How to Use an Ultrasonic Retainer Cleaner

If you wear a retainer, you already know one thing: it gets dirty fast. Even with daily brushing, plaque, bacteria, and odor can build up in places you simply can’t reach.

That is where an ultrasonic cleaner can come in. There are specific ultrasonic cleaners for retainers, and using one is not only definitely more effective than traditional scrubbing, but also time-saving and easy. 

Moreover, these ultrasonic retainer cleaners are really affordable and portable if you get the right model. 

So, how do you use an ultrasonic retainer cleaner? Let's walk you through exactly how to use an ultrasonic retainer cleaner, why the process works so well, and what to avoid so you get the best results every time.

How to Use an Ultrasonic Retainer Cleaner (Step-by-Step)

Using an ultrasonic retainer cleaner only takes a few minutes and requires very little effort. The whole process essentially consists of filling the tank with warm water, turning the ultrasonic retainer cleaner on, letting it do all the cleaning, and turning it off again. 

The tricky part is knowing what liquid to use (if you choose to), how long to let the ultrasonic cleaner run for, and the details of using the specific model you have. Follow these steps to clean and use an ultrasonic retainer cleaner:

Step #1: Place the retainer in the ultrasonic cleaner tank

Start by placing your retainer directly into the tank of the ultrasonic cleaner. Make sure it sits flat and isn’t wedged or bent. Most ultrasonic cleaners, even the smallest portable models, have a tank of about 200 mL (6.7 fl. oz.), which should be enough to contain your retainers.

Tip: You can also fill the tank first and then place the retainer inside. Either order works, as long as the retainer is fully submerged before you start the machine.

Step #2: Fill the tank with liquid

Fill the tank with warm water up to the marked fill line. The fill line for an ultrasonic cleaner is the highest point the water should reach, and it differs depending on the size of the unit. 

• Avoid hot water, as excessive heat can warp or damage retainers.

For best results, you can add an ultrasonic cleaning solution designed specifically for retainers. These solutions help loosen plaque, bacteria, and buildup more effectively than water alone.

Important:
No matter which order you follow, always ensure the retainer is completely submerged before turning on the ultrasonic cleaner.

Step #3: Turn on the ultrasonic cleaner and select a mode

Once everything is submerged, turn on the ultrasonic cleaner and choose your desired cleaning mode.

Most ultrasonic retainer cleaners offer multiple settings, such as:

• Routine cleaning: ~3 minutes
  Ideal for daily or frequent cleaning.

• Deep cleaning: up to 6 minutes
  Best for heavier buildup or less frequent cleaning.

• UVC cleaning (if available): up to 3 minutes
  Adds an extra layer of hygiene by targeting bacteria and microorganisms after ultrasonic agitation.

Some modern ultrasonic cleaners, such as the Creworks 24W Ultrasonic Cleaner for Retainers, combine ultrasonic agitation with added hygiene features. It's 46 kHz sound waves agitate the water in a 200 mL (6.7 fl. oz.) basin, creating cavitation that thoroughly cleans retainers without the need for harsh chemicals or radiation.

With simple push-button controls, users can easily switch between 3-minute routine cleaning cycles, 6-minute deep cleaning cycles, and activate the UVC light function for additional hygiene support.

Step #4: Disconnect, empty, and dry the cleaner

Once the cycle is complete:

1. Disconnect the ultrasonic cleaner from power

2. Remove the retainer and rinse it with clean water

3. Empty the tank and allow it to dry before storing

That’s it. The entire process usually takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish.

Why UVC light matters for ultrasonic retainer cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning is excellent at loosening and removing debris, but UVC (Germicidal Ultraviolet-C) light adds another benefit: hygiene reinforcement.

UVC light is commonly used in medical and dental environments to reduce bacteria on surfaces. When paired with ultrasonic cleaning:

• Ultrasonic waves remove buildup from tiny crevices

• UVC light helps neutralise residual microorganisms

For retainers that sit in your mouth for hours at a time, this combination provides added peace of mind, especially for users concerned about odour, bacteria, or long-term hygiene.

Do You Need an Ultrasonic Cleaner for Retainers?

Many people rely on brushing, soaking, or tablets to clean their retainers. While these methods help, they often fall short. Retainers have grooves, seams, and textured areas where plaque and bacteria can hide. Manual cleaning simply can’t reach everywhere.

Ultrasonic cleaners work differently and are way more effective. They use high-frequency vibrations to create microscopic bubbles in the liquid. These bubbles collapse and gently scrub every surface of the retainer, including areas you can’t see or reach.

Ultrasonic cleaning does an excellent job of removing debris from hard-to-reach areas, but UVC light adds another important layer of cleanliness. The UVC light function built into the Creworks 24W Ultrasonic Cleaner for Retainers is designed to help reduce residual microorganisms after ultrasonic agitation.

This combination, ultrasonic cavitation plus UVC exposure, provides a more comprehensive cleaning process, particularly for dental appliances that remain in your mouth for extended periods. And because it works without harsh chemicals or radiation-based treatments, it’s a gentle option for everyday use.

Ultrasonic cleaning vs traditional retainer cleaning methods

Ultrasonic cleaners provide more consistent results, less physical effort, reduced wear compared to aggressive brushing, and a noticeably fresher retainer.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner for Retainers

Ultrasonic cleaners are easy to use, but a few common mistakes can reduce effectiveness or cause damage.

1. Using hot water: Hot water can warp retainers. Always stick to warm or room-temperature water.

2. Running the cleaner without liquid: Never turn on an ultrasonic cleaner without liquid in the tank. This can damage the unit and reduce cleaning performance.

3. Overusing harsh chemicals: Avoid bleach, alcohol, or abrasive cleaners. Use solutions designed for ultrasonic or retainer cleaning.

4. Over-cleaning unnecessarily: Running repeated deep-clean cycles back-to-back isn’t needed. For most users, routine cleaning works well for daily use. Deep cleaning is best reserved for occasional buildup

5. Skipping rinsing after cleaning: Always rinse your retainer after ultrasonic cleaning to remove loosened debris and residue.

One Ultrasonic Cleaner for Retainers, Dentures, and Aligners

One major advantage of owning an ultrasonic cleaner is versatility. The same unit can often clean retainers, dentures, and aligners, making it a practical investment for individuals or households with multiple dental appliances.

Cleaning similarities and differences

Because these items are all worn in the mouth, they benefit from:

• Gentle but thorough cleaning

• Reduced bacteria and odour

• Consistent hygiene without scrubbing

Choosing a single ultrasonic cleaner that handles all three saves space, time, and money, especially when paired with features like UVC light for added hygiene support.

One advantage of choosing a well-designed ultrasonic cleaner is versatility. The Creworks 24W Ultrasonic Cleaner for Retainers is designed to cleanse not only retainers, but also dentures, aligners, toothbrush heads, and most dental appliances, making it a practical choice for individuals or households with multiple oral care needs.

Features like a waterproof power inlet and nonskid feet also help keep the unit stable during operation, reducing spills and improving overall safety when cleaning multiple items.

Final Thoughts on Using Ultrasonic Retainer Cleaners

Ultrasonic retainer cleaners make retainer care simpler, faster, and more effective. With just a few minutes per day, you can keep your retainer cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable to wear.

If you’re already investing in better oral hygiene, choosing an ultrasonic cleaner, especially one with UVC light functionality, is a small upgrade that delivers noticeable benefits over time.

Explore a more complete guide on how to use an ultrasonic cleaner and discover many other items you can clean with an ultrasonic cleaner.