How to Clean an Electric Tooth Brush

How to clean an electric tooth brush – this could be confusing if you have never cleaned it before or you are thinking to purchase one. There are a few simple steps you can follow to keep it in the top notch super clean and hygienic state. Follow these steps:

☐Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary items:

• Your electric toothbrush
• Warm water
• Mild soap or dishwashing liquid
• A small, soft-bristled brush (like an old manual toothbrush)
• A clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel
• Isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration)
• Cotton swabs

☐Step 2: Disassemble the Toothbrush

Carefully take apart your electric toothbrush:

• Remove the brush head by gently pulling it off the handle. If it’s difficult to remove, consult your toothbrush’s user manual for specific instructions.
• If your model has a removable grip or cover, take that off as well.
• Check if there are any other removable parts, such as a battery compartment cover.

Note: Be gentle during disassembly to avoid damaging any components.

☐Step 3: Clean the Brush Head

Now, let’s focus on cleaning the brush head:

• Rinse the brush head thoroughly under warm running water to remove any visible debris or toothpaste residue.
• Mix a small amount of mild soap or dishwashing liquid with warm water in a clean bowl.
• Dip the brush head into the soapy water and use your fingers to gently work the solution into the bristles.
• For stubborn buildup, use the small, soft-bristled brush to carefully scrub around the base of the bristles and any crevices.
• Rinse the brush head thoroughly under running water to remove all soap.
• Shake off excess water and set aside to air dry.

☐Step 4: Clean the Handle

Moving on to the handle of your electric toothbrush:

• Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel with warm water and mild soap.
• Wipe down the entire handle, paying extra attention to any crevices or buttons.
• For hard-to-reach areas, use a cotton swab dipped in the soapy water.
• Rinse the cloth or get a fresh paper towel, dampen it with clean water, and wipe the handle again to remove any soap residue.
• Dry the handle thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.

Caution: Be careful not to let water enter any openings on the handle, especially if it’s not waterproof. Many leading toothbrush manufacturers provide specific care instructions for their products on their websites.

☐Step 5: Disinfect

To ensure your toothbrush is truly clean, let’s disinfect it:

• Dip a cotton swab in 70% isopropyl alcohol.
• Carefully swab the areas where the brush head connects to the handle, as well as any crevices or buttons on the handle.
• Allow the alcohol to air dry completely before reassembling the toothbrush.

Note: Avoid using alcohol on the bristles, as it may damage them.

☐Step 6: Clean Other Removable Parts

If your toothbrush has additional removable parts:

• Clean each part separately using the same method as the handle: wipe with a soapy cloth, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
• For small parts or intricate designs, use cotton swabs to clean hard-to-reach areas.
• Allow all parts to air dry completely before reassembling.

If you’re unsure about how to clean specific parts of your toothbrush, check the manufacturer’s website for product-specific care instructions.

☐Step 7: Reassemble and Store

Now that all parts are clean and dry, let’s put everything back together:

• Reattach the brush head to the handle, ensuring it’s securely in place.
• If applicable, replace the grip or cover.
• Return any other removable parts to their original positions.
• Store your electric toothbrush in an upright position in a clean, dry area.
• If your toothbrush came with a protective cap for the brush head, consider using it to keep the bristles clean between uses.

Tip: Avoid storing your toothbrush in a closed container, as this can promote bacterial growth. The Australian Dental Association offers great advice on proper toothbrush storage and care.

Important Safety Notes

• Always unplug your electric toothbrush before cleaning.
• Never submerge the entire toothbrush in water unless it’s specifically designed to be waterproof.
• Be gentle when cleaning to avoid damaging any components.
• If your toothbrush has a sealed battery compartment, take extra care to keep water out of any openings.