Finally the humble Toothbrush holder gets a much needed Tech upgrade. Utilizing the latest in UV Germicidal technology, the VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer claims to optimize our brushing experience by rendering it germfree! Today we will take it for a spin to see what it can do for us!

VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer Review

Item Provided By: VIOlight
Retail Price: $50.00
Review Date: 3/10/05
Review Author: Rusty Newton

Review Sponsored By: VIOlight
(Reviews are not paid for and do not Endorse a product, Sponsors simply donate or provide a product for review)

"a single toothbrush can harbor millions of microorganisms, which translate into harmful bacteria -- bacteria that thrive in the warm, moist environment of the average bathroom."

Sounds scary doesn't it? Lucky for us, VIOlight has provided a weapon with which to
fight back the evil gathering in the dark depths of our toothbrushes.

IN THE BOX

Packaging:

 The VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer comes in the typical retail packaging and is packed well to protect from shipping damage or accidents.

 The toothbrush sanitizing unit is not complicated and does not require much assembly.

What's Included?:
• 1 x VIOlight main Unit
• 1 x Translucent Cap
• 1 x AC Adapter
• 1 x Germicidal UV Bulb
• 4 x Adapters for storing Electric Toothbrush heads
• 1 x Instruction Manual 

 As you can see, this is not your usual toothbrush storage device. This is a tool for cleanliness and a weapon of mass destruction to germs and bacteria!

DESIGN & FEATURES

Keep It Simple Stupid:

 When you are giving a toothbrush holder a technology update, it is always a good idea to keep things simple. VIOlight definitely succeeded in this concept seeing as how there is only one button on the main unit.

 The overall design of the VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer is simple and aesthetically pleasing.

 There are four holes on top of the translucent cap for inserting your toothbrushes into the holder. Included are adapters you place inside the holes that allow Electric Toothbrush heads (which are shorter than normal toothbrushes) to sit at the proper height to be sanitized.

The One Ring.. Err.. Button:

 Done brushing your teeth and want to zap it clean? After placing your toothbrush into the holes on top of the holder. You simply push the VIOlight symbol on the front side of the unit.

 Of course it does have to be plugged in. It would have been better if it ran on batteries also.( as long as you are like me and every so often buy a carton of batteries on Ebay).

Easy to Clean:

 Inside the VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer is a removable drip tray that makes it easy to clean. You are not supposed to put your dripping nasty toothbrush inside the VIOlight sanitizer without first shaking it off, but the drip tray provides a easy way to clean up after us messy individuals.

 One thing I did notice the electrical connection of the bulb seems to be exposed to where water from your brush might splash on it if you are not careful. I am not sure if this will affect the bulbs connection or life of the unit. It very well could depend on whether or not you throw a soppy toothbrush in there all the time or you dry it off.

TESTING

Zapping the Baddies:

 Plugged in and ready to go we picked out some used toothbrushes, electric and regular for our victims. After brushing our teeth, we shook dry the utensils as directed and placed them in the VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer. Proceeding, we pushed the button and waited ten minutes whilst watching the warm UV glow.

 Seeing the glow is nice. It lets you know its working! Plus this is the only Impressive toothbrush holder you could ever own! Those rubber ducky holders don't even stand a chance!

 Immediately after the disintegration process... I mean "sanitizing" process, we removed the toothbrushes to find them slightly warm. I assume this is a good thing, indicating they did in fact bask in Ultra Violet rays.

 Since we have no laboratory equipment to detect the presence of bacteria we can only judge by the fact the UV lamp worked and when we brushed our teeth again we did notice a difference in Taste. The toothbrushes did taste sterile, there was no longer the taste of toothpaste on them as usual. I did some research also for medical reports and studies on the effectiveness of UV in preventing viral and bacterial contamination of toothbrushes, you can see some of them HERE. I found that most were successful and the technology is proven.

CONCLUSION

 The VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer is a gadget with an obvious purpose, to Clean your toothbrush. It appears to do so, uses proven UV germicidal technology and made our brushes taste better.

 We saw that the sanitizer is very easy to operate and simple to maintain. You of course need a power outlet in your bathroom but most newer bathrooms do have that. The VIOlight Sanitizer also looks good and is made with a decent level of quality. It just might impress your friends with the blue glow too ;]

PROS 
• Easy to clean. Bulb is easy to change.
• Increased Hygiene
• Simple Operation, turns itself off. Only one button push needed.
• Looks great, UV reactive top glows impressively while operating.
• Proven UV Germicidal Technology  

CONS
• Only runs off an AC outlet. I have seen many houses and apartments that do not have an outlet in the bathroom, so it could be a potential problem.  Would be nice if
  it ran off batteries too!

FINAL RATINGS

Thanks to VIOlight for sending us this Innovative product for review!
Check out their site for more information on the VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer!