Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes are truly wonderful for oral hygiene. Unfortunately, however, they get dirty easily, especially on the inside between head and handle, which requires frequent maintenance. This article suggests how to avoid that annoying buildup of dirt and mold residue.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Toothbrush
Step 1. Clean the inside very frequently
By "very frequently" we mean every time you use the toothbrush: this type of cleaning prevents dirt from accumulating, thus also avoiding the formation of mold.
The Sonicare is not well sealed between the head part and the cavity it is inserted into. In appearance it seems sealed, but in reality the gasket that allows the vibration of the toothbrush cannot prevent the entry of the dirt that slips from the top
Step 2. Clean both the head inside and the handle cavity under water
Probably a good rinse is more than enough.
Step 3. Leave the toothbrush unassembled to allow the two parts to dry well between uses
Part 2 of 3: Deep Cleaning
Step 1. For a deeper clean you can use a spray bathroom cleaner
For initial cleaning, the best way is to use an old Sonicare head.
Step 2. Soak the two parts in a peroxide solution
A pack of hydrogen peroxide is usually always present in the medicine cabinet, and is preferable to various products for cleaning the bathroom. Also dip your toothbrush to get rid of all bacteria.
Part 3 of 3: Disassemble the Toothbrush for Better Storage
Step 1. When you don't need it, leave your toothbrush unassembled
In this way the cavities dry well, moreover, by keeping them separate, the flow and accumulation of dirt (mainly consisting of toothpaste residues) is avoided.
Step 2. If you want to store the Sonicare with the head attached, place it horizontally to prevent dirt from getting into the cavities
If the toothbrush is placed horizontally it cannot be charged, but it is not a big problem, as it generally recharges once a week. If the charge lasts less than a week, you probably need to change the battery, which is possible but not easy as it requires a bit of dexterity. Remove the head when you put it in charge, or clean it thoroughly before putting the handle in charge.
Step 3. Thoroughly clean both the toothbrush and the insertion shaft before charging
Once washed, also remember to dry them with a cloth or towel to prevent drops and residues from getting into the cavities.
Advice
- The battery can be changed, but it is not easy, as you need notions of electronics and mechanics.
- On the internet you can find replacement heads belonging to other brands. Attention, however, because they may differ from the original ones, in duration and performance.
- The cavity of the toothbrush "invaded" by dirt is truly a disturbing sight. If this happens to you, and you don't want to throw away the head, get ready for a fine job: in fact, reaching the final part of the cavity will not be easy! Some bathroom cleaners might come to your rescue, but always make sure it's not harmful.
- According to reports, Philips offers valuable product support, and for defective ones, it ships the replacement free of charge.
