So you’ve started brushing with an electric toothbrush (you know how to use an electric toothbrush properly, right?) and it’s completely changed your oral care game. You actually look forward to brushing your teeth (two minutes, twice a day, of course). Your smile has never felt fresher. Your dentist is giving you a standing ovation every time you come into the office.

But if your electric toothbrush is beginning to show signs of use, now might be time to give it a little TLC in return. Unlike a disposable manual toothbrush, your electric toothbrush requires a bit of cleaning now and then. 

What’s the best way to clean an electric toothbrush? And how often should you clean it? Let’s start with why you should clean your electric toothbrush — because it’s better for your teeth and your oral health. Regular cleaning can also optimize the benefits of your brush and help prevent bacteria and germs from growing on it.

This guide will run through everything you need to know about how to clean electric toothbrushes, including grime prevention strategies and what cleaning products are safe to use.

How to prevent grime buildup on your electric toothbrush

While it’s important to give your electric toothbrush a deep clean once every few weeks, a little bit of regular upkeep can help limit the number of germs and bacteria that form after each use. These tips can make your daily brushing more effective and save you time when your brush is due for a regular cleaning.

• Step 1: Rinse brush head with hot water – Use hot tap water to thoroughly rinse your bristles before and after each use.

• Step 2: Store your toothbrush upright – When you aren’t using your toothbrush, store it with the brush head pointing up so that it can properly air dry. 

#quiptip: quip’s Multi-Use Travel Cover (included with every toothbrush) doubles as a mirror mount, making it easy to keep your brush dry and away from other bathroom surfaces. You can also use it as a brush stand on your sink or counter. Plus, it slides over your brush to protect your bristles when you’re on the go.

How to clean your electric toothbrush

To keep your quip Electric Toothbrush in the best shape possible, you can clean the upper white portion of your handle when refilling your brush head. Lightly wet the bristles of your old brush head and gently remove any toothpaste residue. If you don't have an old brush head handy, a damp paper towel will also do the trick. Be sure to dry all parts of your toothbrush before reassembling! Any moisture left inside the brush after cleaning can damage the motor and battery.

Even with regular cleaning, bristles wear out over time. That’s why it’s important to replace your toothbrush or brush head every 3 months for the most effective clean. If you’re forgetful (or just like the convenience of a subscription), you might want to consider a quip refill plan. You’ll get fresh brush heads automatically shipped to your door — plus free shipping! — on a dentist-recommended 3-month schedule for just $5.

Make cleaning your electric toothbrush another healthy habit

At quip, we’re all about making good habits easy. Swapping out your brush head is a no-brainer with our refill plans, but we didn’t stop there. All of our Electric Toothbrushes are accepted by the American Dental Association and have the features you need for healthy teeth: timed sonic vibrations to guide a complete clean, soft bristles that are gentle on teeth and gums, plus your brush is always ready for home or on the go thanks to a 3-month battery life.

Ready to make great oral care simple? Shop quip today!