Toothbrush Hygiene: 7 Habits for Cleaner Storage

We brush twice a day but rarely think about where the toothbrush lives between uses. A few simple habits keep it cleaner and help it last.

7 toothbrush hygiene habits

1. Rinse well after brushing to remove toothpaste and debris.
2. Store it upright so water drains away.
3. Let it air-dry. Bristles kept wet in a closed container stay damp longer.
4. Keep brushes apart so family members' brushes don't touch.
5. Keep it away from the toilet. Close the lid before flushing.
6. Never share toothbrushes.
7. Replace it every 3 months, sooner if the bristles fray, and after you've been ill.

Bathroom humidity in the UAE

Bathrooms without windows, common in UAE apartments, stay humid for longer. Run the extractor fan after showers and keep brushes somewhere with airflow.

Using a toothbrush holder with a UV light

A toothbrush sterilizer holder keeps the family's brushes organised, separated and off the counter. Many use UV light as part of the storage cycle. It's a useful addition to your routine, but it doesn't replace rinsing, drying and regular replacement.

The Multi-function Toothbrush Sterilizer is just 12 AED.

Teaching kids good habits

• Give each child their own colour of brush.
• Brush for two minutes using a timer or a favourite song.
• Let them put their own brush back in the holder.

Keeping the whole bedroom fresh too? Read how to get rid of dust mites in your mattress.