What Is the Best Way to Disinfect a Toothbrush?

Disinfecting your toothbrush does a lot more than keep it clean. Sanitizing your toothbrush promotes good health by killing germs and bacteria that would otherwise be ingested as you brush your teeth. Keeping your toothbrush disinfected isn't meant to be a replacement for switching to a new brush every three to four months, but it will decrease your exposure to germs and keep your toothbrush clean. The best way to disinfect your toothbrush is by using simple methods and supplies that won't turn the process into yet another hassle you're not going to bother with.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid soap
• Bath towel
• Paper towel
• Cup
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 cup white vinegar

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Instructions

• 1

  Hand-washing is an important part of dental hygiene.

  Wash your hands before and after using your toothbrush to avoid spreading germs. Use liquid soap and dry off with a clean towel.

• 2

  Clean your toothbrush daily by running water through it after you brush. Move your thumb and index finger through the bristles to remove food particles from the bristles. Dry the bristles with a paper towel.

• 3

  Pour 1 cup of water into a drinking cup. Stir in 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Soak and sanitize the bristles of your toothbrush in the baking soda solution every two to three days for at least two hours. Rinse the brush off with water and allow it to air dry.

• 4

  White vinegar is a natural antiseptic.

  Pour 1/2 cup of full-strength white vinegar into the drinking cup. Once each week, soak the toothbrush bristles in the undiluted vinegar overnight to disinfect the toothbrush.

• 5

  Disinfect your toothbrush thoroughly, on a monthly basis, by placing it in the upper rack of your dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on a normal cycle, allowing the heat and steam to kill germs and bacteria on your toothbrush. Remove the toothbrush from the dishwasher and allow it to air-dry.