Expert Dentist in Chico, California | Gary Johnson, DDS

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5 Uses for Old Toothbrushes

Wondering what to do with that old toothbrush? Perhaps you’ve recently gone electric and are wondering how to dispose properly of that old plastic toothbrush. According to the Plastic Pollution Coalition, a person will use and dispose of 12 pounds of plastic toothbrushes in one lifetime! So what can you do to cut down on waste and repurpose your old bristles? Check out these 5 tips.

1. Scrub the Unreachable Places

Toothbrushes make perfect tools for getting into those small, grimy places in your bathroom. Get around the sink fixtures, in between shower tiles, and even on dusty baseboards. A little elbow grease and a small brush can work miracles when cleaning house!


2. Pamper Your Jewelry

Metals can be nicely polished with a combination of baking soda and water. Use your old brush to shine even the most tarnished surfaces and make jewelry look new. Bike chains and other metal fixtures you wish to preserve will also be greatly helped by the soft bristles.


3. Sweep Your Keyboard

Get in between those keys and remove dust and germs with a dry toothbrush. This is also a great tip for intricate keys and button pads on the dashboard of your car.

4. Eliminate Stains

Keep an old brush in your laundry room to spot clean and remove stains directly. Treat a stain gently with some detergent before washing to make the stain disappear.

5. Get Crafting!

An old toothbrush makes a great new paintbrush. Your kids can use the discarded brush to spackle, paint, and color for fun or school projects. The broad strokes are perfect for coloring sea and sky and other natural elements.

No matter what you do to with your old toothbrush, we can help suggest a new one for you that perfectly fits the needs of your teeth. Remember to brush two times daily and floss, and contact our office with any questions you may have. Happy brushing!