An electric toothbrush that comes apart for head replacement and rinsing has numerous nooks and crannies where grunge can collect, and it does. If an electric toothbrush is not disassembled after each use and allowed to air-dry on a stand, old toothpaste, water, saliva, and particles from the mouth will collect inside. Besides becoming coated inside with something that resembles slime, mold will grow in and around every crevice. If this has happened and the brush head is in otherwise good condition, use the following easy way to clean and sanitize an electric toothbrush. It is not necessary to throw it away and buy an expensive replacement head. It is really very easy to clean and sanitize in a few simple steps.
Read Before Attempting to Clean and Sanitize an Electric Toothbrush
The following method to clean and sanitize an electric toothbrush is not necessarily endorsed or recommended by any known oral care product manufacturer or retailer. This advice and information is based solely on personal experience. Use commonsense, and when in doubt, consult the toothbrush manufacturer for precautions and advice regarding easy ways to clean and properly sanitize an electric toothbrush.
Disassemble the Electric Toothbrush and Rinse the Parts
When trying to thoroughly clean and sanitize an electric toothbrush, hot running water is not enough. Unscrew the toothbrush from the base, and rinse both pieces thoroughly, inside and out. If the toothbrush still looks dirty or contains mold or other gunk, continue with the following cleaning process. Although this is not the recommended way to clean and sanitize an electric toothbrush, it worked exceptionally well for me.
Clean it Inside and Out with Antiseptic Mouthwash
When I began looking for a way to clean and sanitize my electric toothbrush, I decided to use Listerine Whitening Mouthwash in an attempt to get rid of the obvious gunk and mold inside the handle and the brush head. It was a product I had on hand, and since it kills germs, I knew it would sanitize my electric toothbrush. The handle is a sealed unit, and since it is safe to rinse and clean with water, I decided it was worth the effort to clean and sanitize it with an antiseptic product.
The Listerine did a fantastic job of cleaning the inside of the handle and brush base. It loosened the mold and gunk that was out of reach inside the brush unit, and what would not come out before, came out easily under hot running water. The whitening product bleached the discolored seal on the brush and the base of the bristles. Now it is clean and looks as good as new. Best of all I was able to sanitize it from top to bottom, and it works just as well as ever.
Air-Dry the Electric Toothbrush on a Stand
I have since learned to always take my electric toothbrush apart after use. It only takes a few seconds to keep it clean. I rinse the inside of the electric brush handle and head thoroughly with hot water, and I turn both parts upside down to dry on the little plastic stand that came with the unit. This will help the electric toothbrush remain clean and free from mold and disgusting gunk. In any case, I will continue to clean and sanitize the bristles with Listerine Whitening Mouthwash. It worked like a charm!
