Old toothbrushes may be small, but they pack a punch when it comes to creative uses around the house. With a little creativity, these humble tools can be transformed into effective cleaning aids.
By binding two toothbrushes together, you’ve got yourself a handy tool. For gardeners, this setup is perfect for gently cleaning roots or removing stubborn dirt. It’s also incredibly useful for reaching into tight spaces that cloths or fingers can’t access, such as inside washing machines, refrigerators, or window tracks.
1. Efficient Faucet Cleaning
Combine two old toothbrushes with a rubber band, positioning the bristles facing each other. Dip this setup into some water and scrub away at the tiny crevices on your faucet. The design allows for a snug fit, ensuring that dust and grime are effortlessly removed, leaving your faucet sparkling again.
2. Quick Shelling of Nuts
To shell nuts like walnuts, peanuts, or sunflower seeds, use two old toothbrushes bound together, facing each other, with a folded piece of paper in between for added rigidity. This contraption provides a quick and painless way to shell nuts, unlike manual methods.
3. Easy Bicycle Chain Cleaning
Bicycle chains often get caked with grease and grime, affecting performance. Try taping two toothbrushes together and then feeding the chain through the middle. The bristles will get into the chain’s links, effectively removing dirt, sand, and old oil with just a few twists.
4. Keyboard Dusting
Over time, computer keyboards can become dusty and full of crumbs. Gently sweeping a dry, old toothbrush across the keys is a simple yet highly effective way to clean without damaging any internal components.
5. Comb Cleaning
Combs, over time, collect dust, dandruff, and excess hair oils. Dip an old toothbrush into a diluted soap solution and thoroughly scrub the comb’s teeth. The small, stiff bristles will ensure that every nook and cranny is cleaned, leaving your comb as good as new.
6. Deep Cleaning Cups and Bottles
The bottoms of cups and bottles with narrow mouths can be challenging to clean by hand or with a regular sponge. Try recycling an old toothbrush by heating and bending the head to a 90-degree angle. This angled brush will easily reach deep into cups and narrow-necked objects, ensuring a thorough clean.
7. Toilet Rim Scrubbing
The rim of a toilet is often tricky to reach with a standard toilet brush. Heat and bend an old toothbrush into an L shape, then add some cleaning solution and gently scrub. Its flexible design allows it to reach every corner, making it an efficient and less labor-intensive cleaning tool.
8. Cleaning Fridge Seals and Window Frames
Small crevices, such as rubber seals in refrigerators or window frame tracks, tend to collect dust and grime. Use a bent toothbrush to easily reach and clean these areas. The soft bristles are gentle yet effective at removing built-up dust and mold.
9. Removing Crayon Marks from Walls
When little artists decide to decorate your walls with crayon art, apply some toothpaste or shaving cream to the area and gently scrub with an old toothbrush. With a few gentle strokes, the crayon marks will fade, restoring your wall to its former glory. Finish by wiping the area with a damp cloth.
10. Jewelry Cleaning
Jewelry, with its intricate details, can be a magnet for dust and grime. Soak your jewelry in a mild soap solution, then gently scrub with an old toothbrush to reach every tiny crevice. The small, flexible head ensures a thorough clean without damaging the jewelry’s shiny surface.
