How An Old Toothbrush Can Make Your Grout Look New (And 8 More Things You Can Clean With It)
Before you toss out your old toothbrush, you might want to think twice. Sure, it’s done cleaning your teeth, but it’s still one of the most useful little cleaning tools that you already own. Its small size and stiff bristles make it perfect for getting into all the nooks and crannies that bigger brushes can’t reach. From grout to jewelry, there’s no shortage of clever ways to put that toothbrush back to work around the house.
Making Grout Look Brand New
Grimy grout is one of those little things that can make your whole bathroom look dirty, even when it’s not. An old toothbrush is perfect for scrubbing between tiles because it can reach deep into those tiny lines. Mix a bit of baking soda and water into a paste, spread it on the grout, and scrub gently with your old toothbrush. Wipe the extra paste away with a damp cloth, and the tile should instantly look brighter and cleaner again.
Cleaning The Edges Of Faucets
Grime and soap scum love to collect around the base of your faucet. It’s almost impossible to reach with a cloth, but a toothbrush slides right in there perfectly. Add a little dish soap or vinegar and scrub along the edges and seams. You’ll be amazed at how much cleaner your sink looks afterward. Like grout, it’s one of those small details that makes your whole bathroom feel fresher.
Reviving Old Jewelry
Did you know your old toothbrush is gentle enough to clean jewelry without scratching it? Use warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, dip the brush in the mix, and then use it to gently scrub your pieces. It’s especially good for rings and necklaces where dirt can hide in tiny crevices. When you’re done, rinse off the soap and pat dry, and you’ll see the shine come right back to the pieces. Just don’t use the toothbrush on pearls or anything too delicate.
Getting Crumbs Out Of Kitchen Gadgets
Crumbs have an annoying way of sneaking into toasters, coffee grinders, and blender bases. A toothbrush works like a mini cleaning wand for those tight spots. Unplug the appliance first, then use the dry bristles to loosen any stuck debris. For stickier messes, dip the toothbrush in a little warm water and brush the mess clean. It’s oddly satisfying to watch those hidden bits of food disappear from little cracks you couldn’t normally reach.
Scrubbing Sneakers And Soles
The grooves on the bottom of sneakers collect dirt that you just can’t reach with a cloth. But a toothbrush, especially paired with a little soapy water, gets right in all those grooves. It also works great for the fabric and edges of white sneakers that scuff easily. Give your sneakers a gentle scrub, wipe them clean, and let them air dry. It’s an old trick that makes old shoes look almost new again.
Cleaning Hair Tools
Your hairbrush and straightener can collect a surprising amount of buildup from different hair products and your natural hair oils. A toothbrush can help loosen that gunk. Use it dry and scrub along the bristles or metal plates. Wipe it afterward, and your tools will work better and feel cleaner. It’s a small cleaning job that’s easy to overlook but makes a big difference in the longevity of your tools. Just always make sure your hot tools are unplugged and don’t get them wet.
Detailing Bathroom Fixtures
The toothbrush is your secret weapon for all those overlooked spots in the bathroom that we haven’t already covered: the base of the toilet, the corners of the tub, even the tracks of the shower door. It’s just small enough to get into the spots your regular sponge misses. Add a little vinegar or baking soda and scrub away buildup. You don’t need fancy tools, just patience and that trusty old brush you were about to throw away.
Cleaning Electronics And Keyboards
Ever notice how dust settles between the keys of your keyboard or around your phone charger port? A toothbrush can clean these areas without being harsh. Use it dry or barely damp, brushing gently to lift away dust and crumbs. It’s oddly satisfying, too, like giving your workspace a quick reset without much effort. Just make sure your electronics are unplugged before you start.
Perfecting Small Paint Touch-Ups
Here’s an unexpected one: a toothbrush can help with painting, too. When doing small touch-ups or textured surfaces, dabbing paint with a toothbrush creates a natural finish. It’s also great for cleaning dried paint off small tools or hinges after you’re done painting. Once you’ve used it for a few DIY projects, you’ll never look at a toothbrush the same way again. It’s a tiny helper that earns its keep way past your teeth.
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Old toothbrushes might seem disposable, but they’re one of those humble tools that can secretly help with dozens of small jobs around the house. Before you toss your next one, give it a rinse and tuck it under the sink. You’ll be surprised how often you reach for it while cleaning. It’s proof that sometimes the things we think of as garbage turn out to be the most useful tools after all.
Bliss Donahue-Power
