Difference between revisions of "Keep Your Philips Sonicare Clean of Black Gunk"

If you are a fan of electronic toothbrushes, you may use a Philips Sonicare to enjoy deep cleaning of your teeth and mouth. But sometimes black or even pink gunk, which may be mold or bacteria, can build up on the unit.<ref name="rf1"> http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/21/toothbrush-germs-_n_5127448.html</ref> By disinfecting your Philips Sonicare and maintaining its cleanliness on a daily basis can get rid of black gunk and prevent it from developing.<ref name="rf2">http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/cpindex.pl?ctn=HX6711/02&dct=QAD&faqview=1&refdisplay=E10_RTB_CLEANING_001&refnr=0082682&scy=US&slg=AEN</ref>

#Separate the toothbrush parts. Take apart your Phillips Sonicare by removing the brush head from the handle. This can make it easier to identify sources of gunk and clean them thoroughly.<ref name="rf3">http://www.sonicare.com/professional/en_US/pdf/USEasyCleanProductManual.pdf</ref>

#*Unplug the charger before you separate the brush from the charger.<ref name="rf3" /> 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.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Unplug the charger before you inspect your toothbrush.<ref name="rf3" />

#Identify parts with gunk. Generally, most mold or bacteria will develop on areas of your toothbrush not exposed to air, including brush heads stored in plastic.<ref name="rf2" /> Figuring out which parts have gunk can help you more effectively remove it and keep it from returning.

#*Wipe the base of the head before soaking it to help the solution more effectively remove other gunk.<ref name="rf4">http://www.howtocleananything.com/personal-hygiene/how-to-clean-an-electric-toothbrush/</ref>

#*Mix one part bleach to ten parts water and soak the brush head for an hour.<ref name="rf4" />

#*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.<ref name="rf5">http://www.thenaturalsinger.com/natural-living-at-home/disinfect-your-toothbrush-naturally/</ref>

#*Place the brush head in a cup with 3.0% hydrogen peroxide for 20 minutes.<ref name="rf6">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3276857/</ref>

#Rinse and dry brush head. Once you’ve soaked your brush head in the solution you chose for the allotted time, thoroughly rinse and dry it. Pay attention to the time to avoid fraying the bristles. This can ensure that you remove all of the solution and any residue and help keep more black gunk from forming.<ref name="rf6" />

#*Rinse your brush head for at least 20 seconds under warm, running water.<ref name="rf6" />

#*Dry your brush head with a cloth and then store it exposed to the air to prevent further gunk from developing.<ref name="rf6" />

#Clean the handle. After you’ve removed the gunk and properly stored your brush head, you can move on to cleaning the handle. In most cases, you can simply clean off black gunk with a mild cleanser or bleach solution with a soft cloth.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Avoid submerging the handle in water or a disinfectant solution, which can make it inoperable because it is an electronic device.<ref name="rf4" />

#*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.<ref name="rf4" />

#*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.<ref name="rf4" /> 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.<ref name="rf3" /> You can reach Phillips at 1(888) 744-5477.

#Avoid washing in a dishwasher. Avoid removing gunk or cleaning any part of your Sonicare by placing it in a dishwasher. This can damage the unit and make it inoperable.<ref name="rf3" />

#Choose the optimal toothpaste. Select a toothpaste that effectively kills oral bacteria. This may help keep your brush from developing gunk and other bacteria that could harm your health.<ref name="rf7">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/21/toothbrush-germs-_n_5127448.html</ref>

#*Most toothpastes will help keep bacteria on your toothbrush at bay.<ref name="rf6" /> 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.<ref name="rf7" />

#Rinse the head thoroughly. After each use of your Sonicare, rinse the brush head thoroughly. Consider detaching it from the handle to help minimize the risk of developing gunk.<ref name="rf8">http://www.sonicare.com/professional/en_US/pdf/USEasyCleanProductManual.pdf </ref>

#*Allow the head to air-dry completely.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Wipe off the handle if necessary.<ref name="rf3" />

#Store the Sonicare properly. Store your Sonicare in an upright position, which can keep gunk from getting caught in the unit. Keep the unit in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight, the toilet seat, or any other place where the toothbrush might fall off and break.<ref name="rf8" />

*Replace your brush head every 3 months or when the bristles fray.<ref name="rf3" /> Also, pay attention to the color of the bristles, which may fade or go white when it is time to change the head.

*If your battery charge doesn’t last a week, it may be time to replace your battery or even Sonicare.<ref name="rf3" />