Turning an empty Colgate toothpaste tube into a toothbrush holder is a clever, low-cost way to keep your brush off the counter and add a bit of personality to your bathroom. This project recycles the tube’s sturdy, flexible plastic into a simple wall-mounted sleeve that holds a standard toothbrush. It takes about 10 minutes and requires only a few common household tools. Before you start, make sure the tube is completely empty and has been rinsed and dried.
What You’ll Need
- One empty Colgate toothpaste tube (standard size, not the pump or giant family size)
- Scissors or a utility knife
- A ruler or measuring tape (optional, but helpful)
- A marker or pen
- Strong adhesive strips or mounting tape (like Command strips) or a small screw and wall anchor
- Rubbing alcohol and a cloth (for cleaning the wall surface)
- Soap and water (for cleaning the tube)
Step-by-Step
- Clean the tube thoroughly. Rinse the inside of the empty toothpaste tube with warm water. Use a small brush or your finger to remove any remaining paste. Wash the outside with soap and water to remove any residue. Let it dry completely—this prevents mold and helps the adhesive stick better.
- Cut off the crimped end. Using scissors or a utility knife, cut off the flat, crimped bottom of the tube. This will be the top of your holder (where the toothbrush goes in). Make the cut straight and even. If the cut is jagged, smooth it with scissors.
- Trim the cap end. Decide how deep you want the holder to be—about 3 to 4 inches is ideal for a standard toothbrush. Measure from the cap end and mark a line across the tube. Cut along this line, removing the cap and the neck of the tube. You now have a cylindrical sleeve with an open top and bottom.
- Flatten and shape the holder (optional). If you want a more oval or flat profile, gently press the tube flat with your hands. For a rounder holder, leave it as is. You can also cut the top edge into a decorative scallop or V-shape, but a straight edge works fine.
- Clean the wall surface. Wipe the area on the wall where you plan to attach the holder with rubbing alcohol. This removes oils and dust, ensuring the adhesive sticks firmly. Let it dry completely.
- Attach the adhesive strip to the tube. Take a strong adhesive strip (like a Command strip) and peel off the backing. Press the sticky side onto the back of the toothpaste tube, about 1 inch from the bottom (the cap end). Press firmly for 30 seconds. If you’re using a screw, skip this step and instead mark the screw hole location on the tube and the wall.
- Mount the holder on the wall. Remove the other side of the adhesive strip’s backing, position the holder where you want it (usually near the sink, at a height where you can easily reach it), and press it firmly against the wall for 30 seconds. Hold it in place for a minute to ensure a good bond. If using a screw, drill a pilot hole, insert a wall anchor, and screw through the tube into the wall.
- Wait and test. Wait at least an hour (or the time recommended on the adhesive package) before inserting your toothbrush. This allows the adhesive to cure. Then slide your toothbrush handle into the open top of the tube. The brush head should stick out, and the handle rests inside the holder.
Common Mistakes
- Not cleaning the tube thoroughly. Leftover toothpaste can harbor bacteria and attract grime. Always rinse and dry the tube completely.
- Cutting the tube too short. A holder that’s only 2 inches deep won’t hold a toothbrush securely—it may tip over. Aim for at least 3 inches.
- Skipping the wall cleaning. Adhesive strips won’t stick well to dusty or greasy walls. Wipe with rubbing alcohol first.
- Using the wrong adhesive. Regular double-sided tape isn’t strong enough for a bathroom environment. Use a product designed for bathrooms or heavy-duty mounting tape.
- Mounting over tile grout. The adhesive may not bond well to grout lines. Choose a smooth tile surface or use a screw instead.
Tips
- Make it a set. Create two or three holders in different sizes to store razors, makeup brushes, or cotton swabs.
- Add drainage. If you’re worried about water pooling inside, poke a small hole in the bottom (the cap end) before mounting. This lets water drip out.
- Use a colored tube. Colgate tubes come in various colors (red, blue, white, green). Choose one that matches your bathroom decor, or paint the outside with acrylic paint for a custom look.
- Position it high. Place the holder at least 3 feet above the floor to keep it out of reach of young children and pets.
- Label the holder. If you make multiple, use a permanent marker to write “mine” or initials on the outside so family members don’t mix up brushes.
Troubleshooting
- The holder keeps falling off the wall. This usually means the adhesive isn’t strong enough or the wall wasn’t clean. Remove the holder, clean the wall again with rubbing alcohol, and use a new, heavier-duty adhesive strip. If the wall is textured or painted with a glossy finish, use a screw instead.
- The toothbrush doesn’t fit. If the opening is too narrow, widen it by cutting a little more off the top. If the toothbrush is too loose, wrap a rubber band around the handle before inserting it, or squeeze the tube slightly to create a tighter grip.
- The holder looks bent or misshapen. If you accidentally crushed the tube during cutting, gently reshape it with your fingers. You can also insert a small piece of cardboard inside to hold the shape while the adhesive dries.
- Water collects inside. If you didn’t add a drainage hole, drill a small hole in the bottom with a pin or nail. Or, simply remove the toothbrush and shake out the water after each use.
- Adhesive leaves a mark when removed. Use a product like Goo Gone or rubbing alcohol to remove any sticky residue. For painted walls, be gentle to avoid peeling the paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use any toothpaste tube? Yes, but standard-size Colgate tubes work best because they’re sturdy and have a uniform shape. Pump tubes or very small travel tubes won’t hold a toothbrush securely.
- Is it hygienic? As long as you clean the tube thoroughly before use and allow it to dry, it’s as hygienic as any other toothbrush holder. Just be sure to wash it occasionally with soap and water.
- Will the adhesive damage my wall? If you use a quality adhesive strip designed for bathroom use and follow the instructions, it should remove cleanly without damaging the wall. Test on a small area first if you’re concerned.
- Can I use this for an electric toothbrush? No, this holder is only for manual toothbrushes. Electric toothbrush handles are too large and heavy.
- How long will the holder last? With proper care, it can last for months. The plastic is durable, but the adhesive may weaken over time due to humidity. Replace the adhesive if it starts to peel.
- Can I decorate the holder? Absolutely. You can paint it with acrylic paint, cover it with washi tape, or add stickers. Just make sure any decoration is waterproof to withstand the bathroom environment.
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