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DIY Cleaning Methods for Toothbrush holder

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 15, 2025

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for your toothbrush holder. Keep it germ-free with simple tips and tricks for a healthier bathroom.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Toothbrush holder

White Vinegar and Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda inside the toothbrush holder, then pour white vinegar over it. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes, scrub with a brush, and rinse thoroughly with warm water. This combination removes stains, kills germs, and deodorizes naturally.

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How to Clean a Toothbrush Holder with White Vinegar and Baking Soda

Empty the holder first. Take out all toothbrushes and anything else living in there. Give the holder a quick rinse with warm water to get rid of any loose gunk.

Sprinkle baking soda inside and outside the holder. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive, which means it helps scrub away buildup without scratching most surfaces. If your holder is ceramic, glass, or plastic, you’re good to go. If it’s metal, check for any special care instructions first.

Pour in white vinegar. Add enough to cover the baking soda. The fizzing you see is a reaction between the acid in the vinegar and the base in the baking soda. This helps loosen grime and mineral deposits. Let it bubble for a few minutes—no need to rush.

Scrub with a brush. Use an old toothbrush or a small cleaning brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. Pay special attention to the bottom and any crevices where residue likes to hide. If your holder has multiple compartments, make sure to get into each one.

Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This gives the mixture time to work on any stubborn spots. If you see any buildup that’s not budging, sprinkle on a little more baking soda and scrub again.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Make sure to wash away all the baking soda and vinegar. Any residue left behind can feel gritty or leave a film.

Dry completely before putting toothbrushes back. Use a clean towel or let it air dry upside down. This helps prevent moisture from hanging around, which can lead to more buildup.

Tip: If your holder is dishwasher-safe, you can run it through a cycle after this process for an extra rinse. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.

Extra step for stubborn stains: For really tough spots, make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water. Apply it directly to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Limited Germ Removal

This method may not effectively kill all germs or bacteria, as white vinegar and baking soda lack strong disinfectant properties, leaving your toothbrush holder less sanitized than with commercial cleaners or disinfectants.

Hydrogen Peroxide Soak

Pour enough hydrogen peroxide into the toothbrush holder to fully submerge the bottom. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes to disinfect and loosen grime. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and let air dry. This method kills germs and removes buildup naturally.

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Hydrogen Peroxide Soak for Toothbrush Holders: A Practical Guide

Gather your supplies: You’ll need 3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind you find in most drugstores), a clean sink or basin, and a pair of gloves if you want to keep your hands dry. Make sure your toothbrush holder is empty—no brushes or stray toothpaste caps left behind.

Rinse off the obvious gunk first. Give the holder a quick rinse under warm water to remove any loose debris, toothpaste residue, or hair. If there’s stubborn buildup, use a small brush (an old toothbrush works great) to scrub the inside and bottom. This step helps the hydrogen peroxide reach all the nooks and crannies.

Fill the holder with hydrogen peroxide. Pour enough 3% hydrogen peroxide into the toothbrush holder to cover the areas that need attention. If your holder is too large or oddly shaped, you can place it in a bowl or container and pour hydrogen peroxide over it until it’s submerged.

Let it soak. Allow the holder to sit in the hydrogen peroxide for about 15–30 minutes. This gives the solution time to work on mineral deposits and other grime that can build up from daily use. If you see bubbles, that’s just the hydrogen peroxide reacting with organic material—totally normal.

Scrub if needed. After soaking, use a brush to scrub any remaining residue, especially in corners or crevices. Pay attention to the bottom, where water tends to pool and buildup is most common.

Rinse thoroughly. Rinse the holder under warm running water to remove all traces of hydrogen peroxide and loosened debris. Make sure there’s no lingering solution, especially if the holder is made of metal or has painted surfaces.

Dry completely. Wipe the holder with a clean towel or let it air dry upside down on a rack. This helps prevent water spots and keeps the holder looking fresh between cleanings.

Repeat as needed. For best results, aim to clean your toothbrush holder every week or two. Regular maintenance keeps buildup at bay and makes deep cleaning less of a chore.

Biofilm Reformation Risk

Hydrogen peroxide may not fully penetrate or remove biofilms in toothbrush holders, allowing bacteria to survive and quickly reform. This increases the risk of persistent contamination even after cleaning.

Lemon Juice and Salt Scrub

Sprinkle salt into the toothbrush holder, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over it. Scrub with a brush or sponge, letting the mixture sit for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. This natural scrub removes stains, deodorizes, and leaves the holder fresh and clean.

