Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Removing the dirt
• Part 2 of 2: Keeping your toothbrush clean
• Tips

If you're a fan of electric toothbrushes, you may want to use a Philips Sonicare to thoroughly clean your teeth and mouth. Sometimes, however, black or even pink dirt can build up on the toothbrush, which could be fungi or bacteria. By disinfecting and cleaning your Philips Sonicare daily, you can remove black dirt and prevent it from accumulating.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Removing the dirt

1. Take apart the toothbrush parts. Disassemble your Philips Sonicare by removing the brush head from the handle. This makes it easier to detect and remove the dirt.
   • Unplug the charger before disassembling the toothbrush. It is best to work safely, even if the cable is not connected to the toothbrush.
   • Pull the brush head so that it lines up with the front of the handle and pull up to release.
   • Unplug the charger before examining your toothbrush.
   • Place the parts on a towel or cloth to prevent bacteria from getting on other surfaces.
2. Check which parts are dirty. In general, mold and bacteria grow on parts of your toothbrush that are not exposed to the air, including brush heads that are kept in plastic. By looking at which parts are dirty you can better remove the dirt and prevent the same places from getting dirty again.
   • Look at the brush head and handle separately and thoroughly. The (moist) surfaces where the brush head and handle come into contact are most likely dirty. The handle is usually full of bacteria because the toothbrush is held there, but also because of the toothpaste that accumulates during brushing.
3. Let the brush head soak. Make a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or bleach and insert the brush head into the mixture. This not only removes and kills fungi, but also bacteria that can cause infections in your mouth.
   • Wipe the lower part of the brush head before soaking to help the mixture remove other debris.
   • Mix one part bleach with ten parts water and let the brush head soak for an hour.
   • Mix 120 ml of water with 30 ml of white vinegar in a beaker. Add 10 grams of baking soda if you want. Let the brush head soak in the mixture for half an hour.
   • Place the brush head in a beaker with 3% strength hydrogen peroxide for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse and dry the brush head. Once you have soaked the brush head in the mixture of your choice long enough, rinse it thoroughly and dry it. Pay attention to the time to prevent the bristles from fraying. This will ensure that you remove all residue from the mixture and other residues to prevent more black dirt from building up.
   • Rinse the brush head under hot water for at least 20 seconds.
   • Dry the brush head with a cloth and store it so that it is exposed to the air to prevent the build-up of new dirt.
5. Clean the handle. After you have removed the dirt from the brush head and stored it properly, you can start cleaning the handle. In most cases, you can simply remove black grime with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner or bleach mixture.
   • Do not immerse the handle in water or any sanitizing mixture, as this could break your toothbrush because it is an electrical appliance.
   • You can use a mild cleanser or a mixture of one part bleach and ten parts water to remove dirt from the handle of your toothbrush.
   • Dip a cotton swab or ball into the mixture or cleaner and clean the area where the brush head attaches to the handle. Then clean the rest of the toothbrush. You can also use sanitizing alcohol wipes. With these wipes you can easily clean the entire handle and the agent evaporates quickly.
   • If black debris comes out of the handle, it may be a good idea to call Philips customer service and request a new handle. It is very difficult to take the handle apart to clean it properly.
   • Let the handle dry thoroughly before putting the brush head back on.
6. Do not wash your toothbrush in the dishwasher. Do not put your Sonicare in the dishwasher to remove dirt or to clean any part of it. This can damage and break your electric toothbrush.

Part 2 of 2: Keeping your toothbrush clean

1. Choose the best toothpaste. Find a toothpaste that kills any bacteria in your mouth. This can help keep your toothbrush from getting dirty and bacteria from growing on it that could be harmful to your health.
   • Most toothpastes prevent bacteria from growing on your toothbrush. Using a basic toothpaste will kill more bacteria and prevent new bacteria from growing for a while.
   • Try a triclosan toothpaste, which is better at fighting bacteria and less likely to build up dirt.
2. Rinse the brush head thoroughly. After using your Sonicare, always rinse the brush thoroughly. You can detach it from the handle so that the toothbrush does not get dirty as quickly.
   • Keep the brush head submerged for at least 20 seconds.
   • Let the brush head air dry completely.
   • Remove the handle if necessary.
3. Detach the brush head and handle. Store the brush head and handle separately when you're not using your toothbrush. This way, the parts can dry thoroughly and no dirt accumulates in or on your Sonicare.
   • Wipe all surfaces that are damp, especially around the brush head and handle seal.
4. Store your Sonicare properly. Store your electric toothbrush upright so that no dirt can get stuck in the device. Store the toothbrush in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and away from the toilet and other places where the toothbrush can fall in or off and break.
   • You can keep the toothbrush on the charger if you want, although you shouldn't have to charge the toothbrush more than a week.

Tips

• You can also use an oral irrigator to clean all nooks and crannies in the handle and brush head. Remove the protection from the brush head and then remove all visible debris. When the brush head looks clean, you can soak it in a disinfectant mixture.
• A mixture of ammonia with soap also works well and kills fungi that come into contact with it. Rinse your toothbrush extra well.
• Replace the brush head every three months or when the bristles start to fray. Also pay attention to the color of the bristles as they can fade or turn white when it comes time to replace the brush head.
• If your toothbrush battery lasts less than a week, it may be time to replace the battery or your Sonicare.