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Stop Throwing Out Old Toothbrushes: 10 Brilliant Hacks to Use Them Around the House
Most of us toss an old toothbrush into the trash without a second thought. After all, once the bristles are worn out, what good could it possibly be?
As it turns out—plenty.
That small, humble toothbrush sitting in your bathroom drawer may be one of the most underrated cleaning and organizing tools in your entire home. Its compact size, flexible handle, and sturdy bristles make it perfect for tasks that larger tools simply can’t handle.
Before you throw your next toothbrush away, read this. You might be surprised how useful it can be.
Why Old Toothbrushes Are Household Gold
Think about what a toothbrush is designed to do:
- Reach tight spaces
- Scrub stubborn residue
- Be gentle yet effective
- Handle moisture and grime
These qualities make it ideal for dozens of household tasks. Reusing toothbrushes is also:
- Eco-friendly (less plastic waste)
- Budget-friendly (free cleaning tool)
- Convenient (you already have it)
With a little creativity, an old toothbrush can replace specialty brushes you’d otherwise buy.
First Things First: How to Prepare an Old Toothbrush for Reuse
Before using an old toothbrush around the house, clean it properly.
Simple sanitizing method:
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water
- Soak for 10–15 minutes in white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
- Rinse again and let it air dry
Once clean, it’s ready for its second life.
1. Clean Hard-to-Reach Corners and Crevices
Old toothbrushes excel at cleaning places that cloths and sponges can’t reach.
Use them to scrub:
- Window tracks
- Door hinges
- Drawer rails
- Keyboard edges
- Light switch crevices
The angled bristles reach into narrow grooves where dust and grime love to hide.
Tip: Bend the toothbrush handle slightly using hot water to reach awkward angles even better.
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