When your toothbrush is no longer up to performing its primary task (the American Dental Association recommends replacing yours every three to four months), take a beat before tossing it in the trash. Your toothbrush has practical cleaning uses that span far beyond dental hygiene. Not only is reusing your toothbrush ecologically friendly, it’s also economically sound: You can save money since you won’t need to purchase separate cleaning tools for hard-to-reach places around the house—better to let your toothbrush do the work. We went to cleaning experts to find out everything you can do with an old toothbrush, from polishing silver to de-scuffing shoes.
Sweep Your Keyboard
Computer and piano keyboards alike can accumulate all kinds of dust and dirt between the keys. According to cleaning professional Marla Mock, an old toothbrush can sweep your keyboard clean. “Simply get an old toothbrush with soft bristles, and dust the dirt and crumbs from between the keys,” she advises. To disinfect a toothbrush before reuse, soak in hydrogen peroxide for 3 to 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with hot water. You can also place your toothbrush in boiling water for about 2 to 3 minutes to get it ready for its new home in your cleaning cabinet.
I’ve found that keyboards, especially on my work-from-home setup, get grimy fast—think cookie crumbs or pet hair sneaking in. Using an old toothbrush is a game-changer because it’s precise and doesn’t damage the keys. A quick tip: if you’re worried about spreading germs, especially on shared devices, a study from the University of Arizona found that keyboards can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat. So, disinfecting that toothbrush first is key. I also like to keep a small spray bottle of diluted isopropyl alcohol handy to mist the bristles lightly before scrubbing—it helps loosen sticky residue without soaking the keyboard.
Clean Tile Grout
Toothbrushes’ tightly packed, short bristles make them an excellent tool for cleaning stubborn tile grout. “Since toothbrushes are small, they are the perfect tool to use to get into those small grout lines,” says Mock—who recommends reaching in your medicine cabinet yet again: Non-gel toothpaste makes a great grout cleaning agent, she says.
I’ve tackled grout in my bathroom that looked like it was auditioning for a horror movie, and the toothbrush-toothpaste combo worked wonders. The mild abrasiveness of non-gel toothpaste, thanks to ingredients like calcium carbonate, gently scrubs without scratching. For tougher stains, I’ve mixed a paste of baking soda and water to boost the cleaning power—it’s like giving your grout a spa day. Just be patient; grout cleaning is slow but satisfying. Pro tip: seal your grout afterward to keep it cleaner longer. It’s a small investment that saves elbow grease down the road.
Appliance and Countertop Seams
According to Chris Willatt, owner of Denver Maids, toothbrushes are the perfect go-to for detail work in the kitchen. “Think toaster slots, coffee maker seams, and where the stove meets your counter.” Willatt recommends adding a baking soda paste to your toothbrush in order to remove grease buildup and protect the natural stone of your counters.
Those tiny kitchen crevices are like magnets for grease and crumbs—I swear my toaster hides half my breakfast in its slots. Baking soda’s natural deodorizing and mild abrasive properties make it ideal for these spots, especially on sensitive surfaces like granite. I’ve found that letting the paste sit for a minute before scrubbing helps loosen the gunk. If you’re dealing with stainless steel appliances, a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth after scrubbing keeps everything streak-free. It’s a small effort for a kitchen that looks professionally cleaned.
Dishwasher Maintenance
Regularly cleaning your home’s appliances is integral to their efficiency and longevity. Mock finds that a toothbrush is great for the hard-to-reach parts of your dishwasher. “A toothbrush is a great tool to get stubborn grime in the spray arms of your dishwasher and the door seal,” she says. Just dip the toothbrush into vinegar or baking soda and scrub gently.
My dishwasher’s spray arms were starting to look like a science experiment gone wrong until I tried this trick. Vinegar’s acetic acid cuts through mineral deposits like nobody’s business, and a toothbrush gets into those tiny spray holes with precision. I’ve noticed my dishes come out cleaner since I started doing this monthly. For an extra boost, run an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar in the top rack afterward—it’s like a deep clean for the whole machine. Regular maintenance like this can extend your dishwasher’s life by years, saving you from costly repairs.
Faucets and Drains
Willatt recommends using an old toothbrush to scrub and brighten dull faucets and sink and shower drains. It’s an easy way to level up your regular drain maintenance and make those fixtures really sparkle. “You can soak any hard water buildup with vinegar, and use the toothbrush to scrub it away,” he says.
Hard water stains on my bathroom faucet used to drive me nuts until I started using this method. The vinegar soak softens the mineral deposits, making them easy to scrub off with a toothbrush. I’ve also found that wrapping a vinegar-soaked cloth around the faucet for 10 minutes before scrubbing tackles really stubborn spots. According to a water quality report I read, about 85% of U.S. homes have hard water, so this trick is a lifesaver for most of us. Plus, it’s way cheaper than buying specialized descaling products.
