A toothbrush should be replaced every eight to ten weeks, to ensure that it stays clean and able to keep the mouth free of decay and gum disease. But once your toothbrush has overstayed its welcome, can you reuse it?
Don’t throw away your used toothbrush, as there are still other jobs that it can perform. Listed below are the top five uses that will allow you to keep it scrubbing down to the very last bristle.
1. Jewellery and Silver
Why spend extra money on fancy cleaning paraphernalia when you can simply use an old toothbrush? Jewellery is a keepsake that most people treasure, and to keep it for a long time it helps to keep it looking its best. A soft used toothbrush is capable of performing the job, leaving your precious items looking brand new. In addition, if the silver from your family heirloom is in need of a spruce-up, using a toothbrush will help to bring new life to the old service.
2. Grout and Tile
You already knew toothbrushes are great in the bathroom, but they can also be brought out of retirement for cleaning between the tiles where scum and mold have accumulated. They work wonders in hard to reach areas around faucets in the washbasin, the bathtub and even the commode, not to mention the faucets in the kitchen sink. (Note: brushes that will be used in the bathroom should be kept separate from those to be used in food preparation areas.)
3. Cleaning Tools
If you’ve been avoiding the task of cleaning those tools that have been lying around collecting oil, dirt, and other debris, pull out those old toothbrushes and clean away. Because tools are subjected to many types of uses and substances, over a period of time the accumulation builds up and can be hard to remove. Many of them are also designed with small areas that are hard to clean with simple soaking. Toothbrushes are great for this task, because the bristles are able to reach these small areas and successfully perform a better job of cleaning.
4. Spot Cleaner
Nothing does a greater job at spot cleaning than a toothbrush. Whether it is on a favorite shirt, blouse, carpet, or upholstery, a toothbrush will help erase the stain with ease.
5. Battery Cables
It’s no fun to rush out for work or an important appointment, only to find that your car won’t start. Often the culprit is acid build-up on the battery terminals, and you guessed it: used toothbrushes are ideal for removing this matter from the area.
Whatever your new use for your old toothbrush, you can be happy in the knowledge that your actions are contributing to a more sustainable – and cleaner – planet.
Becky Mackay is a Manchester based copywriter, with an interest in ecology, health and well-being. You can find her on twitter @HealthFresh11.
