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Most people discard their toothbrushes every few months, as dentists recommend. But before you throw your old one in the bin, consider giving it a second life.
The design of a toothbrush, compact, with tightly packed bristles makes it perfect for intricate cleaning and detail work.
From household chores to beauty hacks, this simple tool can surprise you with its versatility. Here are ten creative ways to repurpose your old toothbrush.
1. Cleaning jewellery
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Jewellery, especially rings, chains, and earrings, often has tiny grooves and settings that collect dirt, oil, and dead skin.
Over time, this build-up can dull the sparkle of your favourite pieces. An old toothbrush is the perfect size and softness to gently clean these crevices without scratching delicate metals or loosening gemstones.
Simply soak the jewellery in a mild detergent solution or a mix of warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
Then, using your toothbrush, carefully scrub each piece, paying close attention to intricate areas. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
2. Scrubbing grout and tiles
Grout between bathroom or kitchen tiles is notorious for trapping mould, mildew, and grime. While a mop or cloth might clean the surface of the tiles, they rarely reach the grooves.
That’s where an old toothbrush comes in handy. The narrow head and firm bristles allow you to apply concentrated pressure and scrub the grout directly.
For best results, apply a cleaning paste made from baking soda and water or use a bleach-based tile cleaner if tackling mould. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before brushing vigorously with the toothbrush.
3. Polishing shoes
Shoe maintenance is essential for preserving a clean and polished look, especially if you wear leather or formal shoes.
An old toothbrush is excellent for cleaning and polishing the hard-to-reach areas, such as the stitching, tongue, or space between the sole and upper.
To remove dirt, dip the toothbrush in soapy water and gently scrub the shoe. For leather shoes, once clean, use the brush to apply a small amount of polish in circular motions.
The bristles help work the polish into the leather, giving it a nice shine. It’s also useful for cleaning the soles of sneakers or scrubbing away mud from treads.
Unlike larger brushes or cloths, a toothbrush allows for precision and better control, making it an excellent tool for shoe lovers and anyone who values looking well put-together.
4. Cleaning keyboard and electronics
Electronics like keyboards, remote controls, and phone ports accumulate dust and debris over time, often in the most awkward places.
Using cloths or wipes may only clean the surface. A toothbrush, however, can get between the keyboard keys, around charging ports, and into the vents of your devices. To clean, turn off or unplug the device, then gently brush around and between the keys or buttons.
If needed, dip the toothbrush lightly in isopropyl alcohol to disinfect and lift grime. Avoid excess moisture to prevent damage.
The toothbrush’s fine bristles are gentle enough not to scratch but effective enough to remove particles.
5. Reviving hairbrushes and combs
Hairbrushes and combs easily collect hair, oils, dead skin, and styling products, which can affect your scalp health and make the tools less effective.
Cleaning them properly is essential, and that’s where an old toothbrush comes in. Start by removing trapped hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Then, soak the brush or comb in a mixture of warm water, shampoo, and baking soda for about 30 minutes.
Using your old toothbrush, scrub between the bristles and around the base where grime builds up.
6. Grooming eyebrows or baby hairs
In the world of beauty and personal grooming, tools matter. An old toothbrush can be surprisingly effective for taming unruly eyebrows or smoothing down baby hairs.
Simply wash the toothbrush thoroughly and sterilise it before using it on your face. Apply a small amount of hair gel or clear mascara to the bristles, then gently brush your eyebrows or edges into place.
The bristles help evenly distribute the product and allow for a neater finish than fingers alone. It’s also useful for exfoliating flaky skin near the eyebrows or hairline.
This hack is especially helpful if you're travelling and don’t have your usual beauty tools.
7. Arts and crafts
If you enjoy painting, crafting, or DIY projects, your old toothbrush can become a creative asset. The stiff bristles make it great for creating texture in paintings or for producing unique splatter effects when flicked with paint.
It’s also a handy tool for cleaning hard-to-reach areas on models, miniatures, or clay sculptures. In children's art activities, it can be used for tie-dye, making prints, or even as a stamp.
Some crafters also use toothbrushes to roughen surfaces before gluing or painting, ensuring better adhesion. Cleaning glue residue from tools or surfaces becomes easier with the help of a toothbrush as well.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, this humble item adds convenience and creativity to your toolkit, proving that even the most mundane object can inspire artistic expression.