17 Crafty Uses for an Old Toothbrush
These old toothbrush crafts are surprisingly stunning.
Since dentists recommend that we all change our toothbrushes every three months, we accumulate quite a few old toothbrushes. Instead of throwing them away, you can repurpose old toothbrushes for recycled craft projects. This way, you can be eco-friendly while saving money on craft supplies. Below we've compiled a list of ways you can use old toothbrushes while crafting.
One technique you can try is using the toothbrush to splatter paint. Dip about 1/2 of the toothbrush bristles into paint or ink. Brush your finger across the toothbrush with the tip of your thumb. Make sure you point the dipped toothbrush down and toward what you want splattered. It’s a little messy, but you’ll get a fine speckled look. Look below for some fun splatter paint project ideas!
DIY Craft Projects for Old Toothbrushes
- When adding an antiquing or metal finish to a surface, use the old toothbrush to get into any little cracks or crevices. Wrap the toothbrush head with a strip of paper towel or rag. Rub over surface and the bristles will get into the hard to reach spots.
- Foiling detailed surfaces can be very hard to do. Use an old toothbrush to smooth the foil down. Rub gently, but firmly in a circular motion.
- Some needle art projects require you to fluff the yarn or floss. Hairbrushes and combs are too harsh and often pull too tightly. Use an old clean toothbrush as a tool to brush out or fluff flosses and yarns. Santa’s beard or the feathery center of a flower will be a breeze.
- If you collect or use old bottles, old toothbrushes are great tools to clean up the glass inside and out.
- Annie Cicale in her book, The Art and Craft of Hand Lettering, published by Lark Books, recommends using an old toothbrush to clean calligraphy pen tips. The bristles can get into the nooks and crannies of the intricate pen tips removing the ink so there is no build-up on the pen tips.
- For years crafters have turned old toothbrushes into rug making tools. The bristly head is sawed off and a hole bored into that end, and the other end is filed to a soft rounded point.You can make this tool (Aunt Philly’s Toothbrush Needle) using an old toothbrush.
Learn how to make a DIY Toothbrush Needle.
- An old clean toothbrush can be used to smooth paper onto a surface like in book making or card making. Gently use a sweeping motion and the brush will smooth any air pockets or wrinkles. You must do immediately so the glue isn’t set.
- An old toothbrush can add texture to clays either by dabbing the bristles along the surface of the clay or using a sweeping motion across the clay. Artist also use toothbrushes to add texture to oil paintings or thick acrylic paints.
- You can use an old brittle toothbrush to add texture to an old piece of furniture that you want to distress. Scrub the wood with the toothbrush while the paint is still wet to get the best result.
- Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning jewelry. The bristles dust and reach into tiny spots. You can use the brush with or without cleaner, just be aware of the cleaning need for the jewelry piece you want to clean. The bristles will not scratch most materials, but do not use to clean pearls. Polish your silver easily using a toothbrush, silver polish, a rag, and water!
DIY Craft Projects Using The Splatter Technique
Rock Star Wood Bracelets - Even if you don't party like a rock star, you can dress like one with these rocking bracelets.
Painted Butterfly Tray - Using the lovely colors of spring, this butterfly tray is a quick and easy painting project. Add it to your spring kitchen decor or give it as a gift to a friend to celebrate the season.
Splatter Paint Bridesmaid Tee Shirt - Get ready for your best friend's bachelorette party and spa day with this super cute splatter paint T-shirt! Use paint brushes or old toothbrushes to create the unique design.
Embroidered Abstract Art - Use these art project ideas to make embroidered abstract art, which is great for decorating your home and sprucing up your walls.
Whimsy Peony Rainbow Birthday Card - Bright colors and pretty embellishments are made extra fun with splatter painted details on this card.
American Flag Picture Frame - Looking for 4th of July craft ideas? Try this American flag picture frame. Paint an ordinary picture frame with stars and stripes to frame your soldier's photo or to capture your favorite 4th of July memories.
Shamrock Wall Hanging - Make this easy St. Patrick's Day craft with your kids this year. This project uses up all of those old paper bags you have lying around.
More Toothbrush Crafts
Sunflower Toothbrush Art: this lovely free kids craft involves using a toothbrush as a paintbrush to create a pretty sunflower picture.
Stunning Toothbrush Bracelet: This is an excellent craft to do with your kids, but you of course have to help! Learn how to turn a toothbrush into a cute bangle bracelet.
Old Toothbrush Art Painting Techniques: Learn a few different painting techniques you can try. The effects are really unique when you use this unique crafty medium!
Easy Toothbrush Bracelets: our friends at AllFreeJewelryMaking.com have their own variation on the toothbrush bracelet! Spread the word about proper dental care by sporting one of these bracelets.
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flowergirl
Jun 26, 2018
Toothbrush bristles last quite long and they're gentle enough to use on your bracelets and earrings. I didn't know I could use them for painting and crafting. I'll keep that in mind the next time I'm crafting. The absolute best use for me is getting those stubborn rust stains off your sink and faucet after sprinkling some baking soda water.
mulberrygalprinces s
Jul 05, 2016
Yes they are great for cleaning jewelry, and use toothpaste to clean. I learned that from a jeweler friend of mine, everything but peRls. Just watch it brighten up sterling silver. And when done with that, use the tooth brush to clean the faucets in bath and kitchen. It gets between the knobs just great.
