Hi everyone please read. I am still an advocate of waterpiks. I love them and will continue to use mine daily. However, I do agree that there is a design flaw. Mine collects mold. An intense cleaning with straight white vinegar is necessary on a regular basis. Also, I will be replacing my handle and hose every three months if I see mold deposits. It's cheaper than buying a new unit. I bought my waterpik here: The newest waterpik versions here: Amazon USA amzn.to/31aAnDj Amazon Canada amzn.to/3iSsMzq Amazon UK amzn.to/34hRBke Replacement hose: Amazon USA amzn.to/3gsGs2F Amazon Canada amzn.to/3lntXcn Amazon UK amzn.to/2YC6Roo If your dentist has not recommended a waterpik. Time to find a new dentist.

@dagumbo1251

2 жыл бұрын

Be sure you get the correct fitting tool attachments. They differ!

@aninnymoose720

2 жыл бұрын

What water are you putting in the machine? Is it clean? .. don't be offended here, but are you sure? flint Michigan remember? Others too. Tap water is full of hard minerals that leave scale and deposit.... Use distilled.. it's cheap.. also.. I'm on my first pick but opted toward 50/50 mix of mouthwash solution To Water ratio.. my mouthwash i use has some alcohol in it... I'm hoping that'll deter some of the mold.. In addition to blowing out the excess water after each use from the pick and the pump housing.. it'll probably wear out the seals faster but 🤷 we shall see. Ty

@rbbartho1

4 ай бұрын

I'm starting to think of that bacteria from the Waterpik handle is affecting my health. I've had a cold for 6 weeks with a constant hoarse voice. I am going to clean the handle of my unit Waterpik and all the other manufacturers should know about this

Thank God for you. I just took my apart. Shocking

After watching this video, I immediately got on Amazon and ordered two replacement hoses. (Waterpik does not offer replacement hoses, only pics and the entire units.) They came today. I watched a how-to video on swapping out the hose. Much easier and faster than I was anticipating. I then cleaned the reservoir with vinegar water, and wiped down the whole unit. Don’t take this the wrong way, but thank you so much for grossing me out.

@LolasLifeLessons

5 ай бұрын

Hi there: No offense taken lol! I'm glad you got a hose because I don't know much longer they will be available. Waterpik did offer replacement parts at one time. That particular unit is very old. I bought a few extra just in case. Regardless of the issues I still love my waterpik and it keeps my gum pockets clean. I get food stuck all the time. Especially eating meat and veggies. My unit is cheaper than one dentist visit. So it pays off for me.

Thank you for the shout out. Replace the hose every 6 months. Clean with white vinegar every week and you will not have this problem. Fill container with white vinegar and let it run out the hose.

@sherlyteegs3068

3 жыл бұрын

I clean it more than once a week with bleach and vinegar. Mold still accumulates. You can't do anything about it no matte how clean you keep it. It's a fundamental waterpic flaw. There is always some water left over in the handle that causes it. You can't dry it out. The only way around it I can see is stainless steel seamless handle design.

I think this needs to addressed by the waterpik company and they should fix the design and replace everyone's waterpik

Thank you for the video, Lola. I hope this adds some clarification for folks who fear this happens to every waterpik. Running vinegar or peroxide through the unit only cleans the route water normally flows through, that is, the reservoir, hose, head, and the parts in between. The cavity of the handle (and the base) will get mold and mildew from likely being in a bathroom where you take hot steamy showers, just as we often see around the shower or tub. The only way to clean these areas is to disassemble the unit, as they are completely separate. (Incidentally, using vinegar will address any hard water deposits if you're using tap water, while peroxide is used as a disinfectant.) If you use your unit daily (and disinfect it regularly), there's no need to change the hose unless it breaks. I use my 10+ year old waterpik daily with distilled water and peroxide, and wipe the outside of the unit with a damp sponge when it needs it. It's not kept in a bathroom where it's subjected to steaming hot showers, and it's just as clean (in and out) as it was when it came out of the box. I've opened it to check.

