Toothbrushes should be replaced every six months and cleaned in between; soaking one in a glass of hydrogen peroxide every couple of weeks kills off bacteria. Keeping toothbrushes out in the light rather than in a closed cabinet helps too, since darkness is a better breeding ground for bacteria.
Three Bathroom Items You Should Be Cleaning More Often

The bathroom itself might get a weekly scrub, but the tools used in it are easy to forget about.
Deep-Clean (and Replace) Toothbrushes
Wash Hairbrushes and Combs
Hairbrushes collect dirt, oil, and product buildup, so a regular wash matters. Swirling the head in a bowl of warm water with dish soap or shampoo, then using a few drops of shampoo and an old toothbrush to scrub the bristles and base, gets a brush properly clean.
Rinse and Air-Dry the Toilet Brush
A toilet brush needs more than a quick shake before going back in its holder. Rinsing it in the clean toilet water after use and letting it air dry before storing it keeps moisture from breeding bacteria in the holder.
Got a handy tip of your own?
Reply and let us know, we love hearing your tips.
This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive: 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →