How to Disinfect a Toothbrush From Bacteria and Viruses

Your toothbrush deserves more than just a rinse and shake, especially during and after an infection. (Think Covid, strep throat, cold, and other bacterial infections)

But how do you disinfect a toothbrush from bacteria and viruses? And which method is best?  In this article, we'll show you six simple yet effective ways to disinfect your toothbrush and keep your health in top gear.

Meanwhile, the American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

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When and how to disinfect your toothbrush

It’s necessary to disinfect your toothbrush when exposed to contagious illnesses like COVID-19, strep throat, or norovirus. 

During an active infection, take necessary precautions like isolating your toothbrush from and not storing it side-by-side with other family members' toothbrushes. These steps are crucial to prevent cross-contamination. 

After recovering from an infection, it's important to disinfect your toothbrush or get a new one to prevent reinfection. So, how do you disinfect your toothbrush, what do you need, and which method is best? Read on to find all the answers. 

Fun fact: When choosing a new toothbrush, look for the ADA seal.

Method 1: Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide's antimicrobial properties kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi and thoroughly disinfect your toothbrush. Start by pouring 3% hydrogen peroxide solution into a clean cup. Then place your toothbrush bristle-side down in it. Let it soak for 10 minutes. Finally, rinse and air-dry.

What you’ll need

• 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
• A clean cup or container
• Your toothbrush

Steps to disinfect

Follow these steps to disinfect your toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide.

Fill a clean cup with hydrogen peroxide 

Pour enough 3% hydrogen peroxide solution into the clean cup or container to fully submerge the bristles of your toothbrush.

Soak toothbrush in solution for 10 minutes

Place your toothbrush bristle-side into the hydrogen peroxide, ensuring the solution covers the bristles entirely. Let your toothbrush soak in the hydrogen peroxide for at least 10 minutes.

Rinse well

Remove the toothbrush from the solution, and rinse the bristles thoroughly under running water to remove any residual hydrogen peroxide.

Method 2: Baking soda

Baking soda's alkaline pH and deodorizing properties disinfect bacteria and viruses and remove odors from your toothbrush. To disinfect your toothbrush with baking soda, soak your toothbrush bristles in a mixture of two teaspoons of baking soda and 1 cup of water. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then rinse.

What you’ll need

• 2 teaspoons of baking soda
• 1 cup of water
• A clean cup or container

Steps to disinfect

• Combine two teaspoons of baking soda with 1 cup of water in a clean cup or container. 
• Mix the solution until the baking soda dissolves.
• Completely submerge your toothbrush bristles into the baking soda solution. 
• Soak the toothbrush in the solution for at least 30 minutes to disinfect.
• Remove the toothbrush from the solution, and rinse the bristles thoroughly under running water. 

In addition to deodorizing and disinfecting bacteria from your toothbrush, baking soda is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making it safe for use in other areas of the house, especially the bathroom. For example, it safely cleans and disinfects your faucet head, keeps your shower clean from soap scum and mildew, and so much more.

Method 3: White vinegar

White vinegar is an all-around cleaner in the home. Its acetic acid effectively kills bacteria infection and inhibits the growth of other microbes. Start by soaking the bristle end of your toothbrush in vinegar for 30 minutes. Next, rinse off under running water and air dry in an upright position.

What you’ll need

• White vinegar
• A clean cup or container
• Your toothbrush

Steps to disinfect

• Fill a clean cup or container with white vinegar. 
• Submerge the bristle end of your toothbrush completely in the vinegar solution.
• Allow your toothbrush to sit in the vinegar for a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Remove and rinse under running water. 

As we said already, white vinegar is a multipurpose household cleaner. Besides disinfecting your toothbrush, you can also easily clean floor grout and solve your smelly and blocked sink drain problems. The added benefit is that white vinegar is cheap, non-toxic, and easily found in stores.

Method 4: Boiling water

Using boiling water to disinfect your toothbrush is as simple as dipping it in a rolling boil for 3 minutes and then rinsing it with cold water before use. Boiling water will safely kill and sterilize any bacteria and germs in the toothbrush.

What you’ll need

• Boiling water
• Tongs or heat-resistant gloves

Steps to disinfect

• Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
• Hold your toothbrush by the handle and submerge the bristles in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes using tongs or heat-resistant gloves.
• Carefully remove the toothbrush from the boiling water and place it on a clean cloth or paper towel to cool and dry.

While boiling water can disinfect your toothbrush in under 3 minutes, we don’t recommend using it often. Instead, preferably use other methods outlined in this article. This is because boiling water can damage the bristles over time, causing them to become frayed or lose their shape.

Method 5: Dishwasher

Dishwashers use hot water and detergent to thoroughly clean and disinfect your toothbrush. To use this method, place your toothbrush in the silverware compartment, then add your mild detergent and run on a hot water cycle. Remove and air dry once the process is complete.

What you’ll need

• Mild detergent
• Dishwasher
• Water

Steps to disinfect

• Place your toothbrush in the silverware compartment or another secure location in the dishwasher, bristles facing downward.
• Run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle with detergent, as you would for a regular load of dishes.
• Once the cycle is complete, remove the toothbrush and allow it to air dry. 

Method 6: Antiseptic mouthwash

Antiseptic mouthwash contains antimicrobial ingredients that kill bacteria and other microorganisms effectively. To disinfect your toothbrush with antiseptic mouthwash, pour a sufficient amount into a cup and submerge your toothbrush for 10 minutes. Rinse and air dry.

What you’ll need

• Antiseptic mouthwash
• A clean cup or container

Steps to disinfect

• Pour enough antiseptic mouthwash into a clean container to fully cover the bristles of your toothbrush.
• Submerge the bristles of your toothbrush in the mouthwash.
• Leave for at least 10 minutes to ensure proper disinfection.
• Remove the toothbrush from the mouthwash and rinse the bristles well under running water. 

Disinfecting your toothbrush: FAQ

We’ve compiled quick answers to the most commonly asked questions about disinfecting a toothbrush.

How do you disinfect a toothbrush after strep throat?

To disinfect a toothbrush after strep throat:

• Place the toothbrush bristle-side down in a cup filled with 3% hydrogen peroxide.
• Make sure to submerge bristles completely.  
• Soak the toothbrush for at least 10 minutes.
• Remove the toothbrush and rinse the bristles thoroughly under running water.

How do you disinfect a toothbrush after COVID?

Not all of the methods listed above will disinfect your toothbrush after COVID. Avoid using baking soda, vinegar, or mouthwash. Instead, submerge your toothbrush in 3% hydrogen peroxide, boil it in water, or run it through the dishwasher on a hot cycle. 

Can I sanitize my toothbrush in boiling water?

Yes, you can. Hold your toothbrush by the handle and submerge the bristles in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. However, we don’t recommend using this method often, as the boiling water can damage the bristles over time, causing them to become frayed or lose their shape.

Beyond the toothbrush: Clean your home from top to bottom

Your toothbrush isn’t the only thing that needs regular disinfection and cleaning. 

Need help keeping on top of your house cleaning tasks? With Homeaglow, you can easily book an affordable, top-rated cleaner in your area. Read reviews, compare your options, and schedule online in minutes.