I want to say thank you. After watching your video I learned how to disassemble my Waterpick. I simply disassemble it monthly including handle, dip a small paint brush in a cup of alcohol and clean every crevice out of it. I soak the hose in alcohol also for couple hours. It looks as new as first day I bought it

I've used a Waterpik for YEARS. Every couple of years I'd buy a new one. Lately I noticed small pieces of black stuff coming out as I used it. I filled the reservoir with water and ran it into the sink banging the handle on the side of the sink. Black stuff kept coming out of the tip. I Googled it, then KZreadd it...OMG...I'll never use a Waterpik again!!! Back to string floss for me. BTW, I always put some Listerine in the water reservoir thinking it would keep the fucking thing clean. I'm stupid even at 76.

@feltingme

11 ай бұрын

What is that black stuff? Mold?

@TheDragonshadow1231

7 ай бұрын

I never use waterpik not once before!. Try new stuff! Corded: Mysmile 1000ML corded dental water flosser tank with UV sterilizer, storage bag, storage case, and 7 tips Cordless: Coslus 900ML cordless dental water flosser tank with UV sterilizer, storage case, and 6 tips Cordless: Apical Life 900ML cordless dental water flosser tank with UV sterilizer, storage case, and 6 tips come with the Apical Life water filter system to put onto the water tank.

@larryborshard7824

4 ай бұрын

Well, if you're stupid at 76, then at 71, I'm catching up! LOL! I hate to admit, but prefer to say, I'm STILL learning something new every day! Amen!

@sumelle2

11 күн бұрын

Were they mold free?

I have had the same waterpik going on 5 years now. Never replaced the hose. Didn't know this was an issue. Thank you for this. Time for a new waterpik! I'm going to follow your tips. Thank you Thank you Thank you!

@LolasLifeLessons

3 жыл бұрын

Glad I was able to help. Good idea to get a new one. Have a blessed day!

@aninnymoose720

2 жыл бұрын

Dear mother of..... How bad was it!?

Waterpik needs its own waterpicking.

@LolasLifeLessons

2 жыл бұрын

Yep lol

Wow! I run hydrogen peroxide through my 660 every 2 weeks. When I see crud on the head assembly I scrub with an old, clean toothbrush and a disinfectant. My WP-660 started leaking through the handle and I came here for disassembly instructions. It’s darned near impossible on that model. Anyhow, I found a replacement hose/head assembly on the WP website at a reasonable price. I ordered 2 and got free shipping. I’ll definitely be replacing this every few months. Fortunately I don’t have bleeding gums. I can’t imagine the crap I’d be forcing into my bloodstream!

AGAIN! Oh, my God! This was TRULY enlightening and yet VERY frightening! I am getting on Amazon NOW to order a new hose! I had no idea! I, too, am going to step up the cleaning on mine-I LOVE my water pik-I have had my waterpik FOREVER and would rather replace the hose than the entire unitl. Design flaw is an understatement!

@narutoninjagoandtheflashar4256

Жыл бұрын

Same with me. I love my waterpik too. But my previous one broke because of this SAME EXACT reason. And I didn’t even know about it, until my brother decided to unscrew everything and take it out, and I found mold all over the power button 🤮! I had no idea. Now, I’ve got a new waterpik, but I promise to step up my game and keep it as clean as possible because I learned my lesson from my previous one 😭🤦🏼‍♀️. Never going to repeat the same mistake twice

I agree with some of the posters here, without cutting open the hose it's unclear whether any of the black stuff is even traveling into your mouth assuming that the hose has no leaks and it goes directly from the reservoir into the tip, it's certainly unpleasant that it's passing through the handle that has sludge on it, but it doesn't mean that there is sludge inside the hose. A full tear down would be very beneficial here

Vinegar will clean off water scale, but it will not kill mold or micro-organisms. Probably a tiny amount of bleach or peroxide will do a much better job. Water pic needs to redesign the model to eliminate the hidden area that cannot be cleaned without taking it apart.

@LolasLifeLessons

3 жыл бұрын

I have replaced my handle and I am now cleaning it with straight vinegar on a more often basis. Seems to be helping. I worry about the people that have never cleaned their waterpik or who have no idea what is building up the handle.

