How to Clean a Plastic Retainer

Using a Mild Soap

Rinse the retainer with warm or cold water. The water will prep your retainer for the cleaning process.

Apply a mild soap onto a toothbrush. You can use liquid castile soap or a mild dishwashing detergent. Additionally, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. This way you can avoid scratching your retainer. Alternatively, you may use toothpaste. However, use regular, non-whitening toothpaste, or make a baking soda paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.

Gently scrub the retainer. Make sure to scrub the inside, as well as the outside of your retainer. Scrub until any and all dirt and debris are removed.

Rinse it again. Do this once your retainer is clean. Hold it under cold or warm water until all the soap residue is gone. Clean your retainer once or twice a week, or as often as you need to.

Soaking It in a Vinegar-Water Solution

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a cup. However, make enough solution so that your retainer is fully submerged once you put it in the cup. Alternatively, you may use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar.

Rinse your retainer with cold or warm water. Then place it in the cup. Let your retainer soak in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes. Then remove your retainer after it has finished soaking.

Scrub your retainer with a toothbrush. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently scrub the inside and outside of your retainer.

Rinse it with cold water. Make sure to rinse your retainer thoroughly until all the residue is gone. Then place it back in your mouth or in its case. Soak your retainer once or twice a week to keep it clean.

Cleaning Your Retainer with Baking Soda

Combine 1 cup (240 ml) of cold water and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of hydrogen peroxide in a cup. Then add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients together until they are well-combined. To give the solution a fresh, minty taste, add a drop of peppermint oil.

Place your retainer in the cup. Make sure your retainer is fully submerged in the solution. Let your retainer soak in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes. Then take it out.

Rinse your retainer with cold water. Do not use warm or hot water; this may melt the retainer. Rinse it thoroughly until all of the solution is removed. Then place it in its container or back in your mouth. Soak your retainer once a week to keep it clean and fresh.