apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


Round-up: Toothpaste dispensers

atla-051908-toothpaste01.jpg

MC's low tech version
We hate waste of any kind. We take doggie bags from restaurants, we rework our clothing into new things, we reupholster, refinish and recycle. Making sure we get all the toothpaste out of the tube? But of course! We've rounded up some options for getting all the paste out while keeping that tube neat and sanitary..

 
 

atla-051908-toothpaste02.jpgThe Squeezeit's alway's popular. We've always had trouble getting the Squeezit off the tube once we're done with it however.
atla-051908-toothpaste03.jpg
Our favorite because the tube stands upright. This is the porcelain version we remember from our childhood. It can be challenging if your cabinet's shelves are low or you insist on buying economy sized tubes.
atla-051908-toothpaste04.jpg
This version hangs your toothpaste from the included hook. Nice.
atla-051908-toothpaste06.jpg
We haven't tried this one but it looks like a less manual version ot the Squeezit.
atla-051908-toothpaste05.jpg
Super neatfreaks might like one which dispenses toothpaste.
atla-051908-toothpaste07.jpg
Then there's the wringer, based on the art paint roller we've blogged before. We like the metal version better, although perhaps it's unweidly for the average cramped bathroom.

Tags

organizing, bathroom, organization, toothpaste, medicine cabinet., medicine chest

Related Links

Share

Comments (18)

i had no idea there was even a market for these things!

posted by kdkaboom on 2008-05-19 17:35:59
view kdkaboom's profile

Creepy!! I have that SAME colgate tube with the SAME binder clip! Are you spying on me?! ;)

posted by Kerith on 2008-05-19 17:55:36
view Kerith's profile

Fingers are cheaper...

posted by bepsf on 2008-05-19 18:08:49
view bepsf's profile

Second the fingers vote. And when I get down to the end of the tube and there's maybe two days worth of toothpaste left that can't be squeezed out, I cut it open with clean kitchen shears, scrape some toothpaste onto the brush and store it in a ziplock baggie for the day or two it takes to use the toothpaste that clings to the inside of the tube. (I always have a couple baggies lying around the bathroom to take toiletries on planes--you can throw them in the dishwasher, although I always take them out of the dry cycle just in case)

posted by lurker2209 on 2008-05-19 18:31:34
view lurker2209's profile

Fingers are cheaper and none of these work very well anyway.

posted by right angle on 2008-05-19 18:31:46
view right angle's profile

you could also use a color key which is what hairstylists use to squeeze all of the color out of a tube. they're like 20 cents at beauty supply stores.

posted by rvalexa on 2008-05-19 19:19:23
view rvalexa's profile

That color key sounds good... is that like a sardine tin opener key?

posted by Valerie on 2008-05-19 20:21:47
view Valerie's profile

Please add this to the list. It is called the Tube Press. It works phenomenally yet is modern, sleek, minimalist, and it's only $1.99 and universally available at your local Walgreens.

http://a1061.g.akamai.net/7/1061/5412/home/www.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/390992.jpg

posted by quiltmaster on 2008-05-19 20:25:36
view quiltmaster's profile

I was going to suggest the color key as well.

Will work well if you use toothpaste such as Tom's that comes in a metal tube.

posted by rebecca326 on 2008-05-19 21:31:24
view rebecca326's profile

wtf - this is like the second post about this crap that I've seen. In the other thread many people discussed free, space saving ideas that are much more practical than spending money and taking up space with one of these gadgets...

posted by bordjon on 2008-05-19 22:36:34
view bordjon's profile

I wouldn't worry, bordjon. Some people might want to know about gadgets, but it's not like some big movement. I like to know these things, doesn't mean I buy or use any of them. Did seem like a slow day, though.

posted by K T G on 2008-05-19 23:11:48
view K T G's profile

my grandpa taught me to slice down the side of the tube with a knife and open up the tube for a few more uses!

posted by noodlesalad on 2008-05-19 23:12:07
view noodlesalad's profile

I just run the flat end of my toothbrush handle up the tube, paying special attention to the corners.

posted by OneWallKitchen on 2008-05-20 03:36:24
view OneWallKitchen's profile

Opening cosmetic jars or tubes to get the last is a great idea. I do that with cosmetics and also take the tops off pump dispensers--you'd be surprised how much is left, which can be accessed by a chopstick. One last thing: If you're is going out your way to get the last of the toothpaste, and reusing plastic bags, why use the dry cycle on your dishwasher? The dishes will dry on their own.

posted by LauraE on 2008-05-20 08:34:45
view LauraE's profile

I second the tube press. One Christmas, my father distributed them as a stocking stuffer without the packaging and we had to guess what they were for. It was very interesting but useful gift.

posted by Signe on 2008-05-20 09:26:07
view Signe's profile

wow, I had no idea....I just thought everybody used their toothbrush or credit card type thing to get the last bit out.

I have better things to spend my money on.

posted by buzzybee on 2008-05-20 11:29:24
view buzzybee's profile

Doesn't your dentist give you one? Mine does.

Slow news Monday? This is where blogging for dollars leads.

posted by Palmetto on 2008-05-20 15:11:34
view Palmetto's profile

We buys stand-up tubes, they are easier to store, and then I cut them up to get the last bits of paste...but I love seeing gadgets like these.

posted by blackbird on 2008-05-20 16:49:52
view blackbird's profile