Xiaomi irrigators are popular oral hygiene devices that require regular maintenance, but many users make mistakes when washing, which leads to mold, lime plaque or even breakage. In this article, we will discuss how to properly clean the Mi Oral Irrigator 1/2, Oclean W10 and other models of the brand to prolong their life and maintain hygiene.
We're going to look at not only the basic washing procedure, but also the nuances: how to remove scale from the tank, how to disinfect the nozzles, whether you can wash the device in the dishwasher, and also common errors that shorten the life of the irrigator by 2 times. If you notice that the water stream has become weaker or there is an unpleasant smell, this instruction will help return the device to its original efficiency.
Preparation for washing: what you will need
Before you start cleaning, prepare the necessary tools and tools. Not all household detergents are suitable for irrigators - some can damage silicone seals or plastic.
- ๐งผ Soft detergent (e.g., baby dish liquid or special medical appliances) Avoid abrasive powders!
- ๐งฝ Soft sponge or microfiber cloth - hard brushes scratch the surface of the tank.
- ๐ชฅ Toothbrush with soft bristles for cleaning hard-to-reach places (for example, nozzle nozzle nozzle).
- ๐ Citric acid or vinegar (to remove lime plaque if the water in your area is hard).
- ๐งด Antiseptic (chlorhexidine or miramistin) for disinfection of nozzles.
Also prepare warm water (not hot!) โ the maximum temperature for most Xiaomi models should not exceed 40.ยฐIf you are using Mi Oral Irrigator 2 with a function UV-sterilization, check if you do not need a preliminary cleaning of the container for nozzles - sometimes condensate accumulates in it.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never immerse the main irrigator unit (with motor and buttons) in water. Even if the body seems sealed, the risk of short circuit remains.
Disassembly of the irrigator: what parts can be washed
Before washing, the device must be partially disassembled. Xiaomi models usually removable are:
- ๐ง Water reservoir (detached by a button or counterclockwise rotation).
- ๐ Nozzles (standard, for braces, periodontal, etc.) - are removed from the holder by a light press on the fixator button.
- ๐ Water supply tube (in some models, for example, Oclean) W10, she's removable).
Don't try to disassemble the main unit with the motor, it will void the warranty and can lead to breakage. If the water jet weakens, the problem is often clogging the nozzle or lime plaque in the tank, not in the pump itself.
How to remove the nozzle if it is jammed?
In models with built-in UV-With a sterilizer (e.g., Mi Oral Irrigator 2), you can look at the nozzle container, which can also be washed, but you can't use harsh chemicals, which can damage the UV lamp. You just have to wash it with warm water with a soft soap.
Step-by-step instructions: how to wash the tank and nozzles
So, to start with, the most important thing is to clean the tank and the nozzles that come into contact with water and the mouth.
- Empty the tank of residual water and rinse it with warm water to remove visible contaminants.
- Apply the detergent to the sponge and gently wipe the inner walls. Pay attention to the bottom, which is where the sediment often accumulates.
- To remove scale (if the water is hard), pour a solution of citric acid (1 tbsp. spoon per 200 ml of water) into the tank and leave for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash the nozzles under running water using a toothbrush to clean the holes. If you have too much pollution, soak them in an antiseptic (chlorhexidine) for 10 minutes.
- Dry all the parts on a clean towel or napkin. Don't collect the irrigator if the parts are moisture, which will cause mold.
Empty the tank |Run the tank with soap solution |Purse the nozzles with a toothbrush |Remove the scale with citric acid (if necessary) |Dry all the details before assembly-->
If you have a water supply tube in your model (like the Oclean W10), rinse it separately, and you can use soap and water through it, you can use a syringe without a needle, and you can use no needle, no needle, no wire to clean it, because it will damage the interior.
โ ๏ธ Warning: After using citric acid or vinegar, be sure to rinse the tank 2-3 times with clean water. Acid residues can eat silicone seals and give the water an unpleasant taste.
How to remove lime plaque and mold
Hard water and insufficient drying are the main causes of plaque and mold.
