How to clean and descale a water flosser

After every use

Water left standing overnight is the main cause of smells and slimy residue, so this habit makes the biggest difference.

1. 1

   Empty any water left in the reservoir.

2. 2

   For a countertop unit, run it for a few seconds with the reservoir empty, pointing the tip into the sink, to clear water from the hose, if your manual suggests this.

3. 3

   For a cordless unit, open the tank and shake out remaining water.

4. 4

   Leave the reservoir or tank open to air dry.

Weekly clean

1. 1

   Unplug a countertop unit before cleaning the base.

2. 2

   Remove the reservoir and wash it in warm water with a little washing-up liquid. Rinse well.

3. 3

   Some reservoirs are top-rack dishwasher safe; check your manual before using a dishwasher.

4. 4

   Wipe the base, handle and hose with a damp cloth. Do not put the base under the tap.

5. 5

   Remove the tip and rinse it under warm water.

6. 6

   Dry everything before reassembling.

Note:Never immerse a mains-powered base in water. Unplug it first, and dry it completely before plugging it back in.

Descaling with white vinegar

Limescale builds up faster in hard water areas such as much of southern and eastern England. Signs include a weaker jet, white deposits in the tank or a sputtering tip.

Waterpik and other makers describe a descaling method using white vinegar and warm water. The proportion and frequency are given in the manual, so use those. In general terms:

1. 1

   Mix white vinegar with warm water in the proportion your manual gives.

2. 2

   Fill the reservoir with the solution.

3. 3

   Run the unit with the tip pointing into the sink until about half the solution has gone.

4. 4

   Switch off and leave it to stand for the time the manual suggests.

5. 5

   Run the rest of the solution through.

6. 6

   Fill the reservoir with clean warm water and run it all through to rinse.

Cleaning tablets and other products

Some brands sell cleaning or descaling tablets for flossers. Use only products the maker approves for your model, as some chemicals can damage seals or plastics. Avoid bleach, solvents and abrasive cleaners.

If you use mouthwash in the reservoir, check the manual first, and rinse with clean water afterwards. Some makers advise against it because it can leave residue.

Cordless flosser care

Cordless flossers hold water in the handle, so the tank and its valve need attention. Open the tank, rinse and air dry it after use. Some tanks detach fully for washing. Keep the charging port dry and follow the manual's guidance on whether the handle can be rinsed.

Descaling a cordless model follows the same idea as a countertop unit, but with a smaller amount of solution. Check the manual for the right method.

Tips and when to replace them

Replace a tip sooner if it cracks, discolours or stays clogged after cleaning. Do not share tips; each person should have their own colour.

If cleaning does not fix the flow

If the jet is still weak after descaling, check the tip is pushed fully home, the reservoir is seated properly and the valve at its base is clear. Our guide to Waterpik not pumping water goes through the common faults. For combined brush and flosser units, see Waterpik Sonic-Fusion problems.

Looking after the flosser is only half of the routine; brushing twice a day for about two minutes, as the NHS advises, matters too. Our premium electric toothbrush guide and sonic toothbrush guide compare brushes to pair with it.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I descale a water flosser? Follow your manual. In hard water areas you will need to do it more often.

Can I put a Waterpik reservoir in the dishwasher? Some reservoirs are top-rack dishwasher safe. Check the manual for your model.

Why does my water flosser smell? Usually water has been left standing. Empty and dry it after each use and wash the reservoir weekly.

Are water flosser cleaning tablets safe? Use only those the maker approves for your model.