The Best Ways to Clean a Waterpik Water Flosser

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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

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Cleaning the Reservoir

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Cleaning the Flosser & Internal Parts

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Cleaning the Handle & Tip

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Video

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Expert Interview

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Warnings

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Water Reservoir

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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]
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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]
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- 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]
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- 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.
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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.^{[4]
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- 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Flosser & Internal Parts

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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.”
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. 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.”
- 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.^{[5]
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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.^{[6]
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- Leave the reservoir unattached until the next time you use your Waterpik.

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.^{[7]
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- 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.
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.^{[8]
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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.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

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Warnings

Don’t submerge the unit in water.

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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.^{[10]
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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.^{[11]
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