Creative Uses for Your Old Toothbrush
Do you usually throw away your old toothbrush after the 3 months of recommended usage are up? The next time you switch out your toothbrush why not keep the old one and repurpose it.
Once you have used your old toothbrush for approximately 3 months or the bristles are frayed it is time to give it a new life outside of oral care. Before putting it to good use with a new task the toothbrush should be thoroughly cleaned. You can either boil it in water for a few minutes, whilst paying close attention or pop it in the dishwasher. The brush can now be used instead of other items to perform a range of tasks from cleaning to primping. But first, why you should repurpose it.
Why should you repurpose your old toothbrush?
Repurposing your old toothbrush may sound strange at first. However, not only is it easy it is also good for the environment. Repurposing can be defined as finding a new use for something, beyond the original purpose that it was made for (1).
By repurposing your toothbrush, you can help reduce the amount of plastic that enters landfills. Approximately 79% of plastic that has ever been made has ended up in landfills (3). Hopefully, with new innovations and a shift in consumer mentality more and more plastic will be recycled, reused or repurposed. Also, by reusing your old toothbrush you are reducing your overall plastic footprint (2).
Creative Uses:
For Cleaning
First, your toothbrush can be used to clean various parts of your house. In the bathroom it can be used to clean between tiles and around the faucet in those had to reach nooks and crannies. In the kitchen your brush can help clean small appliances such as smoothie makers and sandwich presses. Do not forget about all of your gadgets either. The small head and thin bristles of the brush are also useful when cleaning for example your keyboard on your computer.
For Fun projects
Why not start a fun art project with your kids with the toothbrush as a substitute for a paint brush? The frayed bristles will create an interesting effect that a normal paint brush cannot achieve. This is also a great way to show your kids the importance of repurposing. Also, they will see how fun and easy it can be.
For Beauty Tricks
Toothbrushes can also be used to tame flyaway hairs and frizz. Spray some hairspray on the bristles and gently comb back those little hairs that are sticking out. This is a great finishing touch for any hairdo. Messy brows can also be tamed using a toothbrush if you do not have an eyebrow comb at hand.
Give your old toothbrush a new home
No, we are not suggesting that you donate your old toothbrush to someone. However, a new home for it should be found wihtin your living quarters. Depending on the new usage area for your toothbrush a new suitable storage space should be found. As you probably do not want it to get mixed up with your new one. Underneath the kitchen sink or in your laundry room are some examples. Finally, regardless of how you choose to use it repurposing is a good way to be more environmentally friendly.
Sources:
- Cambridge Dictionary (2020). Repurposing. Link to page.
- rePurpose (2020). Plastic Footprint Calculator. Link to Page.
- Parker, L. (2018, December 20). A whopping 91% of pastic isn’t recycled. National Geographic. Link to page.