@narutoninjagoandtheflashar4256

Жыл бұрын

@@LolasLifeLessons ouch! You didn’t have to call me out like that 😂😣. This WAS me a year ago, and I didn’t even realized it until after my waterpik broke. I didn’t know why until my brother decided to unscrew everything and I found mold inside of the power button. 🤢! I had no idea. Now, I bought a new waterpik. And I promise to take very good care of it and keeping it as clean as I can. I learned my lesson from last time 😭🤦🏼‍♀️. Never again

@squirrelattackspidy

8 ай бұрын

Vinegar has been clinically proven to kill most types of mold. Bleach will kill slightly more types of mold but has difficulty killing mold on porous surfaces. Bleach will also oxidize metal and destroy rubber seals.

Thank you for your post- I've been cleaning mine and I can't believe how much gunk comes out- so gross!

For $13.00 and some even cheaper you can purchase a new hand piece with hose from Amazon to replace when hose springs a leak but I've always cleaned mine out and I will run mouth wash and water through my on a regular basic. but instead of tearing it apart myself I'd just order a replacement.

Had my Waterpik for over 5 years, had a handle leak took it apart and mine still looks like brand new inside, You definitely have something going on with yours.

@feltingme

11 ай бұрын

How often do you let vinegar go through it? You are the only one who doesn't have that problem for so long.

@ChitchatwithApril

5 ай бұрын

I keep mind looking good on the outside and keep it wiped out and hang the handle to dry. For today, for some strange reason I decided to use the pipe cleaner in the hole of the handle where you insert the water nozzle. So gross out… I decided to see if it was an issue or even a thing so I came to KZread and found your video. I don’t even want to purchase new parts or clean it. I just want to get a new water pic. I had no idea this was an issue. Just so grossed out.

Please make video on how to assamble back, i was able to open the waterppik Handel but unable to assamble back.

@lolaslifelessons TY TY TY - thank you AND the commentators for so much helpful information! We have flushed with straight cleaning vinegar and flushed with water and shaken and knocked our Waterpik handle many, many times, and bits of black mold would still come out. Your video inspired me to split open our handle (but not as cleanly as yours) and let's just say it makes yours look a lot cleaner! I cleaned it out and reassembled it, but as I think at least one commentator said, if the handle was that horribly disgusting, how can we trust the pump or hose to be clean? So, we opted for the roughly $65 option for a whole new unit. We'll use what we've learned to try and keep this one cleaner - only use distilled water, drain and dry as best we can after each use, run a vinegar and water mix through regularly. Thanks again!

I have a philips water flosser that doesn't come with a hose. It's just a wireless hand held device that you charge. But of course it still has the internal hose/tube from which the water at the water reservoir goes upwards towards the waterfloss nozzle. Is cleaning it once a week and letting it air dry by taking the reservoir/nozzle apart sufficient? did you take yours apart as far as things could be taken apart without removing screws etc? I noticed the same with my electric toothbrush. At first i did not remove the brush head and mold started growing. Now i always take it out, rinse it, and let it air dry in a specific tooth brush head hanging stand.

Just took mine apart and it was almost pristine inside after years. I only use filtered water.

Use distilled water. There's less minerals from "hard water". Also consider adding or using mouth wash as the main substance spraying.. the one with alcohol will help deter mold. Thanks for the heads up though!

@LolasLifeLessons

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

We have raw water on cold side and filtered on hot. Going to start filling tank from hot side..will still be cool before waterpic is full..still got 5 years out of my old unit using raw water..hmmm.

Is your home humid? Above 60% RH? Perhaps, you need a dehumidifier in your bathroom to keep it dry so things would dry out.

I did not have any mold in mine and don’t clean but I add peroxide in with my water when I floss

@LolasLifeLessons

2 жыл бұрын

How much peroxide do you add?

The mold is outside the hose so cleaning it with vinegar etc. is useless. I am guessing the hose is leaking into the cavity of the handle part and humidity is high in a bathroom. I had trouble with mildew in the reserve years ago with a water pik so I never used them after that. I had one of the portable ones for a while kept in the bedroom. Which seemed not to have mold. But it was not powerful and it had to be charged all the time so I gave up on it.

This was certainly enlightening, thank you! I think WP now recommends cleaning weekly. I didn't, and suddenly I can smell it. I've only been using it a couple of weeks! Things I'm curious about: Have you cut the actual hose apart? What did you see? I can't imagine water NOT collecting in there. I also gotta wonder about whatever tubing is inside the base unit. Same question. Have you taken one completely apart and looked for mold in the internal tubing? It seems that the part that attaches to the reservoir in the base is always full of water and likely full of mold. I can't seem to get it to drain, nor can I get the handle to drain. And, finally, how do you put the handle back together, if it's not too bad and can still use it after cleaning?

