This “Cute” and Clever Find Keeps My Bathroom Counter Organized (It Hides Things in Plain Sight!)

My bathroom has come a long way over the past few months. It definitely seemed like a lost cause initially, with its low ceiling, cramped layout, and complete lack of a window. Altogether, the effect is pretty drab, so I’ve made it my mission to find as many cute (and easy) upgrades as possible. So far, I’ve added a room-brightening West Elm shower curtain, as well as a matching bath mat and medicine cabinet.

I thought my work was done, but I should’ve known that it’s a never-ending process — I’m always getting new inspiration from TikTok. Case in point: I was recently influenced by a video that shows an ingenious alternative for a toothbrush holder. Instead of using one of those open cups or jars that leave your toothbrush exposed 24/7, this user went with an enclosed rotating makeup brush organizer. 

I’ve never seen anything like it before! I added one to my cart on Amazon, and the rest is history. Its impact was immediate: Not only does it protect my toothbrush from gross toilet spray, it also visually declutters my countertop.

When I searched “rotating makeup brush holder” on Amazon, I went with one of the most popular options. Aside from the color, it looks pretty much identical to the one in the video, with a sliding door and spinning base that keeps its contents out of sight yet easily accessible. On the inside is a cup with three sections, each with different depths. Of course, it’s intended for short or tall makeup brushes, but you can easily slot in a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Overall, the organizer measures 4.8 inches wide. There are also a few semitransparent colors to choose from, like clear, pink, and green. You won’t find an opaque black option similar to the one in the video — though another brand makes one in that color on Amazon.

I’ve always closed my toilet lid before flushing — but I just found out that keeping it shut doesn’t really do much in stopping the spread of bacteria like I assumed. AT contributor Shifrah Combiths looked at a study published by the American Journal of Infection Control, and she discovered that “they flushed the toilets with some open and some closed and discovered that regardless of if the lid was left up or down, the viral contamination was about the same.”

While regular disinfection of your bathroom helps, that means that keeping your toothbrush covered is a necessity — regardless of if you close the toilet lid every time you flush. That’s why I immediately got on board with this TikTok hack! All holders I’ve owned in the past leave my toothbrush completely out in the open on my countertop, so this organizer’s sliding door has given me peace of mind.

Like some commenters on the TikTok post, I was a little worried about my toothbrush not airing out completely, but since the container isn’t airtight, I haven’t had any problems in the week since I’ve made the switch. I just make sure my toothbrush isn’t dripping wet whenever I set it inside the container. And I’m sure regular wipe downs will keep it from getting gross.

Plus, it just looks nicer on my countertop. In terms of width, it’s not too bulky and won’t take up too much space in a corner, but I do wish I had measured its height. I forgot to factor in the weird soap holders that are embedded into my bathroom wall. As a result, the organizer doesn’t sit flush against the wall like I’d hoped, but you should be fine as long as you don’t have anything blocking it. I still consider it a win!

Buy: YOOLENS Rotating Makeup Brush Holder, $23.99 (normally $27.99)