EVEN the biggest neat freaks have their weak spots, and cleaning experts warn that one item in your home might be in dire need of a scrubbing.
If you don’t sanitize one gross area, you could even become seriously ill, cleaning pros said.
According to the experts at Tech Times, there’s a piece of equipment many people use every day – even multiple times per day – but don’t clean enough.
If you own an electric toothbrush, you might be surprised to find out cleaning professionals recommend a frequent cleaning schedule.
That’s true even if your toothbrush has a disposable head, the experts explained.
“If you want to preserve the pristine quality of your electric toothbrush, you should replace its head every three months,” they wrote.
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Every time you use your toothbrush, you should rinse it well in hot water to maintain its cleanliness, the experts continued.
This will wash away any debris from between your teeth and soften the bristles, too, keeping them from becoming stiff enough to hurt your teeth or gums.
Once a month, the experts said, you should do a deeper clean with a sanitizing agent. Otherwise, bacteria can grow on your toothbrush’s bristles, tongue scraper, and handle.
A mild amount of bacteria won’t harm you, but it could contribute to bad breath, and a severe buildup could even make you ill, the experts warned.
The pros recommended using a very diluted bleach solution, with one part bleach to 10 parts water.
“Make sure that you are wearing gloves when doing this process,” the experts warned. If you aren’t comfortable using bleach, you can use undiluted rubbing alcohol to clean the toothbrush.
Whichever solution you choose, soak the toothbrush head for a full hour, then rinse thoroughly, and wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth.
Along with the bristles, you should clean the toothbrush handle, especially if there’s buildup or gunky toothpaste caked on any components.
Using a clean cloth, rub the sanitizing solution into the brush handle. Make sure to wipe it clean with a new cloth after, and let it dry.
“To further eradicate the mold inhabiting the toothbrush head, you can try the air dry method,” the experts added.
Let your toothbrush dry completely in a well-ventilated area – and don’t put it in a travel case or sanitary cover that could keep it from drying.
