Dish brush organizing systems usually cost about $15-$20 and have a number of limitations. Most don’t hold many dish tools and water tends to pool at the base. Some systems use suction cups to secure the unit inside the sink basin for easy access and drainage, but those get knocked askew when you’re washing big items and the brushes or sponges don’t get a chance to dry thoroughly between uses.

Here’s how to make your own superior dish brush organizer (and/or toothbrush holder) on the cheap. College kids looking to save beer money, take heed! :)

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

What you’ll need:

● two tall #5 plastic cups (think reusable soda cups from gas stations or party cups from Wal*Mart). The cups can’t be too rigid or they’ll crack when you try to make holes.
● craft wire
● a few rocks, or glass craft pebbles
● an awl or a drill
● scissors or wire cutters

Step 2: Add Rocks, Make Holes

Fill one cup with about an inch and half of clean rocks (boil them first if you found them outside). Make two more holes spaced two inches apart one inch below the rim of the cup

Filp the second cup over and drill or poke 3-4 drainage holes in the bottom.

Step 3: Bend the Wire

Cut about one foot of craft wire and bend it in into the shape pictured in the left image.

Fold the wire up as shown in the right image. Bend the cut ends inward and thread them through the two holes near the rim. Inside the cup, twist the ends together until they are secure.

Step 4: Complete the Assembly...

Drop the cup with the wire rack into the cup with the rocks, add your dish brushes and a sponge and you’ve got yourself a stable dish brush organizer that keeps your tools nice and dry.

Step 5: Why Not Make One for Your Toothbrush Too?

This design also works for keeping toothbrush handles slime-free. Use smaller cups and glass craft pebbles if you can’t find small rocks. There’s no need for a wire rack with this one.

Notes (for the dish brush version):

1. Every few weeks empty the water that has accumulated in the bottom cup, usually it isn’t much. Add splash of bleach and hot water to rinse the rocks with if you’re concerned about germs or fungal growth.
2. Cut sponges in half to save a bit of money. Half a sponge is more than enough to get the job done!
3. Sorry the pictures aren't too great or too plentiful on this one. If anything is unclear, please ask and I'll try to explain better.

Notes (for the toothbrush version):

1. I like to brush my teeth at work, so I made one of these to keep my toothbrush dry and up-right on my shelf. Also, when I carry it to the restroom to use, there's no need to rest my toothbrush on a questionably clean surface.