Most of us replace our toothbrushes every few months and toss the old ones straight into the trash. But before throwing one away, I like to think about whether it could still be useful for a few household chores.
An old toothbrush is handy for cleaning small spaces that are difficult to reach with a sponge or regular cleaning cloth. The narrow head and bristles make it useful for scrubbing dirt, dust, and grime from all sorts of places around the house.
Here are ten ways to put an old toothbrush to work instead of throwing it away.
1. Clean Grout Between Tiles
Dirty grout can make an otherwise clean bathroom or kitchen look neglected. An old toothbrush is a good tool for scrubbing the narrow lines between tiles where a regular sponge can’t reach.
Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste, spread it over the grout, and gently scrub with the toothbrush. Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth when you’re finished.
2. Clean Jewelry
Rings, necklaces, and bracelets have plenty of tiny spaces where dirt and everyday grime can collect. A soft, clean toothbrush can help reach those areas without needing a larger cleaning brush.
Use mild soap and water on jewelry that’s safe to clean this way, and brush gently. Avoid using this method on delicate gemstones, pearls, or pieces with fragile settings.
3. Scrub Dirt Off Shoe Soles
If you’ve ever looked at the bottom of your sneakers after walking through mud, you know how stubborn dirt can be. An old toothbrush makes it easier to get into the grooves and remove the grime stuck between the treads.
Add a little soap and water, then scrub the dirty areas until they’re clean. This works particularly well for sneakers and boots with textured rubber soles.
4. Clean Small Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances collect crumbs and food residue in places that are difficult to reach with a dishcloth. An old toothbrush can help clean around blender lids, coffee maker seams, and other small crevices.
It’s also useful for brushing away crumbs around toaster openings, but always unplug the appliance first. Never put a wet toothbrush near electrical components or heating elements.
5. Dust Keyboards and Electronics
Dust and crumbs have a way of getting between keyboard keys, even if you wipe down your desk regularly. A clean, completely dry toothbrush can help loosen debris from those narrow spaces.
Turn off and unplug the device before cleaning, then brush lightly while holding the keyboard at an angle. This trick can also work for certain computer accessories with small crevices.
Related: 12 Old Electronics That Are Now Considered Vintage
6. Remove Crayon Marks From Walls
If you have children at home, you’ve probably come across crayon marks in places where they don’t belong. For small marks, a toothbrush can help work a mild cleaner or a little shaving cream into the affected area.
Use gentle circular motions and avoid scrubbing too hard, especially on painted walls. Test the cleaner in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it doesn’t damage the paint.
7. Treat Small Clothing Stains
Some clothing stains need a little extra attention before a garment goes into the washing machine. An old toothbrush can help work laundry stain remover into small spots without having to rub the fabric with your fingers.
Apply the stain remover according to its instructions, then gently brush the affected area. Be careful with delicate fabrics, since stiff bristles can damage certain materials.
8. Clean Around Faucets and Fixtures
The area where a faucet meets the sink can collect soap residue, dirt, and mineral deposits. An old toothbrush makes it easier to scrub around faucet handles, narrow joints, and other spots that are difficult to reach with a sponge.
Add a little suitable bathroom or kitchen cleaner and brush gently around the fixture. A quick wipe with a damp cloth afterward helps remove any leftover residue.
9. Clean Under Your Fingernails
After gardening, painting, or working with dirt, washing your hands doesn’t always get everything out from under your fingernails. A soft toothbrush can help remove stubborn dirt that regular handwashing misses.
Add some soap and warm water, then gently brush underneath and around your nails. Keep a separate toothbrush for this purpose rather than reusing one that has been used for household cleaning.
10. Clean Baseboards and Their Corners
Baseboards collect dust, especially along the edges and in corners where a regular cleaning cloth may struggle to reach. An old toothbrush can help loosen the dirt before you wipe the area clean.
Use a dry brush for loose dust or a slightly damp one for stubborn grime. It’s a handy way to clean around trim, corners, and narrow crevices without dragging out extra cleaning supplies.
