Clean your Waterpik to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Waterpiks are popular small appliances used to keep teeth and gums healthy and beautiful. Keep your Waterpik clean to maximize effectiveness, prevent it from breaking down quickly, and prevent bacteria build up and blockages.
Instructions
1. Take the Waterpik teeth-cleaning appliance apart, detaching all removable hoses, water reservoirs and pick attachments from the end. The part of the Waterpik that houses the pump and motor, where the electric cord comes out of, should be wiped down with a damp cloth and allowed to dry. Do not immerse this part in water.
2. Fill a large pot or bowl with a solution of 1 part warm or hot water to 1 part white vinegar. The white vinegar will remove hard water stains and mineral deposits, kill most bacteria on the Waterpik parts, and also destroy mold or mildew. Put the water reservoir, hoses and pick attachments into the vinegar solution. Being sure they are completely submerged, allow to soak for up to an hour.
3. Remove the Waterpik parts from the vinegar solution and rinse well with tap water. Squirt some liquid soap onto an old toothbrush or other similar small scrub brush and scrub all the pieces of the Waterpik appliance thoroughly. Rinse well again to remove all soap residue. Run clean water through the hoses and allow all pieces to dry.
4. Reassemble the Waterpik and fill it with a solution of tap water and germ-fighting mouthwash. Attach the appropriate hoses and pick attachments to the end. Turn the Waterpik on and allow the water and mouthwash mixture to run through the machine and into the sink. Switch the pick attachments so that each one is rinsed in this manner. This process will remove any leftover soap so that, when you use the appliance, you will not have a bad taste.
5. Repeat this entire process once a month or more frequently if you use the Waterpik extensively. Dry the appliance out thoroughly between uses to prevent bacteria build up or mildew growth. For exceptionally hard water areas, soak the Waterpik tips and hose in a vinegar solution more frequently.
Tips Warnings
Be sure to rinse the Waterpik well before use.
