As we celebrate Earth Day, here’s a shout out to your trusty toothbrush, the intrepid tool that works hard to get rid of nasty food particles stuck on and between your teeth.

But unfortunately, your toothbrush doesn’t last forever. It needs to be replaced every 3-4 months, especially when the bristles become frayed, 

In honor of Earth Day, here are some ideas on how to put your old toothbrush to good use:

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  • First, label the old toothbrush. Once you recycle your toothbrush, you don’t want it back in your mouth.
  • It’s great for cleaning tough-to-reach spots. Clean those out-of-the-way cracks and crevices in your home – from bathroom grout to the gunk that gets stuck in your screens and window tracks.
  • Are you a plant perfectionist? Dip your old toothbrush in dishwashing liquid and wipe the leaves free of critters and cobwebs. And after a long day in the garden, use your old toothbrush to scrub your nails free of dirt and grime.
  • For bicycle lovers, a toothbrush is a great way to clean the wheels and spokes of your ride after a long winter in the garage.
  • Who needs a fancy pedicure? An old toothbrush can exfoliate the rough skin on the soles and heels of your feet.
  • If you have a goat or horse (you might!), you can use a toothbrush to dig out the rocks and dirt that have accumulated in their hooves.
  • Don’t forget about man’s best friend. Use your old toothbrush to clean your dog or cat’s teeth – even if they don’t like it.
  • And best of all – when it comes to dog poop stuck in the grooves of your tennis shoe, a toothbrush is a great tool to scrub off the smelly mess. Just make sure you remember to toss your toothbrush when you’re finished!

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Do you have other great ideas to reduce, reuse or recycle your toothbrush? Let us know in the comments below.