Heidi Lorene
Mar 30, 2016
These are wonderful uses for an old toothbrush. And here I have been just throwing them out. I would love to see what everybody has come up for using their old toothbrushes. I would love to see how they are turned into rug tools and used for making rugs. It sounds very intriguing to me.
coakleyellen7 6142 147
Jan 17, 2016
I use old toothbrushes for cleaning but it never accured to me to use in crafts a great idea
notsuzy3 2980461
May 02, 2014
Number 6 "Cleaning bottles" It is easier to use crushed eggshells. Swish them around and hold the opening closed so you can shake it up really well. My mother taught me this when I was in tears over not having a baby bottle brush to clean the bottles for my first born. Egg shells get the glass sparkling bright. Hot water rinse should kill any germ concerns.
littleextra4me 162 8865
Jan 25, 2016
i collect antique bottles and it is hard to clean the inside. I love this idea.
moxiegirl
Mar 09, 2014
The ideas are great! I just caution to boil the toothbrushes before re-using them. They do breed bacteria and viruses...be sure not to re-infect yourself! Other than that, re-purpose away!!! MV
Freeform Lala
Feb 10, 2014
How about a toothbrush wreath? Glue them all on, spray paint them white, highlight with gold, place a big bow in there and you have a Christmas wreath for a dental office!
CaptSnaz
Feb 04, 2014
Don't forget the old Denture-Cleaning brush. They usually have a handy-dandy brush that sticks front-forward with hard bristles
bevm1663 6831572
Aug 31, 2013
we use toothbrushes for cleaning small areas and hard to reach places - make great nail brushes too. my brother uses old ones to brush his dog's teeth.
deberklein 1408102
May 20, 2013
I use them to clean my jewelery and other things with hard-to-reach places. I also used to use them when hand-building with clay, to prep the surfaces for bonding together with slip. Thanks for the reminder on that one. And I never thought about cutting them up and shaping them into tools. I always have toothbrushes laying around that were only used once by guests, so now I have lots of good ideas. :o)
mtndeb
May 19, 2013
I keep one near my shower. Once or twice a week or whenever the shower starts spraying the water every which way, I will brush the shower head and the water will spray the way it is suppose to.
Grandscraperona
Feb 12, 2013
As Scrapper, i like to pass the clean toothbrusch over fresh paint to create small details on a background! Love this, in special with black!...
maryannnj08330 377 5290
Feb 11, 2013
I learned the toothbrush splatter technique in my art class in high school back in the '50's using black india ink to do shading on creative art pictures. Instead of using my thumb as the bristler on the brush, I use the back end of an artist paint brush which keeps your thumb cleaner. I use this technique on picture frames. First I paint the frame with a desired color, then with the toothbrush I use contrasting colors to add texture and shading. When dry, I coat with clear acrylic, either gloss, or matte, depending on the finish desired. Love this technique - glad to see it still being used.
alledee 6283006
Feb 11, 2013
Think you better sanitize these with something to clean them germs, isn't that the reason for replacing your old with a new one ???
BatLady
Feb 11, 2013
Toothbrushes should be sanitized regularly. The reason to replace toothbrushes often is that the bristles wear down and no longer effectively clean. I put my old brushes in the dishwasher to clean before using for crafts.
johnanne44 0045803
May 11, 2013
I thought you replace them when the bristles got curly Bit of mouthwash should do the trick
alledee 6283006
Feb 11, 2013
Think you better sanitize these with something to clean them germs, isn't that the reason for replacing your old with a new one ???
flittingimage 9108 287
Feb 21, 2012
If you run hot water over the toothbrush handle you can bend it to fit your use better.
Bit0ffury 8750414
Feb 20, 2012
I use old toothbrushes on many things that have been mentioned and also on baseboard and registers, cold air returns as well as heat. You would be amazed how much dust etc accumulates in those areas. Also door jams, thresholds etc........
lorenehas15 864875 8
Feb 19, 2012
I use a toothbrush to clean my hair brushes. They have metal brushes on them and they have a rubber tip which holds the nappy stuff that sometimes gets into them. A toothbrush will get that nap out and clean them up great!
daniellec2003 2473 028
Mar 28, 2011
i use them to crub the stan remover in to my laundrey i use to clen dog colers
darrellroberts 717 3535
Oct 28, 2010
I use old tooth brushes when I have to clean lots of small spaces. They work great on the inside of my sewing machine. Look at the fuzz that collects in the little space where the bobbin goes.
ohiojo1953
Oct 10, 2010
I recommend running old toothbrushes thru a dishwasher cycle to remove any remaining toothpaste before using on a delicate craft project.
lwstn
Aug 14, 2010
To clean jewelry (except pearls) with an old toothbrush, make sure it's a SOFT bristle brush. I've been using this great technique for years.
Bonniefff
May 01, 2010
May 1, 2010 Mrs B. F. i used the tooth brush for just about anything and everything my husband used it to clean up the car motor, and we used it for lil places. and cleaning your nails. thank you.
myan
May 01, 2010
I use an old toothbrush to even clean the tracks of my windows and also around the locks of them as I have the tilt out type and there is nothing better than a toothbrush to clean just about anything household.
indomom2002
Apr 22, 2010
i use toothbrushes to brush over floor mats to remove hair , works great
Mrs Gfc
Mar 30, 2010
I use old tooth brushes for cleaning around the faucet on my bathroom sink. It work very good with any cleaning product.
Angi
Mar 22, 2010
A less messy way to splatter paint is to tpae a piece of screening to hole cut out of the top of shoe box. place the object in the box and close it. Then rub the toothbrush with paint on over the screen.
wild and wacky gra ndma
Feb 09, 2010
the tooth brush has been one of my faveret tools. i have learned another use for it today thank you
PixieAnna
Feb 19, 2012
I love my toothbrushes for many household jobs, too. You mentioned that you learned a new use, but didn't say what it is. Can you share your new use? Thank you.
lorenehas15 864875 8
Feb 19, 2012
I think she meant she learned a new use off of the other peoples comments.
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