Waterpik odor

[darkoshi]

Qiao's dentist recommended that he use a Waterpik flosser, so he got one. I've used it a few times myself. We each picked out separate tips for ourselves; we don't share the same tips.

Each time I've used the Waterpik, when I first turn the unit on after having filled the reservoir with water, the water that comes out of the tip has a clearly noticeable, unpleasant odor. I don't know how to describe the odor... it's sort of bitter, but not like anything else I'm familiar with. After about 5 to 10 seconds, the odor is gone. Because of that, after the first or 2nd time, I don't even put the tip in my mouth to begin with, but rather flush water out directly into the sink until the odor is gone.

Neither Qiao nor I have been using the Waterpik very often or regularly. My suspicion is that after the Waterpik is used, some water remains inside it, and that the odor comes about from the water sitting in there for some period of time. But the manual makes no mention of this being a potential problem.

I've done some internet searches, and found no reports of anyone else with the same problem. That seems odd. I'm posting this here, so that anyone else who may have noticed the same thing can post a comment if they wish.

Because I found no indication that this is a normal problem, I'm hesitant to even continue using the Waterpik.

Comments

[andrewducker]

Your suggestion sounds reasonable/likely. Maybe it's worth flushing it with warm water every so often?

[(Anonymous)]

I get the same thing. I found your post because I was searching on ' waterpik has oder'. I'd describe the smell as an old sponge. I don't think rinsing with warm water is good, because bacteria like warmth. I use my waterpik at least 3 x a day, so I don't think how long it sits has much to do with it. The first 5 seconds of use smell, then not. I'm going to do what you're doing - letting the first 5 seconds go into the sink. Makes sense. Thanks for posting!

[(Anonymous)]

I have noticed the same thing. It smells like fungus. My unit is less than 3 months old. I always spill the excess ou ot the cup when I am done. I also use a competitor brand. It is older but it doesnt have the smell

[(Anonymous)]

I use my water pik about 2-3 times per day. I have noticed a very distinct odor which smells like almost a fungus or even mold. I try to keep it very clean. After using I take the whole base unit turn it upside down, hold it high and drain out the water that is left in the hose between the base unit and the mouth piece. Still has the odor and would sure like to know how to get rid of it.

Waterpik & mold

[(Anonymous)]

I noticed a dark color in the pik that I put in my mouth. Upon closer examining I realized that the pik AND the handle were caked with mold. I always put mouth wash in the bowl when I use it, dry out the bowl, and dry the rubber gasket where the bowl rests. But you cannot see what is going on in the handle, and this is where the mold rests. There are no instructions for cleaning the Waterpik, except to not use bleach. Bleach is the only thing that will kill mold. I have had good check ups from my dental hygienist since using the Waterpik, but it seems that this is a defect. I don't want to squirt black mold into my mouth. Any suggestions? Does Waterpik know?

Re: Waterpik & mold

[darkoshi]

If there is mold inside the handle, I wouldn't use it anymore.

Their FAQ page: http://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/product-support/frequently-asked-questions/
says (under item #12): "You can use a generic mouthwash in your Water Flosser. ... If additives are added to the water in the reservoir, rinse the system with a reservoir full of clean water after each use. Failure to rinse the unit may result in loss of product performance and/or function. Growth of bacteria and/or molds could also be enhanced."

Re: Waterpik & mold

[(Anonymous)]

Vinegar will kill mold.

[(Anonymous)]

Mind smells stink too