You likely already know that you should replace a toothbrush every three to four months (or sooner if it’s fraying). But what about your toothbrush holder? Do you need to clean that?

The answer is an emphatic “yes and on a weekly basis.” Learn how to clean your toothbrush holder, as well as the reasons you need to incorporate this chore into your housekeeping routine.

Why Do I Need to Clean My Toothbrush Holder?

Because you probably store your toothbrush with the head up, you might wonder why you would need to clean the toothbrush holder to begin with. In fact, your toothbrush holder is one of the most germ-ridden items in your home, according to the National Sanitation Foundation.

Surprised? Well, think about this: Your mouth is full of bacteria, as are the bits of food you’re cleaning out of your teeth. Your hands are also covered with various germs, and you use those to grasp your toothbrush.

When you stow your toothbrush in the holder after brushing, the head is usually still wet. That liquid drips down the handle — collecting germs as it goes — and slowly pools in the bottom of the cup where your toothbrush hangs out.

Additionally, bathrooms are notoriously steamy. This is the perfect growing condition for many microorganisms, meaning that clean toothbrush holder eventually becomes a large petri dish. Over time, the mess of germs can build up and, each time you hold onto that handle, you’re picking up thousands of little microorganisms and taking them for a ride. And do you usually wash your hands after brushing your teeth? We didn’t think so.

In addition, when water collects at the bottom of a toothbrush holder, it provides a source of hydration for unsavory characters like cockroaches. It’s no secret that these insects are known to carry pathogens that may spread disease.

Still curious as to why that toothbrush holder needs to be cleaned?

How to Clean a Toothbrush Holder

Now that you know the “why,” it’s time to move on to the “how.” Fortunately, cleaning a toothbrush holder is pretty simple. In fact, if your holder is dishwasher safe — and you have a dishwasher — you can pop it in and clean it using hot water and detergent. Keep in mind that you’ll still want to pre-soak the holder in hot water and scrub any gunk out of the bottom.

If you wash dishes by hand, however, we’ve got another option for you.

You’ll need:

• Hot water
• A clean kitchen sink
• Microfiber cloths
• Dishwashing gloves
• Dishwashing liquid