Written by Joanna M., Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
The best way to clean retainers and aligners is a daily rinse-and-brush routine combined with a weekly deep clean using the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner and Petal Cleaning Pods. Avoid toothpaste, hot water, and mouthwash — they damage and discolour your appliance. All Petal products ship free to Canada.
Your retainer or aligner spends hours inside your mouth every single day. It sits against your teeth and gums in a warm, moist environment — which is exactly the kind of place bacteria, plaque, and biofilm love to grow. Without proper cleaning, that clear tray you put in your mouth every night can become a breeding ground for microorganisms that cause bad breath, gum irritation, and even illness.
Yet most Canadians are cleaning their retainers wrong — or not cleaning them thoroughly enough. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your retainer or aligner fresh, clear, and hygienic.
"I thought rinsing my retainer under the tap was enough. After two months it was yellow and smelled terrible. Once I started using the Petal cleaner, it looked brand new again overnight." — Verified NewSmile Canada customer
A 2023 study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics found that orthodontic retainers harbour significant amounts of bacteria — including Streptococcus mutans (the primary cavity-causing bacterium) and Candida albicans (a yeast responsible for oral thrush) — after just 24 hours of wear without proper cleaning.
Here is what happens when you skip cleaning:
A daily brush gets the surface clean, but it cannot reach the microscopic grooves, crevices, and textures where bacteria hide. That is where ultrasonic cleaning comes in.
The Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner uses high-frequency sound waves to create millions of tiny bubbles that implode on the surface of your retainer — a process called cavitation. This dislodges bacteria, plaque, and buildup from every microscopic surface without harsh scrubbing or chemicals.
"The Petal cleaner is honestly one of the best things I have ever bought. My retainer comes out looking like it just arrived from the lab — every single time." — Verified NewSmile Canada customer
Toothpaste is abrasive — it is designed to scrub enamel, which is one of the hardest substances in the human body. Your retainer is made of soft plastic that scratches easily. Those microscopic scratches become harbours for bacteria and make the retainer look cloudy.
Mouthwash contains alcohol, artificial colours, and other chemicals that can stain and degrade retainer material. It might make your retainer smell minty for an hour, but it causes long-term damage.
Hot water warps thermoplastic. Even water from a very hot tap can distort the shape of your retainer enough to affect the fit. Always use cool or lukewarm water.
While these household items seem gentle, baking soda is abrasive (similar to toothpaste), and vinegar's acidity can degrade certain retainer materials over time. They are not designed for dental appliances.
Your retainer case can become just as contaminated as the retainer itself. Wash it with soap and water at least once a week, and replace it every few months.
| When | What to Do | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Every morning | Rinse and gentle brush | Soft toothbrush + cool water |
| Every evening (before insertion) | Quick rinse | Cool water |
| 2–3 times per week | Ultrasonic deep clean | Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner + Cleaning Pods |
| Weekly | Clean the retainer case | Soap + water |
| Every 3 months | Replace the retainer case | New case |
The Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner is purpose-built for dental appliances. It is compact enough for your bathroom counter, powerful enough to eliminate bacteria, and ships free to anywhere in Canada. The combo pack includes the ultrasonic unit plus a supply of cleaning pods.
Petal Cleaning Pods are formulated specifically for retainers, aligners, and night guards. They dissolve quickly in water, producing an effervescent cleaning solution that lifts away stains and kills odour-causing bacteria. They work both in the ultrasonic cleaner and on their own for a quick soak.
While not a retainer cleaner, the Petal Whitening Light pairs perfectly with your retainer routine. Keep your teeth as bright as your freshly cleaned retainer.
The Ultimate Smile Care Bundle combines the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner, Cleaning Pods, and other essentials into one money-saving package — all with free Canadian shipping.
If you are currently in clear aligner treatment, cleaning is even more important because you switch trays regularly and wear them for extended periods:
All Petal products are available through the NewSmile website and ship free to every province and territory in Canada. Browse the full range in the shop.
Denture tablets (like Polident) are formulated for a different material and can be too harsh for clear retainer plastic. They may cause discolouration or degrade the material over time. Petal Cleaning Pods are specifically designed for retainers and aligners.
For best results, use the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner 2–3 times per week. If you notice odour or visible buildup, increase to daily use until the issue resolves.
Mild discolouration can often be reversed with consistent ultrasonic cleaning and Petal Cleaning Pods. Severe yellowing or calcium buildup may be permanent, in which case it is time for a replacement retainer.
Long soaks in water alone are fine for storage. However, do not leave your retainer in a cleaning solution overnight unless the product specifically says it is safe for extended soaking. Petal Cleaning Pods are designed for 5–15 minute soaks.
The same cleaning methods apply to custom night guards. The Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner works beautifully for night guards as well — and it is especially important because night guards tend to accumulate more buildup due to the grinding and clenching forces involved.
Yes. All Petal and NewSmile products include free standard shipping to every Canadian province and territory.
