Don’t throw away your old toothbrush: 5 clever cleaning uses you should try at home to remove dirt from hard-to-reach areas

Most people replace their toothbrush roughly every three months and immediately throw the old one away. However, a used toothbrush can be surprisingly useful for household cleaning. Its small head can reach narrow spaces that cloths and sponges often miss, while its firm bristles can help loosen stubborn dirt and grime.

Clean Tile Grout
Bathroom and kitchen grout lines can easily collect dirt because they sit below the surface of the tiles. A flat cloth often passes over these recessed areas without removing the buildup. An old toothbrush is well suited to the job because its narrow head and bristles can reach directly into the gaps. Dip it into a paste made with baking soda and water, then scrub the grout using small circular movements. For tougher stains, a suitable diluted cleaning solution can be used according to the product instructions.


Remove Dust From Window And Door Tracks
Sliding window and door tracks often gather dust, grit and other debris. Their narrow and uneven shape can make them difficult to clean with an ordinary cloth, which may simply move the dirt from one spot to another. Run an old toothbrush along the track while applying gentle pressure to loosen the buildup. You can then use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment to remove the dislodged dust and debris.

Scrub Shoe Soles And Rubber Trims
The grooves underneath shoes can trap mud, tiny stones and dirt that a simple wipe may not remove. Rubber edges and trims on sneakers can also develop marks and discolouration over time. Use an old toothbrush with soap and water to scrub between the grooves of the sole. For stubborn marks on rubber edges, a small amount of baking soda paste can be worked into the surface with the bristles.

Clean Jewellery And Small Decorative Items
Jewellery such as rings and chains can collect lotion, soap residue, dust and other grime in tiny spaces around stones, engravings and detailed designs. For suitable jewellery, soak the item briefly in mild dish soap mixed with warm water and then gently brush the surface with a toothbrush. This method can also be useful for small decorative objects, artificial flowers, ornate photo frames and costume jewellery where dust tends to settle in detailed areas. However, avoid using this method on delicate or valuable jewellery unless the material and finish are known to be safe for water and gentle brushing.

Things To Keep In Mind Before Reusing A Toothbrush
Before using an old toothbrush around the house, clean and disinfect it properly because it has previously been used in the mouth. A diluted bleach solution may be used where appropriate, followed by thorough rinsing. Always follow the bleach product's dilution and safety instructions.

Keep repurposed toothbrushes clearly separated from toothbrushes still being used for brushing teeth. It is also better to avoid using them on food-preparation surfaces or objects that come into contact with the mouth. A toothbrush that has already been worn and used cannot be considered fully sanitary simply because it has been cleaned.