The American Dental Association recommends that we replace our toothbrushes every 3-4 months, along with having a good dental plan and visiting a dentist regularly. What can you do with an old worn out toothbrush or a new one for that matter? Toothbrushes can do more than hold toothpaste or whiten teeth.

Toothbrushes are great tools to use for small, delicate and/or difficult to reach areas.  Before you throw away that old tooth brush consider using it around the home or office. Since there are several styles  and shapes you should be able to find one for just about any job you may have. Because of its versatility I keep one in several locations in my home- under the kitchen sink, with my cleaning supplies and in my bathroom. Just thought of another useful place—the glove compartment in the car. There a several places where dust and other particles collect in the car. Practical uses of an old toothbrush include:

--Remove grime and dust between the keys on your remote controls, computer and telephone.

--An old toothbrush is great for cleaning between the crevices on some picture frames. Caution: Test to be certain that bristles are not too harsh for the surface you are cleaning. Check for scratch marks. The head of the toothbrush is made of nylon bristles. They are identified as -hard, soft, medium or firm.

--Remove grime from hard to clean places such as-- around faucets, caulking between bathroom tile, outside of commode base, rubber bumpers on and hinges around the toilet seat.  You can spray a little all-purpose cleaner or use a paste made from baking soda and water on the bristles to help make the job easier.

--Loosen grime on your can opener and around the aluminum or chrome rings on electric stoves.

--Remove mud or dirty from sole and sides of shoes

--Use to clean jewelry (rings, chains, necklaces, etc.)

--A soft toothbrush makes a perfect eyebrow brush. Remember to sterilize and clean the bristles. One way to do this is-- put enough water in a mug or cup to cover bristles (non-electric). Place in microwave, heat on high until water is boiling (1-3 minutes). Swish brush to loosen any debris. Discard water. Repeat process. Air dry toothbrush. For electric toothbrush remove brush from base and follow directions for manual brush.

--Use a toothbrush to remove the dirty and grime that builds up around the wall light switches (wall plates)

--Clean dust from heating/cooling wall vents

--Remove oil build-up and from hair combs; using warm soapy water, gentle brush oil build-up from comb. Then rinse. These are only a few practical uses of an old or new toothbrush. The next time you get ready to toss that old toothbrush think of all the things you can do with it.  Be Creative!