The Secret Solution For The Dirtiest Bathroom Accessory Everyone Forgets To Clean
Most people clean their bathroom at least every week, but despite the frequent bouts of cleaning, it's easy to forget accessories like toothbrush holders. Over time, they can become caked in gross toothpaste splatters and germs. In a 2011 study by the National Science Foundation, toothbrush holders were found to be the third germiest objects in households.
Additionally, these common bathroom accessories can be difficult to clean because of their strange shape, and water could linger in the crevices if not washed and dried correctly. This could lead to issues with mold, and you wouldn't want a mold breeding ground anywhere near your toothbrush. Thankfully, white vinegar is an inexpensive, simple way to clean your toothbrush holder. Rather than using harsh chemicals like bleach to disinfect your toothbrush holder, white vinegar is a natural option that will still ensure this bathroom accessory isn't germy. With a little water, soap, and vinegar, your toothbrush holder won't end up being one of the dirtiest spots in your home.
Why vinegar can clean your dirty toothbrush holder
White vinegar is a versatile cleaning tool because it contains acetic acid, which makes this natural solution a mild disinfectant. Not only does vinegar have disinfectant properties, but it also acts as an antimicrobial and antifungal treatment. This makes it great for killing mold that might grow in the corners of your toothbrush holder, as well as minuscule spores. If bacteria and germs are still a concern, acetic acid has also been shown to be effective in killing both viruses and bacteria.
While white vinegar can be a useful and functional cleaner, most household solutions only contain about 5% acetic acid. Because of this, you'll probably need to give the vinegar more time to work than you would something more potent, like bleach, in order for it to be as effective as possible. By washing your toothbrush holder occasionally and disinfecting it with vinegar, you will have a cleaner bathroom with fewer germs to worry about.
How to clean your toothbrush holder with vinegar
Whether you have a simple ceramic or plastic toothbrush holder or a special charging station for an electric toothbrush, vinegar can help to keep it clean. To start, remove your toothbrushes from the holder, dampen a cloth with some dish soap and hot water, and wipe down your toothbrush holder as best you can. This will help to remove any dried globs of toothpaste. Don't forget to give your toothbrush a good clean while you are it. If you have an electric toothbrush holder, be sure to unplug it before beginning. Use another wet rag to wipe off the soap, and now you're ready to disinfect with vinegar.
Find a small bowl, or whatever size will comfortably fit your toothbrush holder, and fill it at least halfway with equal parts water and vinegar. Set the bathroom accessory into the bowl and leave it covered in the cleaning solution for about half an hour. When finished, use another clean cloth to dry it off before putting it back on your counter.