The Student's Guide to Keeping Your Retainer Clean in a College Dorm Room

School is busy. Between the class work, the papers, and the social life that refuses to be cooler than it already is, keeping a basic retainer care routine isn‘t always top priority. But you‘ll see visible buildup and staining far more readily than you will protect against it, and a low-maintenance routine takes just a minute or two every day, even in a dorm with the most primitive plumbing.

The Dorm Room Challenge

One thing that all dorm rooms share is limited space. The key is a cleaning method that is compact, quick, and easy to upkeep. For all its simplicity an ultrasonic retainer cleaner is really just about the handiest devices any college student could possess. Flat enough to sit on a desk or shelf, it has a no-scrubbing heating cycle that runs in mere minutes and can quickly work into any daily or nightly habit.

Why Consistency Matters More Than Anything Else

Missing a session here and there is unavoidable.  If you keep missing sessions though, the plaque will build up and stain and give the retainers a smell. All you need is a daily rinse and a once weekly cycle through the ultrasonic cleaner. It‘s like putting gas in your car or charging your cell phone. You do it each day without even thinking about it.

Building a Simple Dorm Room Retainer Cleaning Routine

Morning

Every morning when you remove your retainer, clean it in cold water as soon as you can for about ten seconds. The sooner the better the “overnight” gunk won‘t dry onto the surface. If you ‘ve got a free minute before your first class, run a short cycle while you throw on your clothes. Most cycles are between three to ten minutes.

Evening

Before bed is the most important window. Fill the basin with cool water, add a cleaning tablet if you have one, and let the device run while you brush your teeth. Rinse well before putting the retainer back in or into its case.

Weekly

Wash the basin out and wipe through. If not rinsed out, oil and mineral residue can start to build up. A clean basin will allow the unit to work smoothly.

What to Keep in Your Dorm Cleaning Kit

You do not need much. A compact retainer cleaning setup for a dorm room includes:

• An ultrasonic retainer cleaner - small, silent and capable of cleaning without scrubbing.
• Cleaning tablets - for use on dental devices, portable and long-lasting
• A retainer case - A retainer should always be kept in its case whenever it’s not being used. 
• A soft bristle toothbrush - to do quick, ‘manual’ flush mouthwash when trying to fit in a quick full cycle.

Common Dorm Room Mistakes to Avoid

Covering your retainer up with a tissue or napkin.

This is one of the more common reasons a retainer gets thrown away accidentally. There is no problem leaving it in its case, and doesn‘t take up very much room.

Submerging your retainer in tap water for an extended period of time.

A simple soak with no cleanser will not clean the retainer. What it will do, though, is cause the retainer to build up residue. Use your ultrasonic retainer cleaner to perform efficient cleaning cycles.

Hot water from the communal bathroom.

Hot water can distort certain types of retainer materials and change the fit. Always use cool or luke-warm water.

Sharing the cleaning tables and cases.

Do not share your cleaning tables and cases with college roommates. Be certain to rinse your ultrasonic retainer cleaner prior to any other people using it.

Shop the Ultrasonic Retainer Cleaner

Compact enough for any desk, simple enough for any routine. An ultrasonic retainer cleaner is the easiest upgrade to your dorm room cleaning kit. Browse the full range at UltrasonicRetainerCleaner.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to bring my ultrasonic retainer cleaner into the public common room of my dorm?

The device is compact and portable, so yes but most students find it easier to keep it on their desk and run cycles there. That‘s all you require- a power point and a cold glass of water.

What would happen if I do not clean my retainer for 2 days?

I would use the ultrasonic retainer cleaner in combination with a cleaning tablet that will even get rid of the build up on the surface of the retainer.

How should I wear my retainers in the halls?

Store your retainers in their retainer cases, when you‘re not wearing them. Do not leave the cases into direct sunlight as well (e.g. on a window slack, radiator).

Do I need cleaning tablets?

Or is plain water okay? Using plain cool water in the ultrasonic retainer cleaner will help facilitate cleaning, by helping to loosen up the surface dirt/slime that can be seen. A suggestion might be giving cleaning tablets a try to see if it helps get more stubborn dirt/stains out.

Is there a way that I can use it in a regular dorm bathroom?

Yes the device is rather compact and portable. Most students tend to leave it on their work space only putting any selection of cycles on it. All you need is a power socket and a glass of fresh/ cold water.

What goes on if I fail to clean my retainer for a couple of days?

Run a full ultrasonic retainer cleaner cycle with a cleaning tablet to help loosen any surface debris. Usage is easier to maintain if you can associate it with a daily routine e.g. Teeth brushing.

How can I prevent my retainer from being lost in the hostel? 

Keep it in its box at all times (never leave it on the window ledge or on the radiator as the heat will distort the shape of the appliance) in a dry place.

Are you going to be using any special tablets to clean the container or will ordinary water do?

The ultrasonic retainer cleaner should be filled with plain cool water as this will aid the cleaning process and also loosen any existing surface deposits. Tablets can also be used for heavier scaling and staining, they will increase the intensity of the cleaning process.

Conclusion

Keeping your retainer clean when you‘re at college isn‘t anything too complicated or time-consuming. All that is really needed is an ultrasonic retainer cleaner, a container of cleaner tablets, and a safe,  solid container to keep it in.  Get into that habit early on in the semester,  for every time you do whatever it is you already do every day, and it will just become natural!

Your future self and your retainer will thank you.

Please note this article is for general appliance-cleaning information and is not a substitute for the advice and care instructions indicated by your dentist or orthodontist, appliance-maker or the cleaning-tablet pack. This is designed to provide a convenient assistance with cleansing your whole range of dental appliances and is not a replacement for sterilisation, disinfecting or treatment.