DIY Retainer Cleaner
Want to ensure your teenager uses this safer, chemical-free alternative to traditional retainer cleaners? Why not have her mix up the solution herself? It’s a fun way to get into the kitchen and takes so little time to prepare!
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: Cleans one or a pair of retainers 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons White Vinegar
- 3/4 cup warm (not boiling) Distilled Water
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl mix together the vinegar and water.
- Add baking soda.
- Soak for 10-15 minutes and then rinse the retainer to remove any tartar that has accumulated. You don’t need to soak it very long, so don’t use this cleaner overnight.
- Rinse with cool water. To extend the life of your retainer, let it soak in distilled water if you aren’t planning on using it right away.
Notes
Add the baking soda after you’ve mixed the water and vinegar together. Adding baking soda to straight vinegar will create a mini volcano (you may remember that from science class!).
Never use boiling or really hot water to clean your retainer as the high temperature can melt the plastic and deform it, resulting in an improper fit.
This is not a cleaner to use overnight, every night. I recommend soaking your retainer for 10-15 minutes maximum, about once a week.
Find it online: https://askthedentist.com/diy-retainer-cleaner/