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The Best Ways to Clean a Waterpik Water Flosser Download Article 10 easy steps to clean every part of your Waterpik Co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS and Sophie Burkholder, BA
Last Updated: April 26, 2024 Fact Checked
Download Article
Cleaning the Reservoir
|
Cleaning the Flosser & Internal Parts
|
Cleaning the Handle & Tip
|
Video
|
Expert Interview
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA. Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 177,578 times.
Your Waterpik may do a great job cleaning your teeth, but how can you do a great job cleaning your Waterpik? Whatever model of Waterpik you use, it’s a quick and easy process to wash and sterilize this handy water flosser—especially with these expert tips from our interview with board-certified dentist Pradeep Adatrow. Follow the simple steps below to clean your Waterpik from the inside out.
Cleaning a Waterpik
Remove the water reservoir from the Waterpik and wash it in the top rack of your dishwasher. Let it air dry.
Then, clean the internal parts by running a solution of 16 fluid ounces (470 mL) warm water and 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) white vinegar through the unit.
Finally, soak the handle and tip in separate containers of a 2:1 water and white vinegar solution. Rinse these parts in warm water and let them dry before reattaching.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Cleaning the Water Reservoir
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1 Wipe down the outside of the unit. Unplug the unit from any power source. Wipe down the reservoir with a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Repeat this process weekly to keep the outside of your Waterpik clean.[1]XResearch source
2 Clean the reservoir in your dishwasher. Remove the reservoir from the unit. If applicable, remove the small black reservoir valve by pushing on it from the bottom. Put the reservoir with the open side facing down into the top dishwasher rack. Run the dishwasher. Allow the reservoir to air dry rather than running a heat cycle.[2]XResearch source
If you’re unsure how to remove the reservoir, review the Waterpik product manual for your model.
If you don’t have a dishwasher, hand wash your Waterpik reservoir with warm soapy water.
A handheld waterpik’s reservoir can be cleaned in the same way. Remove the reservoir and place it in the top rack of the dishwasher.[3]XResearch source
Repeat this deep cleaning of the reservoir and valve every 1-3 months—otherwise, “mineral deposits and other substances can accumulate within your Waterpik, causing a decrease in pressure and effectiveness,” says Adatrow.[4]X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral SurgeonExpert Interview
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3 Wash the valve, if applicable. Hold the valve under warm running water. Massage it continuously under the water for 30 to 45 seconds. Set it aside to air dry.[5]XResearch source
Reattach the valve to the reservoir by pressing it back into place. The valve should be dome side up with the four prongs visible on the bottom of the reservoir.
Both the valve and the reservoir should be completely clean and dry before reattaching them together.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Cleaning the Flosser & Internal Parts
Download Article
1 Purge the flosser before and after each use. “Remove the reservoir and run the flosser for at least ten seconds with the reservoir detached,” instructs Adatrow. Turn off the unit. Wipe down the cavity under the reservoir with a paper towel.
Replace the reservoir but sit it at an angle so that the inner cavity and tubes can air dry.
Adatrow asserts that this step is crucial in order to “prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew inside your Waterpik.”[6]X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral SurgeonExpert Interview
2 Run diluted vinegar through the flosser. “Mix 16 fluid ounces (470 mL) of warm water with 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of white vinegar,” as recommended by Adatrow. “Run this solution through the Waterpik until the reservoir is empty,” Adatrow continues.[7]X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral SurgeonExpert Interview Then, fill the reservoir with clean warm water and run the unit again to rinse out the vinegar solution. Clean your Waterpik with this vinegar solution every 1-3 months.
The vinegar solution removes hard water mineral buildup in the Waterpik, kills bacteria, and breaks down oil and grease.
If you prefer to clean your Waterpik without vinegar, Adatrow offers a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or mouthwash as alternatives. “To create your disinfectant,” Adatrow instructs, “mix two parts of water with one part of your disinfectant.”[8]X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral SurgeonExpert Interview
To clean the internal parts of a handheld Waterpik, add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) white vinegar to a full reservoir of warm water. Point the handle and tip toward the sink run the unit until the reservoir is empty.[9]XResearch source
3 Leave the reservoir unattached. Place the disconnected reservoir on the counter. Alternately, place it on the unit at an angle so that the internal cavity is exposed. Allow the parts to air dry.[10]XResearch source
Leave the reservoir unattached until the next time you use your Waterpik.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Cleaning the Handle and Tip
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1 Clean the handle on countertop models. Press the eject button to remove the flosser tip, which will be cleaned separately. Fill a container with a 2:1 ratio of water and white vinegar. Place the flosser handle in the container and allow it to soak for 5-7 minutes. Rinse the handle with warm water.[11]XResearch source
If you have a Radiance (WF-09) Waterpik model, do not soak its handle. The handle on this Waterpik contains a non-replaceable battery that could break if submerged in water.
