How to Clean a Plastic Retainer

Co-authored by Alina Lane, DDS

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

There are a variety of ways to clean your plastic retainer. For basic cleaning, use castile soap or a mild dishwashing detergent and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also clean your retainer by soaking it in a vinegar-water solution or a baking soda solution. Do not boil your retainer or use the dishwasher to clean it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Mild Soap

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The water will prep your retainer for the cleaning process.^{[1]
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Apply a mild soap onto a toothbrush. You can use liquid castile soap or a mild dishwashing detergent. Additionally, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. This way you can avoid scratching your retainer.^{[2]
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- Alternatively, you may use toothpaste. However, use regular, non-whitening toothpaste, or make a baking soda paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
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Make sure to scrub the inside, as well as the outside of your retainer. Scrub until any and all dirt and debris are removed.^{[3]
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Rinse it again. Do this once your retainer is clean. Hold it under cold or warm water until all the soap residue is gone.^{[4]
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- Clean your retainer once or twice a week, or as often as you need to.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Soaking It in a Vinegar-Water Solution

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1
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a cup. However, make enough solution so that your retainer is fully submerged once you put it in the cup.^{[5]
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- Alternatively, you may use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar.
Then place it in the cup. Let your retainer soak in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes. Then remove your retainer after it has finished soaking.^{[6]
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Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently scrub the inside and outside of your retainer.^{[7]
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Rinse it with cold water. Make sure to rinse your retainer thoroughly until all the residue is gone. Then place it back in your mouth or in its case.^{[8]
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- Soak your retainer once or twice a week to keep it clean.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Your Retainer with Baking Soda

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1
Combine 1 cup (240 ml) of cold water and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of hydrogen peroxide in a cup. Then add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients together until they are well-combined.^{[9]
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- To give the solution a fresh, minty taste, add a drop of peppermint oil.
Make sure your retainer is fully submerged in the solution. Let your retainer soak in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes. Then take it out.^{[10]
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Rinse your retainer with cold water. Do not use warm or hot water; this may melt the retainer. Rinse it thoroughly until all of the solution is removed. Then place it in its container or back in your mouth.^{[11]
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- Soak your retainer once a week to keep it clean and fresh.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Can I use toothpaste?

Alina Lane, DDS
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Alina Lane is a Dentist who runs All Smiles Dentistry, a general practice dental office based in New York City. After completing a DDS at the University of Maryland, Dr. Lane completed a year-long clerkship in Implantology at the University of Maryland, where she focused on the advanced restoration of dental implants. She continued her advanced education by completing a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Medical Center, an affiliate of the NYU School of Medicine. She received the Woodhull Medical Center Resident of the Year 2012-2013.

Alina Lane, DDS

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

You do not want to put toothpaste on the brush because the abrasive quality of the toothpaste can scratch the plastic over time.

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Question

Can I soak my retainer in something overnight to clean it?

Alina Lane, DDS
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Alina Lane is a Dentist who runs All Smiles Dentistry, a general practice dental office based in New York City. After completing a DDS at the University of Maryland, Dr. Lane completed a year-long clerkship in Implantology at the University of Maryland, where she focused on the advanced restoration of dental implants. She continued her advanced education by completing a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Medical Center, an affiliate of the NYU School of Medicine. She received the Woodhull Medical Center Resident of the Year 2012-2013.

Alina Lane, DDS

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

You do not want to soak it in any solutions overnight because that can weaken the plastic.

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Tips

You may also use commercial cleaners to clean your retainer like Retainer Brite, Sonic Brite, Denta Soak, and OAP Cleaner.^{[12]
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Warnings

Do not clean your retainer by boiling it in hot water. This may melt and distort its shape.^{[13]
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Do not use the dishwasher to clean your retainer.^{[14]
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Do not use harsh cleansers that contain chemicals like bleach, denture tablets, and/or mouthwash.^{[15]
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