@caesarbravo

Жыл бұрын

If you turn the handle on (allow water to flow through the hose), you can suck all of the water out. This will ensure there isn’t water left in to tube. I do this every single time.

I didnt know i was supposed to clean mine. A year after purchase i gave it max pressure for 10 seconds and it blew the buttons off

I have waterpice over 5 years and the only problem is the hose it breaks after a while. I opened two devices it’s not dirty as yours as I said. The hose is manufactured to be breaking after a while of use

@LolasLifeLessons

3 жыл бұрын

I am happy that the hose can be replaced easily because waterpiks are very expensive.

No wonder why black flakes keep coming out my handle when I drop it or agitate it. It doesn't come out of the hose/tip itself, but somewhere from the handle. I thought it was glue or something degrading since I had it for 4 years already. Thanks for the info.

@LolasLifeLessons

2 жыл бұрын

TJ: easy fix just replace the handle. How to replace a Waterpik Water Flosser hose! Episode 3 kzread.info/dash/bejne/k6R12aadc8qzlbA.html Keep it clean by soaking handle in water and vinegar.

I didn't see mold in any place that gets into contact with the water that goes into your mouth. You didn't cut open the hose to see the inside of it. Darn.

@squirrelattackspidy

8 ай бұрын

Good point. She'd also have to disassemble the pump to see if mold is in there too. Very bad design.

What about switching off to distilled water because house water has bacteria in it

I use a squirt bottle of hydrogen peroxide to clean hard to reach places, and also use daily on my retainers to keep them sparkling. Maybe there is a way to get some inside the handle.

@LolasLifeLessons

2 жыл бұрын

Is it okay to use undiluted hydrogen peroxide on a mouth guard? I'm scared to ruin mine.

I believe your water supply from source either city or well is bad and you need to filter it before enters your house

I have been thinking about getting a water pik but this is what I feared. It is sort of like my front load washer which I am constantly cleaning. I think I am too lazy to clean a water pik and will just use floss and the interdental brushes.

@larryborshard7824

4 ай бұрын

Oh my goodness - I also have a front loader that smells of mold. Washing machine tub cleaners freshen it temporarily. A repair person said my LG isn't maintenance friendly, and to get new one and keep it clean by using less detergent, and running the tub clean cycle regularly. An expensive fix, so we're holding off for now.

Mine was the same! I threw it out. Being tested for marcons now. This is serious stuff.

@Naveed-tu6hh

2 ай бұрын

Marcons?

I have owned my waterpik for about 3 years. I regularly clean it but after some time, every time after use, black particles come out. I periodically dip the entire handle part in bleach when this starts happening.

@LolasLifeLessons

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Sol: Even if you dip it in bleach that does get rid of the mold. The mold is still trapped in the handle. However, you can just buy a replacement hose for approx 13.00 sometime less. See video on how to replace the hose here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/k6R12aadc8qzlbA.html

@solcastro9279

3 жыл бұрын

@@LolasLifeLessons Hello! I just took off the tip but my "handle" is not like yours and I was unable to open it. Even so, I got a lot of mold from just taking that ring and spring out. I'll be cheking the options to buy a replacement hose. I'd not change the whole machine as some users here have suggested. It works perfectly fine and I'm not as wasteful.

What’s the sense in getting a new HOSE if the HANDLE continues to collect the mold? It’s the *handle one needs to clean or replace! The skinny hose attached to that handle probably only contains 1% of that same black mold!

Heey this is Reinis. Soo I'm over here thinking about a solution for this... just a theory.. I'm currently in the market for an instant pot when I noticed that instant pots have a sterilising option. Since you can detach the handle with 2 screws just put it in the instant pot, it will go beyon boiling point which theoretically should kill all mold, bacteria. After all it's called sterilising mode. 😃 What are your thoughts?? If it works (hoping that you have a instant pot) could you please spread the word and make a follow up video? Plus you concentrated only on the handle part. But you mentioned something black in the main compartment as well? Did you detect mold in the motor area.? If so then we have been defeated.. for now. Thank you!!

