How to Clean a Waterpik® Water Flosser In 5 Easy Steps

Mineral deposits and other materials can collect in your Water Flosser, causing it to lose pressure and effectiveness.

Here are 5 steps for simple cleaning with water, vinegar, and your dishwasher to keep your Water Flosser performing at its best. Complete this process every 1-3 months to ensure optimal performance.

Clean the outside of the unit
Clean the water reservoir
Clean the internal parts
Clean the handle (countertop models)
Clean the flosser tip

Watch our How to Clean Video

Step 1: Clean the Outside of the Unit

Clean the outside of the product when necessary by using a soft cloth and mild non-abrasive cleanser.

Step 2: Clean the Water Reservoir

Remove the water reservoir from the unit. (Refer to your product manual if you need assistance).
If using a countertop model that contains a small black reservoir valve, remove the valve by pushing on it from the bottom. Clean the valve by massaging it under warm water for 30-45 seconds and set aside.
Place the reservoir in the top rack of your dishwasher for cleaning. We recommend air drying instead of a heated dry cycle.
If you removed a valve, place it back in the reservoir before use. (Dome side up, push in place so the four prongs are visible on the bottom of the reservoir.)
Reservoirs can also be hand washed with warm soapy water.

Water Flosser reservoir in top rack of dishwasher

The reservoir is top-rack dishwasher safe.

Step 3: Clean the Internal Parts

Based on your model, mix 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar with 16 ounces of warm water.
Run this solution through the unit until the reservoir is empty.
Rinse by repeating with a full reservoir of clean warm water.

Mix white vinegar with a full reservoir of warm water and run the solution through the unit.

Step 4: Clean the Handle (Countertop Models)

Note: Do not soak the handle of the Radiance (WF-09) model as it contains a non-replaceable battery.

Remove the tip from the unit using the eject button.
Soak the Water Flosser handle in a mixture of 2 parts water, 1 part white vinegar for 5-7 minutes.
Rinse the handle under warm water.
Clean the Water Flosser tip separately using step #5.

Countertop Water Flosser handle soaking in white vinegar and water mixture

Soak the handle of countertop units in vinegar/water mixture for 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Clean the Flosser Tip

Remove the tip from the unit using the eject button.
Soak the Water Flosser tip in a container of 2 parts water, 1 part hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar for 5 minutes.
Rinse the tip under warm water.
For maximum effectiveness over time, we recommend replacing Water Flosser tips every 3-6 months. The tips can become clogged and/or affected by mineral deposits.

Water Flosser tip soaking in white vinegar and water mixture

Soak the flosser tip in vinegar/water mixture for 5 minutes.

It's easy to keep your Waterpik^® Water Flosser clean so you continue to get the maximum benefit for your oral health.