Some Other Uses For Old Toothbrushes
If you’re like me, you have dozens of old toothbrushes lying about. Every time I went to the dentist, I was given a new toothbrush, as well as a few from toiletry kits. Often they’re not terribly good but there’s no sense in throwing them out. Additionally, once your toothbrush shows signs of wear, you’re supposed to replace it, but there are still lots of thing they can still be used for. Here are some handy ways to put those old toothbrushes to good use.
Cleaning Clothes
I’m pretty rough on my clothes and wind up with lots of stains on my pants. I use my laundry toothbrush with a little stain remover to loosen grime stuck to my clothes. While I know you’re supposed to blot stains off rather than rub them in, many of my stains have already set and the brush and stain remover helps scrub them out, or at least loosen the grim.
Designated Cleaning Brush
Now I’d never promote the masochism that is the punishment of cleaning floors and toilets with a toothbrush, but the small surface does make it pretty effective at cleaning certain things. I have a designated toothbrush for cleaning my rock climbing shoes with a little baking soda when they start to smell funky and one for cleaning bike chains and cassettes. They also are far cheaper for cleaning holds while climbing than the special brushes that retail for $3.95.
Clean hard to Reach Surfaces
When hand washing dishes, for some surfaces and items, a toothbrush is more effective at removing stains than a simply sponge. They also work well around knobs in kitchens and on grates.
Clean Fixtures
Cooper buildup from copper piping can be pretty unattractive and when it happens on faucets and shower-heads it can be pretty inconvenient as well. With a little CLR and a toothbrush can get most of the cooper off without too much fuss.
After years of not wanting to throw out toothbrushes, as you can imagine, I’ve gathered quite a few. Fortunately they remain pretty handy. My dad also showed me his practice of marking cleaning toothbrushes with a little tape around the neck so they don’t get confused with brushes for cleaning teeth. If you have any other ways to repurpose old toothbrushes, please add in the comments!
Photo credit: stock.xchng.
December 17th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Toothbrushes are perfect for cleaning and lubing bicycle chains.
December 17th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Toothbrushes are perfect for getting grime off the grout in your shower and for cleaning behind the gap between the bathroom sink and the wall. You can also use them for crafting.
December 17th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
I never thought of using them for crafts. How do you use them?
December 18th, 2008 at 12:12 am
Here is one way I came across: http://toothbrushrugs.blogspot.com/ shows how to use a needle made from a toothbrush to make rugs from scraps of cloth.
December 18th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Well, when you’re doing toll painting projects, you could use a toothbrush to distress the paint and give it more of a textured look. Kind of like taking a sponge to the paint on your wall to texturize it.
December 18th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Oh I’m so happy about your shout-out to CLR!! I’ve never used it with a toothbrush, but I’m looking forward to the gleam on my fixtures!
December 19th, 2008 at 10:18 am
i usually use old toothbrushes for cleaning combs or hard plastic hairbands… they’re also pretty useful for cleaning rubber sandals or furniture with intricate designs or tiny holes
December 19th, 2008 at 10:39 am
I have to say, the Queercents readers are probably more creative than I am in reusing old toothbrushes. While I have them conveniently scattered everywhere for cleaning, I never thought to use them for crafts.