After a few months you unscrew the nozzle, take a look inside and spot a dark film. It's not a pretty sight, and your first thought is probably whether you've been cleaning your teeth with that the whole time. Don't worry. You're not the only one, and it doesn't mean you've neglected anything.
Want to know why mould builds up in a water flosser, how to clean the device properly and how to stop it coming back for good? Read on.
Why does mould build up in a water flosser?
A little water stays inside the flosser after every use, in the reservoir, the tubing and the nozzles. And standing water, somewhere warm and dark, is a perfect home for mould. It isn't a fault in the device, just physics and the small bit of forgetfulness we all know.
How do you know it's time to clean it?
Usually you'll notice sooner than you'd expect. Dark or pinkish specks in a clear reservoir or in the tubing. A musty smell when you bring the device up to your nose. A slimy, slippery surface wherever water sits. One of those signs is enough, and it's time. And if you've never cleaned your flosser at all, the time is right now, whatever you can see.
How to clean a water flosser properly
What you'll need fits on two lines. Lukewarm water, white vinegar and a spare minute. Nothing more.
The basics are quick and dull, but they keep mould at bay. After every use, empty any leftover water from the reservoir, run the device for a moment on empty to clear the tubing, and leave the nozzle and reservoir to air-dry. Open, not closed.
Every so often, add a deeper clean. Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water and a little white vinegar, roughly two tablespoons per tank, and let the solution run through the device. Vinegar dissolves the limescale and residue that mould loves to cling to. Removable parts, such as the reservoir and nozzles, can soak in the same solution for a while. For visible specks around the nozzle openings, reach for a cotton bud or an old toothbrush. Rinse everything with clean water at the end, so you don't taste vinegar later.
This is exactly where a reservoir that lifts right off comes in handy. The Truelife AquaFloss Compact L100 has a removable 300 ml reservoir, so you can rinse and dry it with ease, and the box already includes a set of replacement nozzles. Nozzles are one of those parts that are worth swapping out over time.
Replace the nozzle roughly every three to six months. It wears down, gets harder to clean, and mould clings most happily in its little grooves.
How to prevent mould altogether
The best clean is the one you never have to deal with. The key is simple. Don't leave water sitting in the reservoir when the flosser isn't in use. After cleaning, empty the reservoir and let it and the nozzle dry freely, ideally laid out and turned upside down so the water runs off. Don't shut a wet nozzle straight into a travel case either, it won't dry in there, which is exactly what mould wants. And use the flosser daily if you can. When water runs through regularly and the device dries in between, mould never gets its chance.
FAQ
Is black mould in a water flosser dangerous?
You certainly don't want black mould in your mouth, but there's no need to panic. It's easy to prevent with regular cleaning. If you can see a film in the device or notice a musty smell, clean it before your next use.
Can I use bleach to clean it?
Bleach doesn't belong in your mouth, not even diluted. Stick to a solution of lukewarm water and white vinegar. It handles mould and limescale and leaves nothing harmful behind in the device.
How often should I deep-clean the flosser?
A vinegar deep-clean about once a month is enough. A quick rinse and dry, though, belongs with every use, and that's the more important half.
How long does a nozzle last?
It's a good idea to replace the nozzle every three to six months. A worn nozzle cleans less well and holds on to bacteria more easily.
Can we share a water flosser in the family?
Everyone should have their own nozzle. The body of the device can be shared, but don't swap nozzles, they carry bacteria across. Most flossers come with nozzles in several colours for exactly this reason, so nobody mixes them up.
A minute more, and you'll be glad you spent it
Rinsing and drying your flosser takes about a minute. Once a month you add the vinegar, and that's it. For that little bit of extra time you get a device you won't mind reaching for, and a mouth that's clean without a nasty surprise waiting inside the reservoir.
If you travel with your flosser, keep it in mind on the road too. The Truelife AquaFloss Mini M50 fits into its case, and you can empty and dry it just as easily as the one at home. That way you won't invite mould along on holiday either.