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Lemon Juice and Salt Scrub for Toothbrush Holders: A Straightforward Guide

Gather your supplies: You’ll need a lemon (or bottled lemon juice), table salt, a small cleaning brush (an old toothbrush works), and a clean cloth or paper towel. If your toothbrush holder is ceramic, glass, or stainless steel, this method is generally suitable. For wood or painted surfaces, skip the lemon juice and salt—acid and abrasives can damage finishes.

Empty and rinse the holder: Remove all toothbrushes and give the holder a quick rinse with warm water to get rid of loose debris. This helps the scrub work more effectively.

Apply the lemon juice: Squeeze lemon juice directly onto the inside and outside of the holder. If you’re using bottled juice, pour a small amount onto the areas you want to clean. The acidity in lemon juice helps loosen buildup and leaves a fresh scent.

Sprinkle salt generously: While the holder is still wet with lemon juice, sprinkle a layer of salt over the surfaces. Table salt is abrasive enough to help scrub away grime, but not so rough that it will scratch most common toothbrush holder materials.

Scrub thoroughly: Use your cleaning brush to scrub all surfaces, paying special attention to crevices and the bottom where gunk tends to collect. The combination of salt and lemon juice helps break up residue and stains.

Let it sit (optional): For stubborn spots, let the lemon juice and salt mixture sit for 5–10 minutes before scrubbing again. This gives the acidity a little more time to work on mineral deposits or toothpaste buildup.

Rinse well: Rinse the holder thoroughly with warm water to remove all salt and lemon residue. Make sure no gritty salt is left behind, as it can feel unpleasant or attract more grime.

Dry completely: Wipe the holder dry with a clean cloth or let it air dry before putting your toothbrushes back. This helps prevent water spots and keeps things looking tidy.

Quick Tips:

Check for material compatibility: Lemon juice is acidic and salt is abrasive, so always test on a small, hidden area first if you’re unsure about your holder’s material.

Don’t forget the base: Toothbrush holders often collect grime at the bottom—don’t skip this spot.

Regular cleaning helps: Giving your holder a quick scrub every week or two keeps buildup from getting out of hand.

Hidden Residue Buildup

Lemon juice and salt may not reach deep crevices, leaving hidden residue buildup inside the toothbrush holder. This can allow bacteria and grime to persist, making the cleaning less effective.

Fill a container with enough rubbing alcohol to submerge the toothbrush holder. Soak the holder for 10–15 minutes to disinfect and remove buildup. Rinse thoroughly with water and let air dry before use.

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How to Use a Rubbing Alcohol Soak to Clean a Toothbrush Holder

Empty the toothbrush holder completely. Take out all toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and any other items. Give it a quick rinse with warm water to remove loose debris and toothpaste gunk.

Pre-clean for best results. If you see visible buildup (think: dried toothpaste, soap scum, or that mysterious pink stuff), scrub the inside and outside with a small brush or an old toothbrush and a bit of dish soap. Rinse thoroughly. This step helps the rubbing alcohol do its job more effectively.

Choose the right rubbing alcohol. Look for isopropyl alcohol with a concentration of at least 70%. This is the standard strength found in most drugstores and is commonly used for cleaning hard surfaces.

Fill a container with rubbing alcohol. Use a bowl or container large enough to submerge the toothbrush holder. Pour in enough rubbing alcohol to cover the entire holder. If your holder is too big, you can soak one end at a time, flipping it halfway through.

Soak the toothbrush holder. Place the holder in the alcohol and let it sit for about 10–15 minutes. This gives the alcohol time to reach into crevices and help loosen residue.

Scrub if needed. After soaking, use a brush to scrub any remaining spots, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the bottom or inside corners. The alcohol soak should have loosened most grime, making this step easier.

Rinse thoroughly with water. Make sure to rinse away all traces of rubbing alcohol. Pay attention to any small holes or slots where alcohol might linger.

Dry completely before use. Let the holder air dry upside down on a clean towel. This helps prevent moisture from getting trapped, which can lead to more buildup over time.

Wipe down the surrounding area. While you’re at it, give the countertop or sink area a quick wipe to catch any drips or splashes from the cleaning process.

Material Damage Potential

Rubbing alcohol can damage certain plastics, paints, or finishes on toothbrush holders, causing discoloration, cracking, or surface wear if soaked for too long or used on incompatible materials. Always check material compatibility before use.

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