A retainer sits in your mouth for hours every day, so it collects plaque, saliva and bacteria just like your teeth do. If you do not clean it, it can turn cloudy, pick up a smell, and become uncomfortable to wear.
The good news is that a clean retainer takes about two minutes a day. This guide shows you how to clean each type of retainer, what to avoid, how to deal with white film and smell, and how to store it safely. If you are looking for the full range of retainers we fit, see our page on teeth retainers in Dubai.
Quick answer. Rinse your retainer every time you take it out, brush it once a day with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water, soak it once a week in a retainer cleaner, and never use hot water.
How to Clean a Removable Retainer, Step by Step
This works for clear (Essix and Vivera) retainers and Hawley retainers.
- Rinse it as soon as you take it out. Use lukewarm water. This stops saliva drying on the surface.
- Brush it gently. Use a soft toothbrush, lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. Brush every surface, including the inside, where plaque collects.
- Rinse it again. Make sure no soap or toothpaste is left on it.
- Let it air dry, then store it. Put it in its case once it is dry.
- Brush your teeth before you put it back in. Putting a retainer over dirty teeth traps plaque against them.
How to Clean a Fixed (Bonded) Retainer
A fixed retainer cannot be taken out, so you clean it in your mouth.
- Brush along the wire and around each bonded tooth with a soft toothbrush, at least twice a day.
- Floss with a floss threader or a superfloss, passing it under the wire, once a day.
- Use an interdental brush if your orthodontist recommends one.
- Do not pick at the wire, and avoid very hard or sticky foods that can loosen it.
- Keep your regular dental check-ups, so we can check the wire and clean around it.
How Often Should You Clean Your Retainer?
| How often | What to do | Retainer type |
|---|---|---|
| Every time you take it out | Rinse with lukewarm water | Removable |
| Once a day | Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste | Removable |
| Once a week | Soak in a retainer cleaner, following the product instructions | Removable |
| At least twice a day | Brush along the wire and around the teeth | Fixed |
| Once a day | Floss under the wire | Fixed |
| At every check-up | Ask your orthodontist to check the fit and the condition of the retainer | All types |
What Not to Do When Cleaning a Retainer
- Do not use hot or boiling water. Heat can warp plastic retainers so they no longer fit, and can distort the wire on a Hawley retainer.
- Do not use harsh or abrasive toothpaste. It scratches the surface, which makes plaque stick and clear retainers look cloudy.
- Do not use bleach or strong chemicals. They can damage the retainer and are not safe in your mouth.
- Do not use mouthwash with alcohol for soaking. It can dry out and weaken some materials. Use a retainer cleaner designed for the purpose.
- Do not leave it in a hot place. A car dashboard or a sunny window sill can warp it.
- Do not wrap it in a napkin or tissue. This is how retainers end up in the bin.
- Do not clean it in a dishwasher or microwave.
How to Remove White Film, Smell and Stains
White Film or Cloudy Retainer
A white or cloudy film is usually plaque or mineral build-up from saliva and water. Brush it gently every day and soak it weekly in a retainer cleaner. If it does not come off, do not scrape it. Bring the retainer to your next check-up.
Bad Smell
A smell means bacteria are growing on the retainer. Brush it thoroughly, soak it in a retainer cleaner and rinse it well. Always let it dry before you put it back in its case, and clean the case as well.
Stains
Food and drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine can stain a retainer. Take your retainer out before you eat or drink anything other than water, and rinse it before you put it back in.
A Retainer That Won’t Come Clean
If a retainer stays cloudy, smelly or rough after careful cleaning, it may be time to replace it. See how to replace a lost or broken retainer.
How to Store Your Retainer Safely
- Keep it in its case whenever it is out of your mouth.
- Keep the case in the same place, such as your bag or bedside table.
- Clean the case regularly with soap and water, and let it dry.
- Keep it away from pets, which often chew retainers.
- Take the case with you when you travel or eat out.
- Never leave it on a tray, napkin or table.
How Do You Know When to Replace Your Retainer?
A retainer wears out. Book a check if you notice any of these:
- It is cracked, split, or has a broken or bent wire.
- It no longer fits, or feels tight when you put it in.
- It feels loose and slips off your teeth.
- It has rough or sharp edges that rub your gums or tongue.
- It stays cloudy, stained or smelly after careful cleaning.
- It is warped from heat.
- You have lost it.
See how to replace a lost or broken retainer. If you have just finished treatment, see retainers after Invisalign or retainers after braces.
Retainer Cleaning Questions
Can I clean my retainer with toothpaste?
Yes, but use a small amount of mild or non-abrasive toothpaste. Strong or whitening toothpaste can scratch the surface.
Can I use mouthwash to clean my retainer?
It is better to use a retainer cleaner made for the purpose. Avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol.
How do I clean my retainer when I am travelling?
Rinse it with lukewarm water, brush it gently, and keep it in its case. Pack a spare travel toothbrush, and never leave the retainer wrapped in a napkin or tissue.
Why does my retainer smell?
Bacteria and plaque build up on it. Brush it every day, soak it weekly, and clean the case too.
Why does my retainer have a white film?
It is usually plaque or mineral build-up. Gentle daily brushing and a weekly soak usually keep it away. If it will not come off, bring it to your next check-up.
Can I put my retainer in boiling water?
No. Boiling or hot water can warp it, so it no longer fits.
How long does a retainer last?
It depends on the type and how well you care for it. Plastic retainers wear out sooner than a Hawley or fixed retainer, and your orthodontist will tell you when yours needs replacing.
Not Sure Your Retainer Still Fits?
If your retainer is damaged, will not come clean, or feels different, book a free consultation with our orthodontic team. We will check your retainer and your teeth, and tell you whether it needs adjusting or replacing. Visit our Dubai Marina orthodontists page for the address, opening hours and map.Book a Free Consultation