keep your toothbrush clean, never share the toothbrush with anyone. Sharing a toothbrush can lead to cross-contamination from one person’s mouth bacteria to another’s.
Each person should have their own brush and use it only for themselves.
How often should I change my toothbrush?
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn-out brush will not clean as effectively and may hurt the gums.
A new toothbrush should be used when:
- The bristles are frayed or worn down
- The bristles become bent from improper storage
- You have been sick with a cold or flu (a new toothbrush can help prevent reinfection)
Conclusion
Cleaning your toothbrush on a regular schedule is simple and can help avoid germs buildup between brushing sessions.
According to surveys, only around half of consumers replace their toothbrushes every three months, as suggested by the American Dental Association (ADA).
- Prepare the vinegar, water, container, and a cotton bud
- Pre-cleaning the toothbrush
- Combine white vinegar and water.
- Soak the toothbrush in the mixture.
- Scrub it with a cotton bud
- Rinse it under running water
- Store upright to air dry
You can also use vinegar to clean dish rack and get rid of urine smell in bathroom!
