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Retainers sit in your mouth for hours every night. Over time, bacteria, calcium deposits and plaque accumulate on the surface, causing discolouration, odour and degradation of the material. A retainer that isn't cleaned properly won't last as long as it should, and it won't be pleasant to wear.
The good news is that keeping a retainer clean is straightforward. Here's exactly how to do it, what products to use, and what to avoid.
Why Cleaning Your Retainer Matters
Your mouth contains hundreds of different bacteria. While you sleep wearing your retainer, those bacteria accumulate on the surface of the tray. Without regular cleaning:
- Bacteria build up: the same bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease accumulate on a dirty retainer and are reintroduced to your mouth every time you wear it
- Calcium deposits form: minerals from saliva gradually deposit on the surface of the retainer, causing a white or cloudy film that becomes harder to remove the longer it's left
- Odour develops: a retainer that isn't cleaned daily will develop a persistent unpleasant smell within a few weeks
- Material degrades faster: bacterial and mineral buildup accelerates the degradation of clear retainer material, shortening its lifespan
Daily Cleaning Routine
The most important habit is cleaning your retainer immediately after taking it out in the morning, before saliva dries on the surface.
Step 1: Rinse with Cool Water
As soon as you remove your retainer, rinse it under cool running water. This removes the majority of overnight saliva and loosens surface bacteria before they dry. Always use cool water. Hot water warps the thermoplastic material of clear retainers, which affects the fit over time.
Step 2: Brush Gently
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush the inner and outer surfaces of your retainer with a small amount of mild liquid soap. Dish soap or hand soap both work well. Use gentle circular motions and make sure to reach all surfaces including the grooves where the teeth sit. Do not use toothpaste as most formulas contain mild abrasives that scratch clear dental materials, creating grooves where bacteria accumulate more easily.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the retainer well under cool water to remove all soap residue. Hold it up to the light to check for any remaining cloudy patches or residue. Allow it to air dry for a few minutes before putting it in its case.
Deep Cleaning Once a Week
Daily cleaning keeps surface bacteria under control, but a weekly deep clean removes mineral deposits and any buildup that regular brushing misses.
Option 1: Retainer Cleaning Tablets
Retainer or denture cleaning tablets are the easiest and most effective option for a weekly deep clean. Drop a tablet into a glass of cool water, place your retainer in the solution and leave it to soak for the time specified on the packet, typically 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterward. These tablets are inexpensive and widely available at pharmacies.
Option 2: White Vinegar Soak
White vinegar is a natural antibacterial that also dissolves mineral deposits effectively. Mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water, soak your retainer for 20 to 30 minutes, then brush gently and rinse well. The vinegar smell disappears completely after a thorough rinse.
Option 3: Baking Soda
Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply it to your retainer with a soft brush, leave it for a minute, then rinse thoroughly. Baking soda is mildly alkaline and helps neutralise the acidic bacterial environment that builds up on retainers overnight. It also helps with minor discolouration.
What to Avoid
Some common cleaning approaches can damage clear retainers significantly.
- Hot water: warps the thermoplastic material and affects the fit of the retainer
- Toothpaste: too abrasive for clear retainer material, causing surface scratches that trap bacteria and accelerate clouding
- Mouthwash: most mouthwashes contain alcohol which degrades clear plastic over time, causing discolouration and making the material more brittle
- Bleach: damages the retainer material and leaves chemical residues that are harmful to oral tissue
- Dishwasher: the hot water and harsh detergents will warp and damage a retainer
- Leaving it wet in a sealed case: traps moisture and creates the ideal conditions for bacterial and mould growth
How to Store Your Retainer
After cleaning and allowing your retainer to air dry briefly, store it in the ventilated case it came with. The ventilation holes allow airflow, which prevents the moisture buildup that promotes bacterial growth.
Keep your retainer case away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and pets. Dogs in particular are attracted to the smell of dental appliances and will chew them if given the opportunity. If you travel, keep the case somewhere it won't be exposed to heat, such as a bag rather than a hot car.
Never wrap your retainer in a tissue or serviette. It's one of the most common ways retainers get accidentally thrown away.
When to Replace Your Retainer
Even with perfect cleaning, clear retainers don't last forever. Replace yours when you notice:
- Cracks or chips in the material
- Warping that means it no longer fits snugly
- Visible thinning or wear on the surface
- Persistent discolouration or odour that won't clean off
- It feels looser or different than it used to
Most people replace their clear retainers every 12 months. Jawology's custom replacement retainers start from $149 per set with no clinic visit required. Multi-set packs bring the per-set cost down significantly for ongoing replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use toothpaste to clean my retainer?
No. Most toothpastes contain abrasive particles that scratch the surface of clear retainer material. These scratches create grooves where bacteria accumulate more easily and cause the material to cloud faster. Use mild liquid soap instead.
Can I soak my retainer in mouthwash?
Avoid it. Most mouthwashes contain alcohol which degrades clear plastic materials over time, causing discolouration and brittleness. Retainer cleaning tablets dissolved in cool water are a much better soaking option.
My retainer has white spots. What are they?
White spots or a cloudy film on a clear retainer are usually calcium deposits from saliva, also called tartar or calculus buildup. A soak in a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution for 20 to 30 minutes followed by gentle brushing will remove most calcium deposits. If they're severe or won't budge, it may be time to replace the retainer.
How do I get rid of retainer smell?
Persistent smell usually indicates bacterial buildup in the material. Try a 30-minute soak in a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution, followed by brushing with mild soap and a thorough rinse. If the smell persists after that, the material has likely degraded to the point where replacement is the better option.
Can I put my retainer in boiling water to sterilise it?
No. Boiling water will warp and permanently damage a clear retainer. If you need to sterilise your retainer, retainer cleaning tablets are the safest and most effective method.
How often should I replace my retainer case?
Replace your retainer case every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if it cracks, discolours or develops an odour that won't wash out. A dirty or cracked case recontaminates a freshly cleaned retainer. Rinse the case with cool water and mild soap at least once a week.
Keep Your Smile Straight.
Order your custom Jawology clear retainer from $149. No clinic visit required.
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