- ๐ The white plaque on the walls of the tank is lime deposits.
- โซ Black dots or green coating - mold.
- ๐คข Unpleasant smell - bacteria or fungus.
Follow this pattern:
| Problem. | Remedy. | Time of exposure | Additional action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limestone raid | Citric acid (2 tbsp. spoons per 1 liter of water) | 20-30 minutes | After soaking, wipe with a sponge |
| Mold | Vinegar solution (1:1 with water) or chlorhexidine | 1 hour | Wash 3 times with clean water, dry in the sun |
| Bad smell. | Baking soda (1 tsp. per 200 ml of water) | 10-15 minutes | Rinse the tank with a solution of soda, then water |
To prevent mold after each use, dry the tank, leaving it open for 1-2 hours. In models with a lid (for example, Mi Oral Irrigator 1C), make sure that the sealing ring is not wet before closing.
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If the mold has appeared on the silicone parts of the nozzles, they're better replaced. Silicone is porous, and the fungus can penetrate deep, where even disinfection won't remove it.
Disinfection: how to disinfect an irrigator
A regular wash is not enough to be completely hygienic - the nozzles and the tank must be disinfected periodically.
- ๐ฆ Boil (metal nozzles only! Plastic deforms). Place nozzles in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
- ๐ก UV-sterilization (in models with this function, for example, Mi Oral Irrigator 2). Place the nozzles in the container and turn on the sterilization mode for 5-10 minutes.
- ๐งช Chemical disinfection: Use a solution of chlorhexidine (0.05%) or miramistine. Soak the nozzles for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with water.
- ๐ฟ Natural remedies: Hydrogen peroxide solution (3%) or tea tree oil (2-3 drops per glass of water) are also effective against bacteria.
A tank can be steamed (if you have a steam cooker or a multi cooker with this function), and then place the tank over the steam for 5-7 minutes, then dry, and this method kills up to 99 percent of bacteria without the chemistry.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use alcohol or vodka to disinfect plastic parts โ they can dissolve the material, especially if it is cheap plastic in unoriginal nozzles.
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Disinfection of nozzles should be carried out at least 1 time every 2 weeks, even if you wash them after each use. In microcracks of plastic accumulate bacteria that are not washed away with water.
What not to do when washing the irrigator Xiaomi
Some actions can permanently damage the device, and here are the most dangerous mistakes that users make:
- ๐ซ Wash the main unit underwater โ even if it seems sealed, moisture can penetrate the engine.
- ๐ซ Use abrasive sponges or powders - they scratch the surface, and dirt accumulates faster in microcracks.
- ๐ซ Dry the irrigator with a hair dryer or on a battery - high temperatures deform plastic and silicone.
- ๐ซ Store the device in the bathroom without a case - constant humidity provokes rust on metal parts and mold.
- ๐ซ Use non-original nozzles - they may not fit in size, which will lead to leaks or breakage of the mounting.
Also, don't soak the tank overnight in a detergent, because prolonged contact with chemicals can damage the plastic, and 15 to 30 minutes is enough to remove contaminants.
If you use the Oclean W10 or another touch-controlled model, avoid water on the panel and wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth soaked in a weak alcohol solution (no more than 30% alcohol).
How often should I wash the irrigator?
The frequency of care depends on the intensity of use and the hardness of the water.
- ๐ After each use - rinse the tank and nozzles with warm water, dry.
- ๐งผ 1 time a week - wash with detergent (reservoir) + nozzles).
- ๐ฆ 1 time in 2 weeks - disinfect the nozzles (UV-lamp, boiler or antiseptic).
- ๐ง 1 time per month - remove lime plaque (if the water is hard).
If you have multiple users, increase the disinfection rate to 1 time per week, and note the signs that the device needs to be washed unplanned:
- ๐ There was a bad smell.
- ๐ฆ The water is weaker (there may be a clog of nozzles).
- ๐ Visible raid on the walls of the reservoir.
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If you use the irrigator less than 1 time a week, before the next use be sure to wash the tank and nozzles - bacteria multiply rapidly in standing water.