How to Boil Toothbrushes to Kill Bacteria

Killing the bacteria on your toothbrush ensures a clean mouth.

Your mouth harbors many types of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Items that enter your mouth, including your toothbrush, acquire the same germs, which will continue to grow over time. Cleaning your toothbrush on a regular basis is a good way to knock down the germ population. There are many methods of killing the bacteria on your toothbrush. One effective way is to boil it. Heating the temperature up to 212 degrees kills any bacteria and germs that are living on your toothbrush, leaving it clean for its next use.

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• Tongs

Instructions

1. Fill a pot with 3 cups of water. Place the pot on a stove and turn the heat to high.

2. Wait while the water heats up to a rolling boil.

3. Turn the heat off and put your toothbrush into the water. Wait for 3 minutes while the hot water kills the bacteria.

4. Remove your toothbrush from the water with tongs. Wait for it to cool before handling it. Repeat on a regular basis to keep your toothbrush clean.

References

• Current Health Articles; Some Easy Toothbrush Cleaning Tips; Mark Jufferson; February 2010