Water flossers are useful oral care devices. They remove food particles and plaque with a stream of water and clean between teeth and below the gumline where regular floss cannot. But while your water flosser is cleaning your mouth, it also needs to be cleaned.
As with any water-using appliance, your water flosser may be susceptible to limescale buildup, mold, and bacterial buildup unless maintained. The following is a step-by-step process for how to properly clean your water flosser.
Why Cleaning Your Water Flosser Matters
Water flossers are constantly exposed to water and are therefore the perfect breeding ground for minerals, mold, and bacteria. [1] This is why you need to regularly clean yours:
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Prevents bacterial contamination within the water reservoir and the nozzle.
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Prevents water clogs with regular water pressure.
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Extends the life of the device.
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Improves oral hygiene by providing clean and sanitary water.
How Often Should You Clean a Water Flosser?
To keep your water flosser running smoothly:
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Everyday usage: Rinse and drain the reservoir after each use.
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Weekly: Clean and wipe all removable items.
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Monthly: Deep clean the internal mechanisms and tip with hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar.
Replace the tip of the flosser every 3 to 6 months for the best results.
Daily cleaning prevents bacterial buildup, protects your oral health, and ensures your flosser functions properly. A clean water flosser means a brighter smile. [2]
Miten puhdistaa veden Flosser
Cleaning your water flosser periodically is necessary to make it function effectively and last longer. Mineral buildup, bacterial buildup, and debris may accumulate after a while and reduce water pressure and quality. [3] We will break the entire process into step-by-step instructions.
Things You'll Need
- White vinegar or mild dish soap
- Warm water
- A soft cloth or a sponge
- A toothbrush or a little brush
- Cotton swabs
- Hydrogen peroxide for extra sanitization (Optional)
1. Unplug the Device
Always disconnect your water flosser from power when cleaning to prevent any electrical risks.
2. Drain the Water Tank and Clean It
Drain the water reservoir and pour out the water. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue or excess mouthwash (if necessary). If the reservoir is dishwasher-safe (see your model's instructions), place it on the top rack of your dishwasher every week.
3. Clean the Outside of the Unit
Clean the exterior of your water flosser with a soft cloth and a mild non-abrasive cleaner. This prevents dust, grime, and water spots from accumulating. Clean the areas around any buttons or control panels since dirt accumulates around them.
4. Clean the Water Tank
The water reservoir can harbor mineral deposits and bacterial buildup unless cleaned regularly. The following is how it is cleaned:
- Remove the reservoir from the unit. If you are not certain how to check your product manual for any guidance.
- For countertop models, remove the small black reservoir valve by pushing it from the bottom. Massage the valve under warm water for about 30-45 seconds, then set it aside.
- Put the reservoir on the top dishwashing rack for a thorough cleaning. Air dry the reservoir instead of using the heated dry function to avoid damaging any plastic components.
Prefer hand washing? Wash gently with warm, soapy water.
For a deep clean:
- Combine 1:1 white vinegar and warm water and fill the tank halfway. Allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes to dissolve mineral buildup and kill bacteria.
- Gently swish the solution around and rinse the tank with clean water thoroughly.
5. Clean the Internal Tubing
Cleaning the internal parts prevents your flosser from becoming clogged with limescale and bacterial buildup:
- Pull the tip out with the eject button.
- Dip the handle into a 2 parts water and 1 part white vinegar solution for 5-7 minutes.
- Rinse the handle with warm water to remove any remaining residue.
6. Clean the Flosser Tip
You need to take special care with the tip of your water flosser since it directly touches your teeth and gums:
- Pull the tip out with the ejection button.
- Soak it in 2 parts water and 1 part white vinegar (or hydrogen peroxide) for 5–10 minutes.
- Thoroughly rinse the tip with warm running water.
Tip: Replace the tips every 3–6 months, or whenever they show signs of wear.
7. Wipe the Exterior
Clean the exterior of the flosser with a damp cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh cleaners and do not soak the base unit in water.
Clean the areas around the buttons or tight spaces with a cotton swab.
8. Let Everything Air Dry
After rinsing and cleaning all the parts, allow them to air dry completely before assembling. Store your flosser in a dry, cool place.
Additional Tips for Water Flosser Maintenance
Keeping your device running its best isn't hard—it just takes regularity. Below are some additional tips for taking your maintenance routine to the next level:
- Use distilled water whenever possible, especially if your water supply contains a high mineral content. It prevents limescale buildup.
- Avoid leaving water sitting in the reservoir between uses
- Replace the nozzle every 3–6 months—if cracked or worn out. A worn nozzle can harbor bacteria and lose its function.
- Check your user's manual for the brand's care guidelines. Not all flossers are alike—some are removable tube type and some are not.
- Try to keep it dry. Water trapped within the tank or around the handle breeds mold and bacteria. Make sure that your flosser dries thoroughly before storing.
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Regular cleaning of your water flosser helps it perform better, prevents the accumulation of mold and bacteria, and keeps your oral care at its best. A dirty flosser not only reduces its performance—it could also compromise your oral care. A few simple steps every month can make your unit last longer and leave your mouth fresher, cleaner, and healthier.
Do not let the device show signs of buildup or clogging. Clean it as a regular part of your oral care routine — your teeth (and your flosser) will thank you!