Cheep-o Electric Toothbrush for Cleaning Emblems

[BJClarke001]

Hey All,

I have an Explorer where there are chrome emblems on either door and a couple of emblems on the back hatch. After many washings, I looked close at these emblems only to find that inside the letters, I could see they were still dirty and perhaps, maybe some wax stuck in there too.

So, having kids and always trying to motivate them to brush their teeth, we had a cheep-o Colgate "Motion" electric toothbrush laying around. Well, I got to thinking that this brush doesn't spin but rather oscilates back and forth and perhaps it would be cool to use on the emblems on the Explorer. I tried it out and it worked great at getting anything and everything that was in between all the letters on the emblem, clean. I guess I would prefer the back and forth motion opposed to one that just spins because of fear of scrathing the paint. And I know Megs sells a Triple Duty Detail Brush which also works well but I gave mine away to a friend and have not replaced it as of yet. So, for a $7 toothbrush (replace your own batteries which are AA type), this thing worked good for me. I also used it around trim and door handles and it also did a great job.

[Mike Phillips]

Thanks for sharing this tip Brad. Interestingly enough, before the cheapie electric toothbrushes came out and all that was available was the Sonic Care toothbrushes for I think $70.00 plus, I used to use mine for detailing other people's wax out of the cracks and I had the idea of coming out with a cheap version of the Sonic Care Toothbrush just for detailers. Then the free-market took over and now their a dime a dozen, (well almost).

It's not a perfect tool, but depending on the brush action it can take some of the work out of getting dried polish and wax out of tight areas without resorting to scrubbing with a brush. I think its the fast, short stroke movements that help to agitate and remove dried product.

[RDVT4ME]

Great idea!

:xyxthumbs

[sneek]

lol i have the oral-b sonic compleate deluxe and i never thought of using it on my car .... the heads are over $12 a peice

[kellyinkc]

I have an changeable head toothbrush. I just through away an old one. Gonna dig it out and try it on the car!!
Great idea!!

Kelly

[Mikeyc]

I was on some website looking at detailing products (don't remember which) and they were selling what was basically an electric toothbrush with the brushes at a slightly different angle. They were pitching that it was great for scrubbing hard to reach areas of the interior.

[gb387]

very interesting idea! I have a sonicare, I may have to give it a try with an old brush head just for fun.

[SiriusRIMZ]

psst Mike. We need a Dual Action Microfiber Toothbrush for 2007!

I wonder how using a little NXT Metal Polysh would do. Dab your brush in the polish and have a go at anything chrome!

[inthedetails]

As long as you don't confuse the NXT with the Colgate... :xyxthumbs

[kellyinkc]

Dang! Stole my reply. Too slow. I need DSL. :)

Kelly

[Mikeyc]

This is what I was talking about.

Detailer's Toothbrush (http://www.prestostore.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?ref=exceldetail&ct=59990)

[gb387]

Originally posted by Mikeyc
This is what I was talking about.

Detailer's Toothbrush (http://www.prestostore.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?ref=exceldetail&ct=59990)

That looks like a neat little tool, I like the different brush types.

[Rusty Bumper]

Hmmm.....Maybe we could use this idea to invent a motorized tool for scrubbing tires with?

Great idea on the toothbrush though. :xyxthumbs

[DFTowel]

Another idea is to use an old WaterPik. You can even buy a new cheapie one for less than $25. I use one in engine crevices and all sorts of places. it's amazing how well this little water blaster it works.

[gb387]

Originally posted by Rusty Bumper
Hmmm.....Maybe we could use this idea to invent a motorized tool for scrubbing tires with?

Great idea on the toothbrush though. :xyxthumbs

Well..... actually, if you really wanted to get creative, one of these might help, made by Black and Decker:

Cordless Power Scrubber
Model # S500
- Powerful 3.6V motor for all your scrubbing needs
- Extension Handle included to get to the hard to reach areas
- Rubber overmold provides an easy grip surface and fully submersible design
- 10 versatile attachments for scrubbing on a variety of surfaces; tub, tile, carpets, cars and more!
http://www.blackanddecker.com//ProductImages/PC_Graphics/Photos/BDK/HOME_PRODUCTS/TOOLS/LARGE/4/S400_E1.jpg

--------

ScumBuster® Automotive Kit
Model # ABB1
Spiral wheel brush ideal for hub cap and tire wheel cleaning
Washable sponge and 2 mesh bonnets great for cleaning windows, bumpers and radiator grills
Accessories fit any Black & Decker ScumBuster®
http://www.blackanddecker.com//ProductImages/PC_Graphics/PHOTOS/BDK/HOME_PRODUCTS/ATTACHMENTS/LARGE/1/ABB1_1.jpg

There are tons of attachments... brushes/sponges/plastic wire wheel and so on.

[Accumulator]

Originally posted by DFTowel
Another idea is to use an old WaterPik... it's amazing how well this little water blaster it works.

Yeah, WaterPiks are great for all sorts of things. Cleaning porcelain antiques comes to mind.

You folks who are using the toothbrushes must have much harder paint than I've ever encountered. I've used such things on the back sides of wheels, but I wouldn't try it on finely finished things that show. The most worn ultra-soft toothbrush I've ever felt would mar any automotive paint I've ever worked on, so be careful...

[Rusty Bumper]

Originally posted by gb387
Well..... actually, if you really wanted to get creative, one of these might help, made by Black and Decker:
Actually I have one of those, but I don't like the torque that it produces. I was thinking more in line of something that vibrates back & forth like a motorized tooth brush.