Your toothbrush cleans your teeth twice a day, so it is worth a minute now and then to keep it clean too. Knowing how to clean an electric toothbrush properly is simple: a quick rinse after every use, a slightly deeper clean once a week, and good drying habits. Here is the routine, plus the hygiene myths worth ignoring.
After every brush: the daily rinse
- Rinse the head under running water, working the bristles with your thumb to clear any toothpaste.
- Rinse the body to remove toothpaste that has run down it.
- Shake off the excess water and wipe the body dry with a towel.
- Store it upright in the open air so the bristles can dry.
That is all most days need. The aim is simply to stop toothpaste and moisture sitting in the bristles.
Once a week: a deeper clean
- Remove the head from the body.
- Rinse the inside of the head and the top of the body where the head attaches, as toothpaste and water can collect there.
- Wipe the body with a damp cloth, paying attention to the button and the base.
- Dry both parts and leave them apart for a while before refitting the head.
Skip bleach, harsh cleaners, boiling water and the dishwasher. They can damage bristles and seals, and they are not needed for everyday hygiene.
Myths vs facts
A few common beliefs about toothbrush hygiene do not hold up. For myths about brushing itself, see our article on oral care myths.
Myth: a brush head is fine as long as it looks clean. Fact: bristles wear and lose their shape well before they look obviously damaged. Replace the head about every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay. Many people also replace it after a cold or flu. Our guide to the signs it is time to replace your brush head covers what to look for.
Myth: covering the head keeps it more hygienic. Fact: closing a wet head inside a cap or case traps moisture. Let the head dry in the open, and keep the travel case for travel rather than everyday storage.
Myth: soaking the head in mouthwash is essential. Fact: a thorough rinse and good drying cover the everyday basics. Soaking is not necessary, and if you choose to do it, rinse the head well afterwards.
Myth: sharing a brush head is fine within a family. Fact: brush heads should never be shared. If two people share one body, each person needs their own clearly marked head.
Myth: water resistant means it can stay wet. Fact: water resistance means rinsing is safe, not that the brush should sit in a puddle. Wipe it dry and keep it off a wet bench.
Storage: where most hygiene problems start
- Keep it upright so air can reach the bristles.
- Give it space. If several brushes share a cup or holder, keep the heads from touching.
- Keep it off a wet bench, where water and toothpaste collect around the base.
- Keep it away from the toilet where practical, and close the lid before flushing.
- Clean the holder too. Cups and stands collect residue and deserve a wash every week or so.
Chargers, bases and ports
If your brush charges on a base, unplug it and wipe it with a dry or slightly damp cloth, as toothpaste and water collect around the contact point. A brush that charges by cable avoids the base altogether: just keep the charging port dry and covered when you are not charging.
Questions
How often should I clean my electric toothbrush?
Rinse the head and body after every use, and give it a deeper clean with the head removed about once a week. Replace the head about every three months.
Can I put my brush head in the dishwasher?
It is best not to. High heat and strong detergents can damage the bristles and the head. A thorough rinse under running water and good drying is enough.
Should I replace my brush head after being sick?
Many people choose to, and it is a sensible habit after a cold, flu or mouth infection. A fresh head is an easy way to start clean.
Can I rinse an electric toothbrush under the tap?
Yes, if it is water resistant. Check your brush's rating, and keep any charging port covered while you rinse.
Easy to keep clean: PulseONE
PulseONE is IPX7 water resistant, with the USB-C port sealed under a cap, so rinsing the body under the tap is simple. There is no charging base to clean around, because it charges from any USB-C cable. The Oradent WallMount in the box keeps the brush off the bench, and with the Head Plan, fresh heads arrive on schedule.
