How to clean an electric toothbrush and its head

After every brush

Keep heads separate if more than one person uses the same handle, and never share heads.

1. 1

   Switch off and rinse the head under running water.

2. 2

   Rinse the bristles with your thumb to clear toothpaste.

3. 3

   Shake off excess water.

4. 4

   Stand the brush upright to air dry. Avoid closed caps on a wet head.

Weekly deep clean

Do not soak the handle or use bleach or harsh cleaners. Handles are water resistant, not designed to be left underwater.

1. 1

   Turn the brush off and pull or twist off the head, as your manual describes.

2. 2

   Rinse the metal shaft on the handle under warm water and wipe away any toothpaste.

3. 3

   Rinse inside the base of the head, where residue collects.

4. 4

   Wipe the handle with a damp cloth. A drop of mild washing-up liquid helps with stubborn marks.

5. 5

   Dry everything and refit the head.

Brand notes

Follow the manual for your model. Our explainers on Oral-B iO brush heads and Sonicare brush heads cover fitting and types.

Cleaning the charger, glass and case

Always unplug a charger before cleaning it. Wipe the charging stand with a damp cloth and dry it fully before plugging it back in. Do not run water over the plug or into any socket.

Some Sonicare models charge in a glass. Philips gives cleaning instructions for the glass in the manual; follow those rather than assuming it is dishwasher safe. Travel cases collect moisture, so leave the head to dry before packing and wipe the case regularly. If you are choosing a model for travel, see our charging travel case guide.

Note:Keep chargers away from baths, basins and showers. In UK bathrooms, use a shaver socket for a two-pin charger, and never handle a plugged-in charger with wet hands.

When to replace the head

Cleaning does not make a head last forever. The NHS advises replacing a toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are worn, and the same applies to electric heads. Some heads have indicator bristles that fade, and some handles remind you.

Use our brush-head planner to track change dates, and see how often to change a toothbrush head. If your current brush is ready to retire, our premium electric toothbrush guide compares the leading models.

Cleaning a shared or family brush

When a household shares one handle, each person needs their own head, and coloured rings or head holders make it easy to tell them apart. Clean the shaft each time the head is swapped, because toothpaste from one head can sit on the shaft.

For children's brushes, help with the weekly clean and check the bristles often, as children tend to chew and splay heads faster. Our guide to an electric toothbrush for children covers choosing and supervising.

Things to avoid

If water gets inside the handle or the display mists up, stop using it and contact the maker.

• Boiling heads or putting them in the microwave.
• Soaking the handle in water or mouthwash.
• Using bleach, alcohol or abrasive cleaners on the handle.
• Putting parts in the dishwasher unless the manual says they are dishwasher safe.
• Storing a wet head in a closed case for long periods.

Frequently asked questions

How do I clean the black gunk under the head? Remove the head weekly and rinse the shaft and inside of the head with warm water, wiping away residue.

Can I soak a toothbrush head in mouthwash? Makers generally do not recommend it. Rinse and air dry instead.

How do I clean an Oral-B iO toothbrush? Pull the head off, rinse the shaft and head, wipe the handle and charger (unplugged), and dry everything.

What are Philips Sonicare cleaning instructions? Rinse the head after use, remove it weekly to clean the shaft and seal, wipe the handle and follow the manual for the charger and glass.