How to Keep Your Philips Sonicare Clean of Black Gunk

Medically reviewed by Cristian Macau, DDS

Last Updated: September 21, 2022 References

If you are a fan of electronic toothbrushes, you may use a Philips Sonicare to enjoy deep cleaning of your teeth and mouth. But sometimes black or even pink gunk, which may be mold or bacteria, can build up on the unit.^{[1]
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Research source} By disinfecting your Philips Sonicare and maintaining its cleanliness on a daily basis can get rid of black gunk and prevent it from developing.^{[2]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Removing the Gunk

1
Separate the toothbrush parts. Take apart your Phillips Sonicare by removing the brush head from the handle. This can make it easier to identify sources of gunk and clean them thoroughly.
- Unplug the charger before you separate the brush from the charger. Even if the wires are not connected to the toothbrush, it is best to be safe.
- Align the brush head with the front of the handle and pull up to remove it.
- Unplug the charger before you inspect your toothbrush.
- Place each part on a towel or other cloth to prevent bacteria from spreading on other surfaces.
2
Identify parts with gunk. Generally, most mold or bacteria will develop on areas of your toothbrush not exposed to air, including brush heads stored in plastic.^{[3]
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Research source} Figuring out which parts have gunk can help you more effectively remove it and keep it from returning.
- Inspect the brush head and handle individually and thoroughly. You are most likely to find gunk on the (moist) surfaces that the brush head and charger connect. The handle is usually full of bacteria from holding the toothbrush, but also from the toothpaste that gathers during brushing.
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3
Soak the brush head. Make either a peroxide, vinegar, or bleach solution and submerge your brush head in it. This can not only remove and kill mold, but also any lingering bacteria that could infect your oral cavity.
- Wipe the base of the head before soaking it to help the solution more effectively remove other gunk.^{[4]
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- Mix one part bleach to ten parts water and soak the brush head for an hour.^{[5]
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- Mix ½ cup/ 120ml of water and 2 tablespoons/ 30ml white vinegar in a cup. If desired, add 2 teaspoons/ 10mg baking soda if you like as well. Soak the brush head for 30 minutes.
- Place the brush head in a cup with 3.0% hydrogen peroxide for 20 minutes.^{[6]
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  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
4
Rinse and dry brush head. Once you’ve soaked your brush head in the solution you chose for the allotted time, thoroughly rinse and dry it. Pay attention to the time to avoid fraying the bristles. This can ensure that you remove all of the solution and any residue and help keep more black gunk from forming.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- Rinse your brush head for at least 20 seconds under warm, running water.^{[8]
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  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- Dry your brush head with a cloth and then store it exposed to the air to prevent further gunk from developing.^{[9]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
5
Clean the handle. After you’ve removed the gunk and properly stored your brush head, you can move on to cleaning the handle. In most cases, you can simply clean off black gunk with a mild cleanser or bleach solution with a soft cloth.
- Avoid submerging the handle in water or a disinfectant solution, which can make it inoperable because it is an electronic device.^{[10]
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- You can use a mild soap or a mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water to clean the gunk off of your toothbrush handle.^{[11]
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- Dip a cotton swab or pad in the solution or soapy water and clean the area where the head attaches. Then clean the rest of the unit.^{[12]
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  Research source} You can also use disinfectant wipes that have been presoaked in alcohol. These wipes can easily clean the entire handle and the solution will evaporate quickly.
- If black gunk is coming out of the handle, you may want to call Phillips Customer Service and request a new handle, as it is difficult to deconstruct the handle unit in order to effectively clean it. You can reach Phillips at 1(888) 744-5477.
- Allow the unit to dry thoroughly before reattaching it to the brush head.
6
Avoid washing in a dishwasher. Avoid removing gunk or cleaning any part of your Sonicare by placing it in a dishwasher. This can damage the unit and make it inoperable.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Keeping it Clean

1
Choose the optimal toothpaste. Select a toothpaste that effectively kills oral bacteria. This may help keep your brush from developing gunk and other bacteria that could harm your health.^{[13]
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Research source}
- Most toothpastes will help keep bacteria on your toothbrush at bay.^{[14]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source} Using an alkaline toothpaste will also help to reduce bacteria and prevent the new formation of colonies for a while.
- Try a toothpaste with tricolsan/ copolymer, which may be more effective at keeping bacteria and gunk from forming.^{[15]
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2
Rinse the head thoroughly. After each use of your Sonicare, rinse the brush head thoroughly. Consider detaching it from the handle to help minimize the risk of developing gunk.
- Hold the brush head under the water for at least 20 seconds.
- Allow the head to air-dry completely.
- Wipe off the handle if necessary.
3
Disassemble the head and handle. When you’re not using your toothbrush, store the head and handle separately. This allows each part to dry thoroughly, which can help prevent gunk from developing on or in your Sonicare.
- Wipe any surfaces that appear moist, especially around the head and handle seal.
4
Store the Sonicare properly. Store your Sonicare in an upright position, which can keep gunk from getting caught in the unit. Keep the unit in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight, the toilet seat, or any other place where the toothbrush might fall off and break.
- You can store the unit on the charger if you like, though you shouldn’t need to charge it more than once a week.

Expert Q&A
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Question

My charger has a build up of gunk where the toothbrush fits into the powerbase. How do I clean it?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. He received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Try using a dry gauze or a wipe and put a small amount of alcohol over it. Let it evaporate for 2 minutes and then clean very well the area making sure it is unplugged.
Question

I just found all the black gunk you are referring to. I did not know that I was supposed to open and clean it. Can this black gunk make me sick?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. He received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

It is best to clean it off to avoid any potential contamination being a place where aerobic bacteria develops and can easily enter your mouth while brushing. A clean toothbrush will also make you more happy to brush and enjoy the brushing.