@LolasLifeLessons

2 жыл бұрын

Hi: I haven't had an issue since I replaced my handle and now I soak the new handle in straight vinegar every week.

Can you post a video tutorial on how to replace the hose? I have never replaced mine. Never ran vinegar through it to clean it. Didn't realize what was happening in the hose. Gross! I have had the same one for 10 years now. God help me. I am going to throw away the one I have and buy a new one plus a replacement hose.

@LolasLifeLessons

3 жыл бұрын

Great suggestion! Will do!

@SleeplessinOC

2 жыл бұрын

Can you do the hose replacement video plesss ??

Interesting.. I’ve never had this problem myself owning one for 2 years.. my issue is my button gets stuck

@narutoninjagoandtheflashar4256

Жыл бұрын

Then that probably means that there’s mold inside of your power button somewhere. Same thing happened to mine. And I didn’t even realized it until after my waterpik broke. My brother opened the WHOLE thing. And we were both greeted with a shocking surprise 😮🤮. Yep! Mold was all over my power button. And I had no idea. But now that I’ve got a new waterpik, it’s time to step up my game by cleaning it once a week. I learned my lesson from last time 😭🤦🏼‍♀️🤮

OK, so you replace the hose, but the inside of the machine that actually takes the water and pumps it with pressure into the hose still looks just like the hose does, so what is the point. Just because you can't see that part does not mean it is clean, it must look the same as the hose, which means without replacing the entire unit you really can't get it completely clean.

Wish I could add pictures

My suggestion is to replace the waterpik ever year.

Are all water floss get molds?

@LolasLifeLessons

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Queen: Yes, they do! You just have to do your best to keep your waterpik clean. You have to run white vinegar and water through it once a week. The mold was mostly in the handle. So I will be replacing mine on a regular basis. Honestly, I have deep pockets in my gums where food gets stuck everyday. So I need to use a waterpik daily to keep those areas clean. I need to keep my periodontal disease at bay. Flossing is not enough for me. So until waterpiks are improved. I guess it's up to us to be consistent with the cleaning of them. Also replace the handle regularly. The handles are very cheap.

It is gross, but I don't think you should worry too much as that area doesn't come in contact with the water. If it did, the water would be squirting everywhere. If you keep the outside of the handle clean, it shouldn't be a problem.

@LolasLifeLessons

3 жыл бұрын

Since this happened I replaced the hose and I run white vinegar through it once a week. I have zero built up now.

I use De-ionized water in my Waterpik nano flosser with 10 drops of 3% Hydrogen peroxide. Keeps it spotless, normal tap water ain't clean.

@narutoninjagoandtheflashar4256

Жыл бұрын

Waterpik nano? Does your black valve leak btw? Cuz mine kinda leaks even though I just bought it

I'm thinking mine has been sitting too long and may need replaced completely.

@LolasLifeLessons

2 жыл бұрын

You may just need to replace the head. Whatever, you decide to do. Wishing you the best!

Try a tooth brush with bon ami cleanser follow by hydrogen peroxide irrigation were talkin the waterpik not the human person. If you can reassemble the unit. I wouldnt be afraid of the mold just start using hydrogen peroxide in each reservoure when you use your oral care. Two capfuls 3% hydrogen peroxide on each mouthfull you irrigate. I bought my nano waterpik recently a week ago and by the way your warrantee is shot! You will have to buy a new waterpik if you cant get your moldy one back together. Just let the mold take care of itself. For hygienic purposes continue the hydrogen peroxide on each use. You can use iodized salt I would guess normal saline at half teaspoon per reservoire with warm water. Disolve all salt and use to irrigate each gum line .do not aim wand up at or down at if you can help it! I am not a dentist. Hope this is of comfort. I myself have slacked need to get back to brushing with my arsenal of electric tooth brushes. And nano my gums. Dont worry about the mold hydrogen peroxide should destroy aspirgilouse mold, I would think. When you need to be concerned is if gums puss up or urinary issues develop. Then I would see my dentist or doctor. This is only my opinion your situation may be different than mine. If your really worried just bye a new waterpik every three months and you i would think should be safe! Chlorox might work also but dont get any in your mouth! Remember to rinse with plain water as chlorox is an oxidizer and can damage electric motors and solder joints. Dont worry about it!

just use the same bacteriostatic fluid they make for humidifiers and you will be fine.

