Tips for Storing Toothbrushes?

I have heard this also but just keep your toothbrush stored away from the toilet and switch it every 3 months and you should be ok. Supposedly, when you flush the toilet the water sprays up onto counter tops and whatever is on there.So, keep everything away from the toilet and disinfect the counter top for safety. I have also heard of people putting their toothbrush in mouthwash to disinfect.

I keep my toothbrush in medicine cabinet above the sink. Never even thought of splashing from the toilet, though. I am more worried about one of my daughters getting some nasty hair product on it.

Don't be sucked in by products to 'sterilize' toothbrushes tjacali - there is no such thing as a sterile toothbrush in the home, even when its from a newly opened packet! The only conceivable way a toothbrush could be contaminated with pathogens from the toilet is from your hands - which presumably you wash after using the toilet!! Neither is it necessary to sterilize a toothbrush. Our skin and mouths are teeming with bacteria but only a minute proportion are pathogenic, (able to cause disease). Rinsing your brush with hot water and leaving upright to drain/dry between use is all that is necessary.

I find it very annoying to read adverts persuading us we are not good homemakers, parents, etc., if we don't protect our families from 'germs' by buying product X to 'sterilize' our bathrooms and kitchens. Basic rules of good hygiene like handwashing and safe food preparation are all that is needed. The overuse of bacteriocidal products are breeding ever more resistant bugs. The body is perfectly able to protect itself from harmful bacteria, e.g. the acid in our stomach kills many, the skin is a natural barrier to infection, our immune system, etc. Unless you have a break in your skin integrity like a wound where bacteria can enter, a clean towel is perfectly adequate. Hang between use to dry thoroughly to reduce the harmless bacteria if you are worried.

Sorry this is so long but as you can tell I feel strongly about advertising playing on people's fears to sell more of their, possibly useless, products.

Lynn Thomas

May 1, 20040 found this helpful

I keep my toothbrushes in a glass filled to above the bristles in a mixture of 1/3 bleach 2/3 water. This also helps kill the germs from your mouth, colds, etc. Bleach is supposed to be the ONLY thing that really kills germs. The bleach has to stay in contact for at least 5 minutes but I just leave them there until needed again. (won't eat the brush or bristles)

I recently saw a show on TV that did an experiment on where to keep your tooth brush stored (regarding the bacteria scare that you're talking about).

My husband says that using a fresh towel and wash cloth after bathing is a waste. That you can use the same towel and wash cloth for up to a week. I say he's incorrect.

I agree with Jo on this one. What will they think of next? If you are not exposed to germs, you will not have any resistance to them! There are way too many products that are anti-bacterial. Trying to find something that is just normal and not anti-bacterial in the store anymore is really getting hard. Now they are putting teflon into things! Remember the big push for PH balanced shampoo?

Yes. I have been using this for ages. I think its the most inexpensive way to store your toothbrush. And it has some pretty awesome designs, especially if you like animals.
http://www.myflipperusa.com

Erin L.

September 21, 20140 found this helpful

Keep toiLet seat lid closed, especially when you flush. Put T.brush caps/tops on them (Dont buy cheap ones- I did and wouldn't stay on) or in cabinet! I have OCD and randomly rinse all my families tooth brushes with hot water & if illness occurs right after getting new tooth brush I boil in water & sanitize um :)