Ten New Uses for that Old Toothbrush

A toothbrush may seem like a very one-use-only kind of tool. Teeth cleaning; what else could you do with it? As specific as it looks, however, this utensil can do more than just clean teeth. Instead of tossing your old toothbrushes out, consider the following ten options to recycle your old and worn out toothbrushes.

1. Painting : If you're interested in painting with watercolors and are unaware, you can get a nice splatter effect using an old toothbrush. Watch this video to see how to utilize the brush for your artwork. If you are a parent, this would be a fun and unique technique to introduce to your children.

2. Cleaning hard-to-reach places: Your teeth aren't the only difficult-to-reach things you'll ever have to clean. There are many house-hold items that could benefit from a good brushing. Dust in crevices you cannot get to with conventional methods. Easily wash old and delicate jewelry. Clean that tiny can opener wheel with a bit of vinegar on your old toothbrush. There are so many possibilities.

3. Putting streaks in your hair: A toothbrush is perfect for getting the dye onto every strand of the hair your want colored while avoiding those you don't. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to manage this properly. The results are stunning if done correctly.

4. Toothbrush Bracelet:Eco-friendly recycled accessories are in style right now. What better way to make use of your old toothbrush than to wear it as a hip new bracelet? To learn how to do this, click here. If that isn't your style, it makes a great craft project that your children would enjoy.

5. Toothbrush Household Creations: There are a few original and interesting craft creations you can piece together with old toothbrushes. AC writer Sarah Ganly has two great ideas in her article Green Crafts for Kids Using a Toothbrush. Create a toothbrush wind chime or coat rack with her instructions. Very neat!

6. Get mud stains out of fabrics: Mud stains are awful, but there's hope. Use your old toothbrush to gently loosen and brush away dirt from muddy clothes before you finish treating the stain. For a tutorial, click here.

7. Get the mascara clumps out of your lashes: Mascara clumps never look natural. Next time you're troubled by them, wait for the mascara to dry. Then find an old toothbrush and brush over your lashes from the inside out in an upward motion, just like you would when you're applying the mascara. It not only removes the clumps, but it adds that sexy curl.

8. Toothbrush Necklace: This is another cool recycled accessory. It's also pretty easy to make, similar to the bracelet. Green Planet's instructions are the best I found. Click here to learn how to make this necklace yourself.

9. Get that perfect sleek ponytail: A toothbrush spritzed with hairspray is just right for taming those flyaway strands of hair that ruin the look. For the very best results, use a natural bristled toothbrush. Here is the how-to guide so you can create this style at home.

10. Brush your teeth: Wait a minute! This is supposed to be about new uses for an old, worn out toothbrush. Who would want to use that on their teeth, right? Well, you may be more interested in this than you think. I don't mean the teeth in your mouth, though. I mean the teeth of your comb. The bristles can get between a comb's teeth like it can your own resulting in one squeaky clean comb.

See? Just because it won't work for dental care anymore doesn't mean it needs to be tossed in the trash. There are several good reasons to keep your old toothbrush on hand.