Domakihub How to Clean a Toothbrush Holder the Right Way
Remove hidden grime and bacteria from one of the dirtiest spots in your bathroom.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
The toothbrush holder sits centimetres from your mouth every day, yet it is one of the most overlooked surfaces in any bathroom. Studies consistently rank it among the top three germiest spots in the home — a fact that matters whether you are managing a private residence, a holiday rental in the Aegean, or a hotel room in Athens. The video above demonstrates a quick mouthwash method; this article walks you through the full process step by step so every material and holder style is covered.
Why Toothbrush Holders Get So Dirty So Fast
Every time someone rinses a toothbrush, water carrying toothpaste residue, saliva, and oral bacteria drips down the handle and pools inside the holder's tube or slot. In a warm, humid Greek bathroom — especially during summer months when ventilation is limited — that damp residue becomes a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and bacteria within days.
The problem is worse in shared bathrooms, holiday rentals between guest stays, and hotel properties where a holder may go weeks between deep cleans. Discolouration inside the holes, a slimy film, or a faint musty smell are all signs that a thorough clean is overdue.
How Often Should You Clean It?
For a private home, a light weekly rinse and a thorough clean every two to four weeks is a reasonable rhythm. For holiday rentals and hospitality properties, the holder should be deep-cleaned and sanitised between every guest stay — ideally disassembled and dried completely before the next arrival.
Ceramic and stainless-steel holders are the most durable under frequent cleaning. Plastic holders are common and easy to find, but they can absorb odours and surface stains over time, so replacing them every one to two years is worth considering.
How to Clean a Toothbrush Holder: 5 Steps
- 1
Empty and disassemble
Remove all toothbrushes and any removable inserts or trays. Take the holder off the wall or counter if it is freestanding. Shake out any loose debris over the bin and rinse briefly under hot running water to loosen surface buildup before you start cleaning.
- 2
Soak in hot soapy water
Fill a basin or the bathroom sink with hot water and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Submerge the holder completely and let it soak for ten to fifteen minutes. This softens the dried toothpaste and mineral deposits that collect inside narrow tubes where a cloth cannot reach.
- 3
Scrub the inside of each hole
Use a small bottle brush, a pipe cleaner, or an old toothbrush to scrub inside every tube and slot. Work in circular motions and rinse frequently so you can see what is still left to remove. For stubborn black or pink mould, dip the brush in white vinegar or a diluted bleach solution (one teaspoon bleach per litre of water) and scrub again.
- 4
Disinfect the entire surface
Spray or wipe the outside of the holder with an antibacterial bathroom cleaner, undiluted white vinegar, or — as shown in the video — an antiseptic mouthwash. Leave the disinfectant in contact with the surface for at least two minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue.
- 5
Dry completely before replacing
This step is the one most people skip, and it is the reason mould returns so quickly. Pat the holder dry with a clean cloth, then leave it upside down on a dry surface or prop it in a sunny spot for twenty to thirty minutes. A fully dry holder before toothbrushes go back in dramatically slows the next buildup cycle.
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FAQ
- Can I put my toothbrush holder in the dishwasher?
- Many ceramic, glass, and hard plastic holders are dishwasher-safe on the top rack — check the base for a symbol or the manufacturer's instructions. If in doubt, hand wash to avoid warping or cracking, especially with thin plastic or holders that have rubber inserts.
- What is the pink or orange slime that builds up inside?
- That is most likely Serratia marcescens, a naturally occurring bacterium that thrives in damp bathroom environments and feeds on soap and toothpaste residue. It is harmless in small amounts for healthy adults but unsightly and a sign that the holder needs disinfecting more frequently. White vinegar or diluted bleach will remove it.
- How can I stop the holder getting dirty so fast?
- After every brushing session, give toothbrush handles a quick wipe before returning them to the holder. Switch to a wall-mounted holder that keeps the base off the counter (less pooling). In holiday rentals and hotels, choose stainless-steel or ceramic holders without narrow tubes — open-top styles dry faster and are far easier to clean between stays.