It sometimes surprises people that you can wash a toothbrush in a dishwasher. But there’s no reason why you can’t, to prolong their useful life. And the toothbrush in dishwasher trick is a good way to stay healthier in the winter.
The toothbrush in dishwasher trick
Washing your toothbrush in the dishwasher and then letting it run through the heated dry cycle is a fast, easy, and cheap way to sanitize it. It is best to go ahead and use the heated dry cycle when you do this.
This washing, rinsing, and drying cycle sterilizes toothbrushes just as effectively as it sterilizes your dishes and silverware. It also effectively removes anything that rinsing in the sink may leave behind, returning the toothbrush to a like-new appearance.
When you get sick, your doctor may tell you to get a new toothbrush after you feel better, to prevent yourself from making yourself sick again. If your toothbrush is fairly new, washing it in the dishwasher will sterilize it, extending its service life. This is healthy, and it’s still good for you while being good for your pocketbook and the environment. It’s annoying when you buy a new toothbrush and then get sick a week or two afterward. This saves you the trouble and the expense.
If you have an electric toothbrush, you can wash it in a dishwasher as well, with precautions of course.
The heated dry cycle
Skipping the heated dry cycle is a trick for saving money, but during cold and flu season, you might wish to go ahead and use that cycle anyway. This can cut down on the spread of viruses and bacteria, helping you to stay healthier.
David Farquhar is a computer security professional, entrepreneur, and author. He started his career as a part-time computer technician in 1994, worked his way up to system administrator by 1997, and has specialized in vulnerability management since 2013. He invests in real estate on the side and his hobbies include O gauge trains, baseball cards, and retro computers and video games. A University of Missouri graduate, he holds CISSP and Security+ certifications. He lives in St. Louis with his family.