Store-bought holders come in fixed sizes that rarely fit your counter, cabinet, or family. Printing your own means you get the perfect fit the first time — and you can reprint a replacement in hours when it wears out.
This guide covers materials, hygiene considerations, design tips, and finishing techniques for holders that last in a bathroom environment.
- Best material: PETG is the top choice for bathroom prints — water-resistant, humidity-stable, and dishwasher-safe.
- Print solid: Use at least 3–4 walls and 4+ top/bottom layers to create a waterproof, sealed surface.
- Design for drainage: Include drainage holes or slotted bases so water doesn't pool and breed bacteria.
- Resin for polish: Resin-printed holders have smoother surfaces that are easier to wipe clean.
- Fast print: Most designs finish in under 2 hours — one of the quickest functional bathroom prints you can make.
- Wall-mount wins: Wall-mounted designs keep brushes separated and let them air-dry faster.
Why Print a Toothbrush Holder?
Store-bought holders are too big, too small, the wrong color, or they simply don't fit your layout. 3D printing solves every one of those problems.
- Customize slot count for your exact household size.
- Match your bathroom's color scheme perfectly.
- Design wall-mounted options that free up counter space.
- Add integrated toothpaste holders, soap trays, or phone stands.
- Replace broken holders instantly without a trip to the store.
Toothbrush holders are also one of the best starter projects for beginners. They're small, print quickly, and deliver immediate practical value.
Choosing the Right Material
Bathrooms are humid environments where water, toothpaste, and soap are constant. Your material needs to handle all of it.
PETG (Recommended)
PETG is the top choice for bathroom accessories. It's water-resistant, doesn't warp from humidity, handles heat from hot water, and resists the mild chemicals in toothpaste and soap.
PETG also has a slight sheen that looks clean and modern — a natural fit for a bathroom setting. If you print in PETG, your holder can go in the dishwasher for a periodic deep clean.
PLA
PLA works for decorative holders in dry bathrooms, but constant humidity can weaken it over months. If your holder sits near a shower or gets splashed regularly, it may degrade.
PLA is fine as a prototype material. For a long-term bathroom install, upgrade to PETG or ASA.
ASA
ASA is another excellent option. It offers UV resistance (useful in bathrooms with natural light) and handles moisture well. It's slightly harder to print than PETG but produces very durable, long-lasting parts.
Resin
For smooth, premium-looking holders, resin printing delivers unmatched surface quality. A resin holder with a clear coat is easy to wipe clean and doesn't trap dirt in layer lines the way FDM prints can.
Use a tough resin for parts that may get knocked off the counter. Browse Siraya Tech's durable resin collection for options suited to daily-use bathroom accessories.
Standard resins are not certified for direct food or mouth contact. For a toothbrush holder, this isn't a concern since the resin doesn't touch the brush head or toothpaste directly — but always seal resin prints with a clear coat for added protection and easier cleaning.
Hygiene Design Principles
A toothbrush holder is near items that go in your mouth, so hygiene matters more here than most prints. Design with these principles from the start.
Drainage Is Essential
Design drainage holes or slotted bases so water runs out rather than pooling at the bottom. Standing water breeds bacteria and mold fast.
Angle the base slightly toward the drainage point if possible. Even a 2–3° tilt makes a meaningful difference.
Separate the Brushes
Individual slots or divided compartments keep toothbrush heads from touching each other. This prevents cross-contamination between family members — especially important for kids.
Smooth Surfaces Clean Better
Rough surfaces and visible layer lines trap moisture and bacteria. Use a finer layer height (0.12–0.16mm) for smoother surfaces. A clear coat seals micro-gaps between layers for easier wiping.
Design Ideas and Layouts
Countertop Stands
The simplest design: a freestanding holder with cylindrical slots for each toothbrush. Add a wider slot for toothpaste and a small tray for floss or a razor.
Include a weighted base or wider footprint to prevent tipping. A low center of gravity matters more than you'd think in a busy bathroom.
Wall-Mounted Holders
Wall-mounted designs save counter space and keep brushes elevated where they air-dry faster. Design a mounting plate with screw holes, or use adhesive strips for tool-free installation.
