How to Clean a Waterpik

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 11, 2023 References Approved

Make sure your unit is unplugged before cleaning your Waterpik, unless otherwise instructed. You can keep your Waterpik clean by wiping it down weekly, as well as purging air and water from the flosser before and after use. Every one to three months: clean the reservoir in the dishwasher; use diluted vinegar or mouthwash to disinfect the reservoir, flosser, flosser tip and handle. These tips will help you keep your Waterpik sanitary and running well.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Reservoir

1
Wipe down the unit regularly. Unplug the unit. Wipe down the reservoir with a soft cloth and a cleaner that is mild and non-abrasive. Then rinse the unit by running through full reservoir of pure warm water. Do this as often as weekly if you use your Waterpik often.
- For example, use a wet cloth with a drop of gentle liquid soap.
2
Clean the reservoir in your dishwasher. Remove the reservoir from the unit. Separate the reservoir valve, if applicable, and set it aside. Put the reservoir with the open side facing down into the top dishwasher rack. Run the dishwasher. Allow the reservoir to air dry.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you’re unsure how to remove the reservoir, navigate to https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/product-support/manuals/ and locate your product manual.
- Countertop models have a black reservoir valve. Don’t wash the valve in the dishwasher. Remove it by pressing on the bottom of the valve.
- Perform such deep cleaning of the reservoir and valve every one to three months.
Advertisement
3
Wash the valve, if applicable. Hold the valve under warm running water. Massage it continuously for 30 to 45 seconds. Set it aside to air dry. Reattach it to the reservoir dome side up, by pressing it into place with all four prongs visible underneath the reservoir.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Both the valve and the reservoir should be completely clean and dry before reattaching the valve.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Internal Parts

1
Purge the flosser before and after use. Remove the reservoir. Run the flosser for at least ten seconds with the reservoir removed. Turn off the unit. Wipe down with a paper towel the cavity where the reservoir sits on the unit. Replace the reservoir sitting at an angle, so that the inner cavity and tubes can air dry.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- This will remove the extra air and water, to prevent bacteria and microorganisms.
2
Run diluted vinegar through the flosser. Mix sixteen ounces of warm water with two to four tablespoons of white vinegar. Pour this solution into the reservoir. Run the Waterpik so that half of the solution goes out. Turn the unit off. Put the handle of the Waterpik in the sink and let the rest of the solution drain for twenty minutes through the handle.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Disinfect your unit with this solution every one to three months.
- The vinegar solution removes mineral buildup from hard water.
- Vinegar’s acid content kills bacteria and breaks down grease.
- Instead of diluted vinegar, you can use diluted mouthwash at a ratio of one part mouthwash to one part water.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
3
Rinse the flosser. Run out any of the vinegar solution that is left. Fill the reservoir with warm water. Run the tankful of warm water through the flosser into the sink.^{[6]
X
Research source}
4
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.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Leave the reservoir unattached until the next time you use your Waterpik.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning the Handle and Tip

1
Clean the handle. Press the button to eject the flosser tip. Fill a container with white vinegar. Place the flosser handle in the container. Allow it to soak for five to seven minutes. Rinse off the handle with warm water.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- You’ll soak the tip separately from the handle.
2
Soak the flosser tip. Press the eject button to remove the tip. Fill a container with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Soak the tip in the container for five to seven minutes. Rinse the tip off with warm water.^{[9]
X
Research source}
3
Replace the tip every three to six months. Over time, the tip will get clogged with mineral deposits. This will interfere with its effectiveness. You can order replacement tips directly from Waterpik.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Regularly replacing the tip will help to keep your Waterpik operating effectively.

Warnings

Don’t submerge the unit in water.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 2 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.^{[11]
X
Research source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Check your product manual or contact Waterpik if you want to use a solution other than diluted vinegar or mild mouthwash, to make sure it is compatible with your product.^{[12]
X
Research source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0