How would you sanitize a toothbrush?

[Julpost]

My 3 yo keeps taking out her toothbrush and playing with it, I find it everywhere....the floor in the hallway, in the bathtub...it's just nasty! But I can't get to the store today so get a new one.

Any ideas on how to sanitize it? Maybe boil it??

[Sue G in PA]

I don't know if Peroxide sanitized but it works for wounds, so why not toothbruses?:) Other than that, just use some antibacterial soap and work in with your fingers and rinse VERY WELL! FWIW, my 4yo and 2yo carry their toothbrushes around with them, too. I always just used soap to clean the bristles and rinsed well.

[DIY-DY]

My 3 yo keeps taking out her toothbrush and playing with it, I find it everywhere....the floor in the hallway, in the bathtub...it's just nasty! But I can't get to the store today so get a new one.

Any ideas on how to sanitize it? Maybe boil it??

You could also soak it in rubbing alcohol, or perhaps hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes. I'm usually comfortable w/ the dishwasher route, though. :)

[Suzanne in ABQ]

Run it through the dishwasher if you're worried about germs.

I'd do the soap thing to clean it, like Sue suggested.

[Jann in TX]

I'd rinse it off (wash off any noticeable dirt first) and soak it in mouthwash--then I'd keep her toothbrush in an out-of-reach area until she gets the idea that it is only for tooth brushing times.

[Sandy in Indy]

Rinse well, soak in peroxide and place on a very high shelf.

[Snickerdoodle]

Buy a new one. Keep it well hidden.

[two2homeschool]

Run it through the dishwasher. It will kill everything. That is what we do around here on a regular basis when everyone is sick-helps get everyone from passing it on if they mistakenly use the "sick" person's brush.

[Julpost]

I happened to find some articles online about how gross our toothbrushes get, if they sit out on the counter in the bathroom and ideas on how to keep them clean. I learned quite a bit.


I had to share....

http://media.www.californiaaggie.com/media/storage/paper981/news/2003/11/05/Features/Flushing.Out.The.Mouth-1315714.shtml

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/5-2-2006-95015.asp

[KristineIN]

I run ours through the dishwasher on a pretty regular basis.

Kristine

[Jean in Newcastle]

I run ours through the dishwasher on a pretty regular basis.

Kristine

Ditto on the dishwasher. This my dd6's job on our main bathroom cleaning day.

We also put one of those plastic caps on the toothbrush head to keep germs from the air from getting on the toothbrush head to begin with (or if one of the kids knocks it on to the floor).

[Lorna]

How about those tablets for cleaning dentures?

[Snickerdoodle]

I wouldn't recommend boiling plastics to sterilize them. Just google "boiling plastics" if you're interested.

[hpymomof3]

My sil puts all of the toothbrushes in the dishwasher every day like silverware. They each have 2 or 3 toothbrushes so they always have a clean one.

I don't do that but on occasion I will dunk them in hydrogen peroxide.

[Karen sn]

Peroxide sounds good. I use vinegar if I'm really worried. Our mouths are pretty filthy already - so I wouldn't stress. Don't use antibacterial soap on ANYTHING!!!!!!! Research the dangers of triclosan. They now make antbacterial tooth paste!!!!!!!! Scarry....... You DO NOT want triclosan in your mouth.

[Excelsior! Academy]

I would just buy cheap ones until this stage is over. 5 or 6 to a package at the Dollar Tree. Not the best brand, but new and clean. We resorted to this after catching our littlest scrubbing the toilet with hers. No amount of sanitation could've removed that memory! :eek:

[mcconnellboys]

Soak in water with a couple of drops of bleach, then rinse in ultra hot water very thoroughly.

Regena

[nancypants]

We throw them in the dishwasher. :D

[nestof3]

Peroxide would work.

I run mine about weekly through our dishwasher too along with the toothbrush holder.