Individual hook-style holders let each family member have their own dedicated mount — clean, minimal, and easy to customize.
Novelty Designs
Tooth-shaped holders, animal figures, and character designs make great kids' bathroom accessories. These are popular on 3D printing marketplaces and make charming, practical gifts.
Integrated Organizers
All-in-one designs that hold toothbrushes, toothpaste, a soap dish, and a small cup are practical for shared bathrooms. Design modular sections that print separately and click together for easy customization.
Print Settings for Bathroom Durability
| Setting | Standard | Recommended for Bathrooms |
|---|---|---|
| Layer height | 0.2mm | 0.12–0.16mm for smoother surfaces |
| Walls | 2–3 perimeters | 3–4 minimum for water resistance |
| Top/bottom layers | 3 layers | 4+ to prevent moisture seeping through |
| Infill | 15% | 15–20% (walls do the waterproofing) |
| Material | PLA | PETG at 230–240°C nozzle, 70–80°C bed |
| Supports | As needed | Minimize — design flat bottoms and ≤45° angles |
Finishing for a Clean Look
A few finishing steps make your holder look like something you bought, not something you printed.
- Sand with 400-grit paper to remove stringing or rough spots.
- Wipe with isopropyl alcohol to remove dust before coating.
- Apply 2–3 coats of clear spray sealant for a smooth, waterproof finish.
- Add spray paint as a base layer before the clear coat if you want color.
For resin holders, a quick sand and a coat of Siraya Tech's Aegis coating system delivers a professional finish that resists water and UV exposure.
Siraya Tech Materials for Bathroom Prints
For functional bathroom accessories that need to survive daily moisture and the occasional drop, Siraya Tech's lineup has strong options on both the filament and resin side.
On the filament side, PETG-CF adds carbon fiber reinforcement for extra rigidity if you're printing a large organizer that needs to support real weight.
Final Thoughts
A 3D printed toothbrush holder is a practical, low-cost project that solves a real problem in your bathroom. Choose PETG or resin for moisture resistance, design with drainage and hygiene in mind, and finish with a sealant for long-lasting results.
Once you've nailed the toothbrush holder, it's a short leap to soap dishes, razor stands, and full bathroom organizer sets — all printable with the same materials and settings.
Browse Siraya Tech's filament and resin collections to find the right material for your next functional home print.
Related Reading on Siraya
- Useful Things to 3D Print
- Clear Coat for 3D Prints: How to Apply
- Sanding 3D Prints: Complete Guide
- Best Filament for Functional Parts
- What Is PETG Filament: Buyer's Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a 3D printed toothbrush holder?
PETG is the best all-around choice for bathroom use. It's water-resistant, handles humidity, and can be cleaned in a dishwasher. ASA is another strong option with added UV resistance. Avoid PLA in high-moisture bathrooms.
Is it hygienic to use a 3D printed toothbrush holder?
Yes, with proper design and finishing. Include drainage holes to prevent standing water, use separate slots for each brush, and smooth or coat the surface to minimize bacterial buildup. Clean it regularly just as you would any bathroom accessory.
How do I make a 3D printed toothbrush holder waterproof?
Print with at least 3–4 walls and 4+ top/bottom layers in PETG. Apply a clear coat sealant after printing. These two steps create a watertight surface that won't absorb moisture or weaken over time.
Can I print a toothbrush holder with a resin printer?
Yes. Resin printing produces smoother surfaces that are easier to clean and look more polished. Use a tough or durable resin for parts that may be dropped. Standard resins are not certified for direct food contact, so always seal the finished print.
How long does it take to print a toothbrush holder?
Most designs print in 1–3 hours on an FDM printer at standard settings. Small wall-mounted single-brush holders can finish in under an hour. Larger family-sized organizers may take 3–5 hours depending on size and detail.
Where can I find free toothbrush holder STL files?
Thingiverse, Printables, and MakerWorld all have free toothbrush holder designs. Search "toothbrush holder" and filter by most popular or highest rated. Many designs are parametric, so you can adjust slot sizes and count before slicing.