Dentists are constantly telling us to frequently disinfect and clean our toothbrushes. But very rarely do they mention cleaning our toothbrush holders. In a 2011 study, the toothbrush holder was named the third most germ-infected place in your home. Just thinking about all the germs being that close to something that is near our toothbrushes gives us the willies. Fortunately, we've got a tip to help keep your toothbrush holder cleaner and your family healthier.
First, rinse the toothbrush holder out with hot water. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe down the outside of the holder. Use a pipe cleaner to reach inside the toothbrush slots to ensure you're removing any hidden grime or toothpaste. Next, fill the toothbrush holder with antibacterial mouthwash. Allow this to sit for two minutes. Then, rinse out the mouthwash and run the holder under water. Let it air dry and your toothbrush holder will shine as bright as your smile!
CORRECTION: A previous version of this post stated that a dirty toothbrush holder was a risk of contamination for toothbrushes, putting one at a "high risk" of illness. This conclusion was based on an inference, rather than scientific study. Still, ewww...