If you always use filtered water that has been boiled in the kettle, that can reduce a lot of the mould in the hose.

@LolasLifeLessons

2 жыл бұрын

I actually had to replace the Waterpik head. The cost was 10.00 and I now dip the new one in a combo of hydrogen peroxide and water for about an hour weekly. Vinegar can be substituted. It Seems to have solved the problem. 😃

@SleeplessinOC

2 жыл бұрын

@@LolasLifeLessons hi what you do you mean waterpik head? You don’t mean handle? I can’t seem to find a genuine handle replacement , only an imitation …

You've been "cleaning" it regularly???? It certainly doesn't look it. It seems you'd have been doing a better job if you actually were "cleaning" it. Maybe you've only been rinsing it out with vinegar. Thanks for the great video. Good job!

I’m throwing mine straight in the trash. I’m not a mechanic. Not worth it!

@LolasLifeLessons

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Julie: I replaced the hose myself. I only had to remove 2 screws at the bottom. Trust me if I can do it. You can do it. I am not mechanically inclined at all. The hose only cost 14.99 on amazon. Much cheaper than having to replace and get a new waterpik. I posted this to show everyone the importance of replacing their hose.

Why does the head of the waterpic spray water all over the place after several usages? 🤷🏽

@LolasLifeLessons

2 жыл бұрын

I have to same problem. lol

@dagumbo1251

2 жыл бұрын

@@LolasLifeLessons Today I discovered there are different tool picks designed to fit tightly in the handle. I tried a tool pick that fitted correctly in the handle “securely” that prevents the water from leaking outside the inserted into the handle. It now works without the spray! 😉

@LolasLifeLessons

2 жыл бұрын

@@dagumbo1251 Okay I'm going to try to find the one that fits correctly. I need it to stop spraying water.

@dagumbo1251

2 жыл бұрын

@@LolasLifeLessons It will solve your problems. I bought them on Amazon. Once you have the correct picks no more water spray all over the mirror! 😉

@SleeplessinOC

2 жыл бұрын

@@dagumbo1251 please share where you found them and for what model .

OMG. I was tring to clean. Then looked up how to clean water pic. Yuck

😲😬😅👍

This is so gross!!!! Ugh....thank you....👍🏽

@LolasLifeLessons

3 жыл бұрын

Kevin: You're welcome! I haven't had an issue since I replaced my handle and now I soak the new handle in straight vinegar every week. I need to use my waterpik because of my deep pockets and past gum issues. I still love my waterpik but this is an issue for sure. The company knows about it.

why everyone elce (men) show their clean unit? This girl just made it up or what?

@LolasLifeLessons

2 жыл бұрын

Are you serious? You think as a mature black woman I want to come on her and show a nasty moldy waterpik unit? lol No way my dear. What is the motivation to make that up hun? Views? Money? Instafame? I don't want to go on Ellen because of a moldy waterpik. Now way! I didn't even know this was a common waterpik issue? Google (mold waterpik). It's not a gender issue. Come on girl! I have nothing to gain. I do not own any stock in Waterpik. I have no affiliation with the company. I am not the ceo or work for them. I am just out here trying to help, educate and share my experience with my subscribers. I now know what to do to keep my waterpik mold free. I hope this video helps you and others also. That's it and that's all. :) ((Hugs))

Gross!

@LolasLifeLessons

3 жыл бұрын

I know I was shocked and grossed out too. I'm posting this so hopefully people will replace their hose and clean their unit regularly.

@LolasLifeLessons. The way I see it, it's time to get a new brand of water floss. Check out Cord/Cordless. Corded: Mysmile 1000ML corded dental water flosser tank with UV sterilizer, storage bag, storage case, and 7 tips Cordless: Coslus 900ML cordless dental water flosser tank with UV sterilizer, storage case, and 6 tips Cordless: Apical Life 900ML cordless dental water flosser tank with UV sterilizer, storage case, and 6 tips come with the Apical Life water filter system to put onto the water tank. It has a tip to store in a UV-C storage light to disinfect and prevent mold. A brand like Apical Life that I use has a water filter. Or, simply get a water filter and replace it after water filter duration is finished!