How to Clean an Electric Toothbrush: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Your electric toothbrush does a fantastic job keeping your teeth clean, but the tool itself needs regular maintenance to stay hygienic and functional. Bacteria, toothpaste residue, and moisture can build up on the handle, brush head, and charging base over time. Left unchecked, this buildup can lead to mold, unpleasant odors, and even reduced performance.

This guide walks you through cleaning every part of your electric toothbrush, with specific instructions for popular brands like Oral-B, Sonicare, Quip, and Burst.

What You'll Need

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap or antibacterial hand soap
• White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Antibacterial mouthwash (optional)
• Small cleaning brush or old manual toothbrush
• Clean cloth or paper towels

Step 1: Clean the Brush Head (After Every Use)

The brush head is the most important part to keep clean since it goes directly into your mouth. After every brushing session, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the brush under running water for 3-5 seconds. The vibration helps dislodge toothpaste and debris from between bristles.
2. Rinse thoroughly under hot running water, rotating the head so water flows through all sides of the bristles.
3. Shake off excess water and store the brush upright in an open-air holder. Never immediately cap the head, as trapped moisture promotes bacterial growth.

Step 2: Clean the Handle

The handle accumulates toothpaste residue, especially around the connection point where the brush head attaches. Here is how to clean it properly:

1. Remove the brush head by pulling it straight off (Oral-B, Burst) or twisting and pulling (Sonicare).
2. Wipe the metal shaft and surrounding area with a damp cloth. For stubborn buildup, use a damp cloth with a tiny drop of dish soap.
3. Clean the connection point where the head meets the handle. Use a damp cotton swab or small brush to remove any trapped paste or grime.
4. Wipe the entire handle body with a damp cloth, paying attention to any textured grip areas where residue collects.
5. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth before reattaching the brush head.

Step 3: Clean the Charging Base

The charging base sits on your bathroom counter collecting water drips, toothpaste splatter, and dust. It is a common site for mold growth, especially on the center post.

1. Unplug the charger from the wall outlet before cleaning.
2. Wipe the entire base with a damp cloth dampened with soapy water.
3. Clean the charging post (the plastic peg in the center) with a damp cotton swab. Check the base of the post where water pools.
4. Dry completely before plugging back in and replacing the toothbrush.

Brand-Specific Cleaning Tips

Oral-B (iO, Pro, Vitality Series)

Oral-B brush heads pull straight off the metal shaft. The round head design can trap toothpaste at the base of the bristle disc. Use a toothpick or thin brush to clean around the ring where the brush head connects to the shaft. For iO models, gently wipe the smart display screen with a soft, dry cloth.

Philips Sonicare

Sonicare brush heads snap on and require a slight twist to remove. Pay special attention to the rubber gasket area around the shaft. A common complaint with Sonicare brushes is grime buildup inside the head cavity. Remove the head weekly and clean the inside with a small brush or cotton swab.

Quip

Quip brushes have a simpler design. Remove the brush head, pull out the motor core from the outer shell, and wipe all parts individually. The metal outer body can be wiped with a damp cloth and dried with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

Burst

Burst brush heads pull off similarly to Oral-B. Clean the charcoal-infused bristles by rinsing under warm water. The matte black handle shows water spots, so wipe it dry after cleaning.

Monthly Deep Cleaning Routine

Once a month, do a thorough cleaning of all components:

1. Soak brush heads in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for 30 minutes.
2. Scrub the handle connection point with a small brush dipped in the vinegar solution.
3. Clean the charging base thoroughly, including the bottom where water can collect.
4. Inspect bristles for fraying or discoloration, which signals it is time for a replacement.
5. Check for mold around seals, the base post, and the inside of brush head caps.

How to Remove Mold from Your Electric Toothbrush

If you spot black or green mold (most commonly found at the base of the brush head or around the shaft), take action immediately:

1. Remove the brush head and discard it if mold is on the bristles.
2. Soak the handle shaft area in white vinegar for 30 minutes.
3. Scrub with a small brush, then rinse and dry completely.
4. Clean the charging base with vinegar as well.
5. Going forward, always store the brush upright and uncovered to allow air drying.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Storing in a closed container while wet traps moisture and promotes mold and bacteria.
• Using boiling water can warp plastic components and damage bristles.
• Sharing brush heads between family members spreads oral bacteria.
• Using abrasive cleaners can scratch the handle and degrade seals.
• Neglecting the charging base is the number one cause of mold on electric toothbrushes.