2 Soak the flosser tip. Press the eject button to remove the tip. Fill a container with a 2:1 ratio of water to hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. Soak the tip in the container for 5 minutes. Rinse the tip under warm water until clean.[12]XResearch source
3 Replace the Waterpik tip every 3-6 months. Over time, the tip will get clogged with mineral deposits. These hard water deposits will interfere with the Waterpik's effectiveness. You can order replacement tips directly from Waterpik.[13]XResearch source
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Expert Q&A
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Video
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
Don’t submerge the unit in water. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Never use bleach, iodine, baking soda, salt, or concentrated essential oils in your Waterpik. These methods can affect how your product performs and how long it lasts.[14]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Check your product manual or contact Waterpik if you want to use a solution other than diluted vinegar, 3% hydrogen peroxide, or mild mouthwash. Make sure that the solution is compatible with your product.[15]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
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Things You'll Need
Soft cloth
Mild liquid soap
Paper towel
Dishwasher
White vinegar, mouthwash, or 3% hydrogen peroxide
Empty container or sink basin
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about taking care of your teeth, check out our in-depth interview with Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS.
Co-authored by: Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon This article was co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA. Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. This article has been viewed 177,578 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 8Updated: April 26, 2024 Views: 177,578 Categories: Oral HygieneArticle SummaryX
If you want to clean your Waterpik, start by combining 16 ounces of warm water with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Next, pour the solution into the reservoir and run the Waterpik until half of it goes out. Then, drain the remaining solution through the handle into the sink and run warm water through the tank to get rid of any vinegar. Once you've washed the tank, remove the reservoir, take out the valve, and wash the reservoir in the dish washer. Additionally, remember to wipe down your Waterpik regularly to keep it clean and change the tip every 3-6 months. For tips on how to clean the handle and tip of your Waterpik, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Anonymous
Oct 23, 2017
"The tip to use mouthwash to clean it (duh on me) and put the reservoir in the dishwasher helped the most. Lost instructions, so I had no clue about the dishwasher and I was using hydrogen peroxide when mouthwash makes much more sense. Thank you!"..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Co-authors: 8Updated: April 26, 2024 Views: 177,578100% of readers found this article helpful. 3 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
Anonymous
Oct 23, 2017
"The tip to use mouthwash to clean it (duh on me) and put the reservoir in the dishwasher helped the most. Lost instructions, so I had no clue about the dishwasher and I was using hydrogen peroxide when mouthwash makes much more sense. Thank you!"..." more
Anonymous
Jun 11, 2019
"I didn't realize how to clean the insides. I've done so now with this handy guide. Thank you." Rated this article:
Anonymous
Jun 9, 2018
"Cleaning the reservoir and tubing with water and vinegar then running water through."
Anonymous
May 4, 2018
"Directions were clear, concise, doable, and useful."
Anonymous
Apr 23, 2018
"The specific step to clean the handle helped. " Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article 10 easy steps to clean every part of your Waterpik Co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS and Sophie Burkholder, BA 
How to Clean Top and Bottom-Loading Water Coolers 
A Step-by-Step Guide to Thoroughly Cleaning Your Keurig Machine 
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Co-authored by: Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon This article was co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA. Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. This article has been viewed 177,578 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 8 Updated: April 26, 2024 Views: 177,578 Categories: Oral Hygiene Article SummaryX
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1 Wipe down the outside of the unit. Unplug the unit from any power source. Wipe down the reservoir with a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Repeat this process weekly to keep the outside of your Waterpik clean.[1] 
2 Clean the reservoir in your dishwasher. Remove the reservoir from the unit. If applicable, remove the small black reservoir valve by pushing on it from the bottom. Put the reservoir with the open side facing down into the top dishwasher rack. Run the dishwasher. Allow the reservoir to air dry rather than running a heat cycle.[2] 
3 Wash the valve, if applicable. Hold the valve under warm running water. Massage it continuously under the water for 30 to 45 seconds. Set it aside to air dry.[5] 
1 Purge the flosser before and after each use. “Remove the reservoir and run the flosser for at least ten seconds with the reservoir detached,” instructs Adatrow. Turn off the unit. Wipe down the cavity under the reservoir with a paper towel. 
2 Run diluted vinegar through the flosser. “Mix 16 fluid ounces (470 mL) of warm water with 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of white vinegar,” as recommended by Adatrow. “Run this solution through the Waterpik until the reservoir is empty,” Adatrow continues.[7] Then, fill the reservoir with clean warm water and run the unit again to rinse out the vinegar solution. Clean your Waterpik with this vinegar solution every 1-3 months. 
3 Leave the reservoir unattached. Place the disconnected reservoir on the counter. Alternately, place it on the unit at an angle so that the internal cavity is exposed. Allow the parts to air dry.[10] 
1 Clean the handle on countertop models. Press the eject button to remove the flosser tip, which will be cleaned separately. Fill a container with a 2:1 ratio of water and white vinegar. Place the flosser handle in the container and allow it to soak for 5-7 minutes. Rinse the handle with warm water.[11] 
2 Soak the flosser tip. Press the eject button to remove the tip. Fill a container with a 2:1 ratio of water to hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. Soak the tip in the container for 5 minutes. Rinse the tip under warm water until clean.[12] 
3 Replace the Waterpik tip every 3-6 months. Over time, the tip will get clogged with mineral deposits. These hard water deposits will interfere with the Waterpik's effectiveness. You can order replacement tips directly from Waterpik.[13] Advertisement 
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