To clean and sanitize your bamboo toothbrush, leave the bristles in an antibacterial mouthwash for 10-15 minutes. Although over-exposure to mouthwash can damage your toothbrush's bristles, a short dip is fine.
You can also clean and sanitize your bamboo toothbrush with a trusted combination of water, vinegar and baking soda. Work the brush through the solution and leave it for 15-20 minutes, then give it a thorough rinse (and dry).
Make sure to rinse, remove excess water and store your bamboo toothbrush in an airy container after each use. More on that below.
How to Stop a Bamboo Toothbrush Going Mouldy
For all their benefits, bamboo toothbrushes do have one flaw: mould. Bamboo toothbrushes are more likely to harbour mould than plastic ones — but don't let that put you off.
Bamboo is a naturally porous material, which means it holds on to moisture for a long time. To stop your bamboo toothbrush from growing mould,
- Rinse the bristles after use to remove food debris and excess toothpaste.
- Use a clean towel to remove excess water from your toothbrush bristles and handle after each use.
- Store your toothbrush upright in a container that has drainage holes and encourages airflow.
Keep in mind that the microscopic trace amounts of mould and bacteria found on the average toothbrush is harmless.
When You Should Replace Your Bamboo Toothbrush
In line with dentist's general recommendations, you should replace your bamboo toothbrush every 2-3 months. This means you should go through one bamboo toothbrush at least every three months, and at least 4 in a year. Between a group of four, this would equate to around 16 bamboo toothbrushes a year — each of which reduces plastic waste.
You should replace your toothbrush earlier if the bristles have worn down, if it has grown mould or if you have been unwell.
If your bamboo toothbrush is biodegradable and compostable, make sure to remove the nylon bristles with pliers before you dispose of it. Please note that the nylon bristles can be recycled, but make sure to put them inside another item so they don't get lost. Once your bamboo toothpaste handle is in the soil, it will take no more than 6 months to biodegrade.
Keep in mind that there might be more life in your bamboo toothbrush left yet, though! Use an upcycled bamboo toothbrush to clean, dust and scrub — it's great for getting dirt and grime out of hard-to-reach places around your home. Alternatively, you can use it to fuel a fireplace or for your arts and crafts projects — the options are endless! Discover other alternative uses for your old bamboo toothbrush here.
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Brush Fresh Co. is founded and run by a group of UK-based dentists, who specialise in environmentally-friendly and sustainable dental products. From biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes to zero waste toothbrush tablets, our product range has been designed to put both your dental health and the environment first. For more information and dental care advice, head over to our blog page or get in contact with us here.