Let’s be real—your toothbrush works hard. It scrubs away plaque, food particles, and bacteria every single day. But here’s the gross part: if you’re not cleaning your toothbrush regularly, it might be harbouring all kinds of nasty stuff you really don’t want near your mouth.
Yep, even though you rinse it after brushing, that’s not quite enough.
In this guide, we’re diving into why cleaning your toothbrush is important, how often to do it, and the best methods (including some affordable product picks and clever DIY hacks). Let’s get brushing—safely.
Why Cleaning Your Toothbrush Is Important
Your mouth is home to hundreds of types of bacteria. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), once you’re done brushing, many of those germs can hang out on your toothbrush if it’s not cleaned and stored properly.
Also, if your toothbrush is kept in a damp or shared space (hello, family bathroom), it’s even more likely to pick up airborne bacteria, especially from—you guessed it—the toilet.
Bottom line: keeping your toothbrush clean = keeping your mouth clean.
How Often Should You Clean Your Toothbrush?
Ideally, you should be giving your toothbrush a mini clean after every use and a deeper clean about once a week.
Also important: replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head, if you’re using electric) every 3 to 4 months. If it looks worn out or you've been sick recently, replace it sooner.
Easy Ways to Clean Your Toothbrush
1. Rinse & Air Dry
After brushing, rinse your toothbrush under hot water to remove leftover toothpaste and debris. Then let it air dry upright. Don’t cover it or store it in a closed container—that can trap moisture and encourage mold growth.
2. Weekly Soak: Use Mouthwash or Hydrogen Peroxide
Soak your toothbrush head in an antibacterial mouthwash or a cup of hydrogen peroxide for about 10 minutes once a week. This helps kill off lingering bacteria. Just be sure to rinse it thoroughly before using again.
3. Try a UV Sanitizer
If you’re into tech, a UV toothbrush sanitizer can zap bacteria using ultraviolet light. While these aren’t essential, they’re a great option for germaphobes or shared bathrooms.
4. Boiling Water (Optional)
For a deep clean, dip the brush head in boiling water for 3 minutes. It’s not something you need to do all the time, but it’s great after being sick or if the brush has fallen somewhere sketchy.
5. Don’t Use the Dishwasher (Seriously)
Some blogs might suggest cleaning your toothbrush in the dishwasher, but most manufacturers (and dentists) don’t recommend it. High heat and detergent can break down the bristles faster than you'd like.
How to Store Your Toothbrush Safely
- Store it upright in a clean, dry holder.
- Keep it separate from other toothbrushes to prevent cross-contamination.
- Avoid closed containers unless traveling.
- Never store it near the toilet—flush droplets can travel further than you’d think.
What If You’ve Been Sick?
If you've had a cold, flu, or any oral infection, it's safest to toss the toothbrush afterward and get a replacement. Germs can linger and potentially reinfect you, which may cause various effects, including making your gums bleed.
Quick Recap: The Toothbrush Cleaning Checklist
- ✅ Rinse after every use
- ✅ Let it dry upright
- ✅ Deep clean weekly with mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide
- ✅ Replace every 3–4 months (or sooner if you’ve been sick)
- ✅ Avoid closed containers and dishwasher cleaning
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your toothbrush isn’t just about being extra—it’s a key part of maintaining good oral hygiene. With just a few simple habits, you can make sure your brush stays as fresh as your breath.
Want to level up your brushing game? Check out our toothbrush products, available in green or black and starting from £13.99 (as of May 2025)!