Unplug the charger before you separate the brush from the charger. Even if the wires are not connected to the toothbrush, it is best to be safe. Align the brush head with the front of the handle and pull up to remove it. Unplug the charger before you inspect your toothbrush. Place each part on a towel or other cloth to prevent bacteria from spreading on other surfaces.
Inspect the brush head and handle individually and thoroughly. You are most likely to find gunk on the (moist) surfaces that the brush head and charger connect. The handle is usually full of bacteria from holding the toothbrush, but also from the toothpaste that gathers during brushing.
Wipe the base of the head before soaking it to help the solution more effectively remove other gunk. [4] X Research source Mix one part bleach to ten parts water and soak the brush head for an hour. [5] X Research source Mix ½ cup/ 120ml of water and 2 tablespoons/ 30ml white vinegar in a cup. If desired, add 2 teaspoons/ 10mg baking soda if you like as well. Soak the brush head for 30 minutes. Place the brush head in a cup with 3. 0% hydrogen peroxide for 20 minutes. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Rinse your brush head for at least 20 seconds under warm, running water. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Dry your brush head with a cloth and then store it exposed to the air to prevent further gunk from developing. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Avoid submerging the handle in water or a disinfectant solution, which can make it inoperable because it is an electronic device. [10] X Research source You can use a mild soap or a mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water to clean the gunk off of your toothbrush handle. [11] X Research source Dip a cotton swab or pad in the solution or soapy water and clean the area where the head attaches. Then clean the rest of the unit. [12] X Research source You can also use disinfectant wipes that have been presoaked in alcohol. These wipes can easily clean the entire handle and the solution will evaporate quickly. If black gunk is coming out of the handle, you may want to call Phillips Customer Service and request a new handle, as it is difficult to deconstruct the handle unit in order to effectively clean it. You can reach Phillips at 1(888) 744-5477. Allow the unit to dry thoroughly before reattaching it to the brush head.
Most toothpastes will help keep bacteria on your toothbrush at bay. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Using an alkaline toothpaste will also help to reduce bacteria and prevent the new formation of colonies for a while. Try a toothpaste with tricolsan/ copolymer, which may be more effective at keeping bacteria and gunk from forming. [15] X Research source
Hold the brush head under the water for at least 20 seconds. Allow the head to air-dry completely. Wipe off the handle if necessary.
Wipe any surfaces that appear moist, especially around the head and handle seal.
You can store the unit on the charger if you like, though you shouldn’t need to charge it more than once a week.
