How to Maintain Your Ultrasonic Retainer Cleaner
An ultrasonic retainer cleaner is one of the smart investments someone can make towards his oral care. Small gadgets make high-frequency sound waves that create tiny bubbles that remove bacteria, plaque, and debris from the retainer that can't be reached by a toothbrush.
However, as with any appliance, your ultrasonic retainer cleaner must be regularly maintained to perform at its best. If not taken care of properly, it may lose its effectiveness, reduce in lifespan and dirty your retainer. All the information that you will need to ensure the smooth operation of your device for years to come.
Empty and Rinse the Tank After Each Use.
The important point in this is to make sure that the water in the tank is drained at the end of each cleaning session. If not then bacteria, mold and mineral deposits will grow even if the water is in the tank for a few hours. Drain the water and flush with warm, clean water after use.
Do not use hot water since the tank will misalign. No strong soap or shampoo may be applied between deep cleanings, only a gentle shampoo.
Clean Interior Every Week.
Use a soft, lint free cloth or cotton swab to clean the inside of the tank once a week. Can, over time, form mineral deposits (or limescale) that can impact the effectiveness of the ultrasonic retainer. Thin film residue can also form as a result of cleaning tablets or cleaning solutions during cycles.
If mineral deposits remain difficult to remove the cloth can be dampened with a small amount of the natural mineral descaler, white vinegar and gently scrub the area. Rinse off thoroughly after each use to get rid of vinegar residue.
Remove scale from the Tank Monthly
With weekly wipe downs, limescale may build up in inaccessible corners of the tank, particularly if you are in a hard water area. This buildup is best prevented by having a monthly descaling session so that it won't have any effect on performance.
- To clean your ultrasonic retainer cleaner:
- Fill the tank with half white vinegar, half water solution.
- Clean the retainer as if it was in your mouth, but do not put it in your retainer.
- Drain the tank, then clean two or three times with clean water.
- Then flush one last cycle to remove any vinegar left in the system with water.
Commercial descaling tablets are also available, usually at pharmacies and online stores, that are intended for use with ultrasonic cleaners.
Use the Right Water! Use the Correct Water!
Most people don't realize the importance of the type of water you use in your ultrasonic retainer cleaner. Tap water can be used for normal purposes, but if the tap water is very hard (calcium and magnesium content is high), the mineral deposits will be more apparent.
Using distilled or filtered water will make descaling less often and will extend the life of the transducer in your device. Don't use salt water or water with essential oils since they will corrode the internal parts over time.
Wash the Outside Frequently.
Don't overlook the outside of your device. The outside casing may collect dust, splashes and dirt around the control buttons and lid. Clean the outside surface with a slightly moistened cloth once a week and dry at once to avoid water penetrating the electronics.
Do not place the body of the ultrasonic retainer cleaner in water. The main unit contains electrical components which should remain dry at all times, only the tank is designed to hold liquid.
Check Transducer for Wear
The transducer is what powers your ultrasonic retainer cleaner and is the part that makes the sound waves that actually clean. Regularly check the bottom of the tank for any pits, discoloration or physical damage to the transducer plate.
If it is vibrating less than normal, or the retainer is not cleaning as well as it used to be, the transducer may be becoming worn out or mineral deposits may have settled on the transducer. A thorough descaling can often restore good performance.
Use It Correctly When It's Not in Use.
When storing your ultrasonic retainer cleaner for a long time, e.g., during travelling, or if you are not using the cleaner for a while, ensure that the tank is completely dry when stored. Store in a place where plastic parts will not deteriorate over time, out of direct sunlight and damp, in a clean and dry area.
Follow the Manufacturer's Directions.
There are a variety of different features in each of the ultrasonic retainer cleaners. Follow the guidelines of the specific model's instructions for the cleaning solutions, cycle times and maintenance schedules. Be careful to follow manufacturers' instructions and some manufacturers will be void of warranties if using cleaning agents that are not approved.
Final Remarks.
There is no need to spend a lot of time or effort to have your ultrasonic retainer cleaned, just a few minutes a week and a thorough cleaning once a month.
Regular washing, descaling and cleaning of the tank without leaving any residue behind guarantees that every cleaning cycle provides the maximum effect of the ultrasonic technology on your retainer.
A clean-up unit will not only provide a longer lifespan for your device, but it will also help ensure that your retainer remains clean and fresh. If you treat your cleaner like you do your retainer, you're sure to enjoy their services as well.