Excess water, spit, and toothpaste can combine together and build up in the excess space between where the replaceable brushing head inserts into the electric toothbrush body. It can also accumulate where the toothbrush sets into the charging base.
Rinse the toothbrush well after soaking. You can clean the base of your toothbrush using a soft cloth and a mild detergent to remove any visible dirt or debris. Sometimes it is necessary to use a cotton bud to clean the hard to reach areas of electric toothbrushes.
Cleaning the Toothbrush Holder
Be mindful about cleaning your brush holder regularly. If the toothbrush holder is dishwasher safe, a simple solution is to place the toothbrush holder inside the dishwasher once a week. If not, then look to clean regularly with hot soapy water.
The accumulated water and protein-laden water drips down and there are enough nutrients in that water to allow bacteria and mold to grow [sic]. Which all sounds about right: Gunk and mold thrive wherever water sits stagnant—say, the base of the toothbrush, or where the head is attached.
Twice a day or more, your soggy toothbrush reenters the toothbrush holder. Old germs at the bottom of the container scrape the toothbrush, smearing contamination all over. With its dark, damp inside, it's no wonder 64% of toothbrush holders carry yeast and mold.
When you clean a toothbrush holder, use hot water and dish soap to remove most of the mold, and rubbing alcohol to finish it off. To keep mold out of your toothbrush holder in the future, make a habit of cleaning and drying your toothbrush before you store it.
When you stow your toothbrush in the holder after brushing, the head is usually still wet. That liquid drips down the handle — collecting germs as it goes — and slowly pools in the bottom of the cup where your toothbrush hangs out. Additionally, bathrooms are notoriously steamy.
Avoid covering toothbrushes or storing them in closed containers, which can cause the growth of bacteria. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles look worn out. This is because a worn-out toothbrush may not work as well, not because it might carry more germs.
Turns out, your toothbrush holder is one of the germiest places in your home. But don't worry, it's easy to clean toothbrush holders. If you're wondering how to keep a toothbrush holder clean, experts say to try to clean it weekly — or as often as you clean your toilet. Rinse the toothbrush holder with hot water.
Bacteria can easily grow on toothbrushes, so it's important to store them in a clean, dry place. The best way to do this is to use a protective case in your suitcase or toiletry bag. But DO take your brush out of the case and allow it to air dry between uses wherever you're visiting.
And while a toothbrush cover may help protect your toothbrush from outside germs, it traps in moisture, leading to bacteria growth and not the good kind, according to the ADA. So — remove and throw away those covers.
As a rule, it's safe to leave your toothbrush on the charger. The charging stand serves two purposes. The first is to provide a place for the toothbrush to sit when it's not being used. Secondly, it's a quick and convenient way of recharging when the battery is low.
Step 1: Pour about ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar into a small bowl. Step 3: Mix ingredients together well. Step 4: Dip a clean washcloth into the mixture and scrub your electric toothbrush head connection and your electric toothbrush base connection until all is clean.
It's mold, which likes to grow where there is standing moisture. After you clean the toothbrush container, you can help to slow down the reformation of mold by doing a more vigorous job of shaking off your toothbrush before putting it in the holder.
The best solution is to keep your toothbrush in a corner of your bathroom away from the sink & toilet. If you're strapped for space, you can get a wall-mounted toothbrush holder to place high enough to avoid any splashing from the sink.
The bathroom is one of the most germ-infested rooms in any house, but leaving a toothbrush in a damp shower makes your brush (and mouth) a target for unwanted microbes. Given enough of the wrong types of bacteria, an extra germy toothbrush could even lead to diarrhea or skin infection.
The average lifespan of an Oral-B electric toothbrush is approximately 3-5 years, so your brush may not be up to our standards.
Battery Life
Charge the toothbrush until it indicates the battery is full, or for 24 hours, whichever comes first. Don't exceed the 24 hours because overcharging Ni-MH batteries can shorten their lifespan. Don't store the toothbrush on its charger between uses, as repeated top-ups can shorten the battery's life.
Find a good place away from the toilet and as far away from splashing water as you can. You can invest in a wall-mounted toothbrush holder or a holder with a lid (as long as there is enough airflow to dry the toothbrush!) or use the medicine cabinet.
Rinse the toothbrush after use and allow it to dry.
There may be room to debate wetting a toothbrush before use, but not after! A clean, dry toothbrush and proper storage conditions help prevent bacteria growth.
If you don't close the toilet lid before every flush, you'll want to keep your toothbrush as far away from these germs in the air as possible. If your bathroom is tiny, keep your toothbrush on a counter in the hallway or bedroom to keep it out of the way of the toilet.
A recent study by the University of Manchester showed that toothbrushes can accumulate more than 10 million bacteria, which is more than the bacteria found in a toilet seat (50 per square inch) or in a public lavatory floor (2 million per square inch).
Contrary to what some experts may tell you, storing your toothbrush in a plastic case or plastic bag is not a good idea. Germs thrive in a moist environment, so keeping your toothbrush sealed in an enclosed space only makes your toothbrush the perfect place for bacteria to multiply.