Polishing Delicate Objects
“A toothbrush with soft bristles does an excellent job of polishing delicate objects like jewelry,” says Mock. When handling delicate objects, like your favorite necklace or watch, you’ll want to be extra careful and gentle while cleaning, as anything abrasive could leave scratches. “Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning because as the bristles wear out, they become more malleable and gentle,” adds Willatt.
I’ve used this trick to revive my grandmother’s old silver necklace, and it’s like it’s brand new again. The soft bristles get into tiny crevices without damaging delicate chains or gemstones. For gold or silver, I sometimes use a drop of mild dish soap with warm water instead of harsh polishes—it’s gentle and effective. Just make sure to dry thoroughly with a soft cloth to avoid water spots. This method is not only eco-friendly but also saves you from pricey jewelry cleaners, which can cost $10 or more a bottle.
Baseboard Corners
According to Willatt, old toothbrushes are just right for cleaning often-forgotten spots like baseboard corners. He especially recommends the tool for tackling the areas beneath your kitchen cabinet and counter, where the base plate and floor meet. (See ya, crumbs.)
Baseboards are the unsung victims of household dirt—mine were collecting dust bunnies like nobody’s business. A toothbrush gets into those tight corners where vacuums can’t reach. I like to dampen the bristles with a bit of all-purpose cleaner for extra cleaning power, then follow up with a dry cloth to prevent moisture damage to the wood. It’s a small task that makes a big difference, especially if you’re prepping for guests. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to see those corners go from grimy to spotless.
Cleaning Cups and Mugs
When your favorite coffee mug sustains a stain, it can be challenging to remove. Mock recommends pairing an old toothbrush with toothpaste to clean stains on dishes, like cups or mugs. “Apply a small amount of the toothpaste on the cup and scrub gently with the toothbrush,” she says. Follow with a wash and rinse with regular dish soap and let dry.
My go-to coffee mug had some stubborn stains that even the dishwasher couldn’t handle. The toothpaste trick is a lifesaver—its mild abrasives lift stains without scratching the ceramic. I’ve also used this on tea-stained teacups with great results. For really tough stains, let the toothpaste sit for a minute before scrubbing. This method is super budget-friendly—non-gel toothpaste costs about $2 a tube, and you’re already repurposing an old toothbrush, so it’s practically free cleaning.
Window and Door Tracks
Window tracks can get surprisingly dirty without the proper attention. To clean thoroughly, Mock recommends adding white vinegar to a spray bottle, and then spraying it directly onto the tracks. Let sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a toothbrush. Willatt recommends wiping the tracks with a clean microfiber cloth before and after this process until the window and door tracks are completely clean.
My window tracks were a mess—think dirt, dead bugs, and who-knows-what-else. The vinegar and toothbrush combo makes quick work of it, and the microfiber cloth step is key to avoiding a smeary mess. I’ve found that doing this every couple of months keeps my windows gliding smoothly. Vinegar’s natural acidity breaks down grime effectively, and since a gallon costs about $3, it’s a cheap fix. If you’ve got allergies, keeping those tracks clean can also reduce dust and pollen buildup indoors.
Scruffed-Up Shoes
With all of the action they see regularly, shoes tend to get dirty quicker than we can clean them. Mock recommends tackling a dirty pair of shoes and an old toothbrush. Dip the brush in warm water and a few drops of dish soap, and scrub away at those stains. (This trick even works well on the sole, she says.)
My white sneakers were looking rough after a muddy hike, but this method brought them back to life. The dish soap cuts through dirt, and the toothbrush gets into the textured parts of the sole perfectly. For canvas shoes, I sometimes add a pinch of baking soda to the mix for extra scrubbing power. Just be gentle with delicate materials like leather to avoid scratches. This trick saves me from replacing shoes too soon—new sneakers can easily cost $50 or more, so keeping them clean is a smart move.
Degreasing Kitchen Vents
The intake vents in kitchens tend to accumulate a buildup of grease. After wiping with a clean microfiber cloth, Willatt recommends using a toothbrush to clean areas with the most grime. “The corners where the slats meet the edge need some extra scrubbing that a microfiber cloth just cannot handle,” he explains.
Kitchen vents are grease magnets, and mine were no exception. A toothbrush gets into those slats like nothing else, and pairing it with a degreaser like dish soap or even a bit of vinegar makes the job easier. I’ve noticed my kitchen smells fresher after doing this, and it helps the vent work more efficiently. Grease buildup can reduce airflow, making your vent fan work harder—regular cleaning can save energy and extend the life of your appliances. It’s a quick task that pays off big time.
