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How to clean your electric toothbrush (and keep it germ-free)

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You brush your teeth daily, but how long has it been since you cleaned your toothbrush?

It may be a shocker, but even your electric toothbrush needs some cleaning from time to time.

Toothpaste, saliva, minerals present in water, and various bacteria accumulate on your toothbrush during every session.

Luckily, it does not take more than a couple of minutes a week to maintain your toothbrush clean.

What is even better, modern toothbrushes such as Laifen Wave Pro are engineered in a way to facilitate the process.

Everything you need to know is listed below.

Why should you clean your electric toothbrush?

When should you clean your electric toothbrush?

Your toothbrush is exposed to high humidity levels in the bathroom every single day, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

Though you rinse your toothbrush after each brushing session, removing toothpaste residues is not enough.

Some of the things you may find on your toothbrush if you do not clean it regularly include:

  • Mineral buildup

  • Toothpaste build-up

  • Water marks

  • Handle getting slimy

  • Build-up of dirt on the brush head area

  • Dust on the charger base

When should you clean your electric toothbrush?

Different components require different cleaning intervals.

After each brushing

  • Thoroughly rinse the brush head.

  • Thoroughly rinse the handle using running water.

  • Dry the excess water.

  • Place it upright for drying.

  • Once a week

Clean the toothbrush more deeply by cleaning the brush head, handle, and charger base.

Every three months

Replace the brush head or sooner if it is worn out or frayed.

How to clean an ordinary electric toothbrush?

All ordinary electric toothbrushes can be cleaned using household items.

Step 1: Take off the brush head

Take off the brush head

Separate the brush head from the handle.

This part attracts much toothpaste and moisture, particularly near the attachment site.

Step 2: Thoroughly rinse all parts

Wash the brush head and the handle separately under warm water.

Be especially attentive to the following:

  • The lower part of the brush head

  • The metal drive shaft

  • The place of connection of the brush head and handle

With your hands, remove any traces of dirt.

Step 3: Clean the handle

It is necessary to use a soft cloth or microfiber towel to clean the whole handle.

If the dirt is hard to remove, you should wet the cloth with mild soap solution.

Step 4: Clean the charging base

The first thing to do is unplug the charger.

Afterwards, wipe it with a wet cloth.

It is prohibited to wash the charging base even if it is mentioned in the instructions that it is waterproof.

Step 5: Allow everything to dry

It is important to put together the toothbrush only when the brush head and the handle are completely dry.

The toothbrush needs to be stored standing up in an open place, not in a sealed carrying case.

The parts that people usually neglect to clean

They just focus on cleaning the bristles.

They just focus on cleaning the bristles.

But ironically, the dirtiest areas will be located elsewhere.

At the junction between the brush head and the handle

This tiny gap is full of toothpaste foam and water everyday.

And if neglected, it can get sticky eventually.

Underneath the brush head

Minerals tend to accumulate under the detachable brush head.

Detaching the brush head weekly will help you avoid this problem.

The charging dock

It's natural for bathrooms to gather dust.

And with the additional humidity, the charging docks will become dirty very quickly.

At buttons and seams

Water mixed with toothpaste will gather at buttons and seams.

Cloth is way more useful in such cases than paper towels.

Tricks to clean stubborn stains

There are times when using warm water is not sufficient.

Below are some simple ways that could help.

White vinegar

Prepare a mixture containing equal parts of white vinegar and warm water.

Dip the head of the brush in the solution for 15 minutes.

It will help remove deposits from hard water.

Soft toothbrush

Interestingly, an old toothbrush can help clean your toothbrush.

Use it to scrub areas in corners and charging bases.

Cotton swabs

Cotton swabs can help clean areas close to the buttons and charging ports.

Microfiber cloth

A microfiber cloth cleans fingerprint marks without scratching smooth surfaces.

Sometimes warm water isn't enough.

Here are a few easy solutions.

White vinegar

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water.

Soak only the brush head for about 15 minutes.

This helps dissolve hard water deposits.

Soft toothbrush

Ironically, an old toothbrush works perfectly for cleaning another toothbrush.

Use it to scrub around tight corners and charging bases.

Cotton swabs

Cotton swabs are excellent for cleaning narrow spaces around buttons and charging contacts.

Microfiber cloth

A microfiber cloth removes fingerprints and water spots without scratching glossy finishes.

What should you avoid?

Never use:

  • Bleach
  • Harsh chemical cleaners
  • Boiling water
  • Steel wool
  • Abrasive brushes

These may damage seals or the toothbrush surface.

How Laifen Wave Pro simplifies cleaning?

Cleaning is essential – however, design thinking can help cut back on the cleaning process.

Laifen Wave Pro comes with various elements that make cleaning less required compared to other electric toothbrushes.

Seamless exterior

This toothbrush has a sleek exterior design without many grooves and joints for the toothpaste to accumulate.

Often, cleaning the handle requires no more than a simple wiping.

Waterproof design

The Wave Pro model comes with a waterproof design making the post-brushing rinsing process easy and hassle-free.

Once you're done brushing your teeth, rinse the handle using running water and dry it with a towel.

Detachable brush head

With a removable brush head, cleaning of the connection part is possible once a week.

How to clean the Laifen Wave Pro?

Cleaning your Wave Pro requires very little effort.

Every day

  • Rinse the brush head well.

  • Rinse the handle.

  • Shake off any extra water.

  • Place upright to dry.

Every week

  • Disassemble the brush head.

  • Rinse the connecting part.

  • Wipe the handle with a soft towel.

  • Wipe the charging base with a moistened microfiber cloth.

Frequently asked questions

May I clean my electric toothbrush with soap?

Yes. It is possible to apply a bit of soap on the handle; however, you need to rinse it off carefully. Do not immerse the handle into water without consulting the manufacturer, though.

Is it okay to soak the brush head in vinegar?

Yes. Soaking in white vinegar and warm water (50/50 ratio) for about 15 minutes will get rid of mineral deposits.

Should I put my electric toothbrush in a dishwasher?

No. Extreme temperatures and harsh detergents may harm your toothbrush.

What is the way to clean hard water stains?

The best way is to use white vinegar. If there is a tough stain, clean it with a soft toothbrush.

How frequently should I change my brush head?

Every three months if you do not notice any spreading, bending, or misshaping of the bristles.

Are there any specific instructions to follow for the Laifen Wave Pro?

No. You only need to rinse the device after every use and take out the brush head once a week to clean it more thoroughly. Also, it is recommended to clean the handle and the charging base by using a soft towel.

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· 66,000 vibrations with 60° oscillation
· 70-day super long battery life
· Smart sensor protects your gums
· Premium IPX8 fully waterproof design

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Sofia | Laifen blog author
Anna Sofia
A wellness writer who focuses on oral hygiene, Anna Sofia has an in-depth knowledge of various diseases of teeth and ways to treat them. Having an awareness of common diseases of teeth and preventative care, she provides readers with information to help them make informed decisions regarding their oral health.
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