How to Use Retainer Cleaning Tablets (The Right Way)

If you’ve ever worn aligners or retainers, you already know how quickly they can get cloudy, smelly, or just plain gross. Between plaque buildup and bacteria, daily cleaning isn’t optional - it’s essential. Last month, we shared how to choose the best retainer cleaning tablets, now Dr. Dave will explain how to use retainer cleaning tablets (the right way!) Luckily, Movemints Retainer Cleaning Tablets make it incredibly easy to keep your trays crystal clear, fresh, and ready to wear.

Using Movemints Cleaning Tablets couldn’t be easier:

1. Fill a cup with enough warm (not hot) water to cover your appliance. (Our tabs are also compatible with ultrasonic cleaners!)
2. Drop in a tablet. Watch it fizz as it goes to work.
3. Soak for at least 5 minutes. For stubborn buildup, you can soak overnight.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water before popping your appliance back in.
5. Clean your appliance with a cleaning tab once a day for best results.
   

That’s it. No scrubbing, no special tools, no lingering odors.

Why Daily Retainer Cleaning Matters

• Think of your aligners or retainers like any other part of your oral hygiene routine. You wouldn’t skip brushing your teeth, so why skip cleaning your trays? When worn for most of the day, they trap food particles, plaque, and bacteria against your teeth. Over time, this buildup can lead to:
• Odor that makes your breath smell stale even after brushing
• Stains or discoloration that make trays appear cloudy
• Irritation of your gums or tongue
• A higher risk of cavities if bacteria get trapped between teeth and trays

Using cleaning tablets daily helps prevent all of this. It’s a quick step that keeps your trays fresh and your smile healthy.

Cleaning Tablets vs. Other Cleaning Methods

There are countless DIY aligner-cleaning hacks floating around online: vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, denture tablets, even toothpaste. While these might seem convenient, most can actually harm your trays. Here’s how they compare:

Movemints Cleaning Tablets are different. They’re formulated specifically for clear aligners and retainers, giving you effective cleaning power without damage. Each tablet dissolves quickly, neutralizes odor, and removes buildup without leaving behind residue or an aftertaste.

What Makes Movemints Retainer Cleaning Tablets Special

Every ingredient in Movemints Cleaning Tablets is chosen to balance powerful cleaning with gentle care. They break down proteins and biofilm that cause odor and buildup, but they’re safe for daily use.

They’re also developed by orthodontic professionals who understand what aligner and retainer wearers actually need. No harsh abrasives, no alcohol, and no risk of warping your trays—just consistent, orthodontist-approved cleanliness you can rely on.

Because they’re part of the Movemints family, you can trust they’re made with the same expertise that went into our original aligner mints, created by orthodontist Dr. Dave Pechersky to make aligner treatment more comfortable and convenient.

Tips for Keeping Your Retainer or Aligner Clean All Day

Cleaning tablets handle the deep clean, but small daily habits also make a big difference:

• Rinse your trays every time you remove them so saliva and food debris don’t dry on.
• Brush and floss before putting your trays back in to reduce bacteria transfer.
• Store them in a clean case when not in use—never wrapped in a napkin or loose in a bag.
• Replace your case regularly to prevent buildup.
• Use Movemints mints during the day to freshen breath and help seat your trays comfortably.

These steps keep your aligners or retainers looking and feeling like new.

The Bottom Line

Keeping your smile fresh doesn’t have to be complicated. With Movemints Cleaning Tablets, you can maintain spotless, odor-free aligners or retainers in just a few minutes a day. Skip the harsh DIY methods and choose a formula designed specifically for your appliance and your smile - developed by an orthodontist who know exactly what your trays need.

Your aligners work hard to move your teeth. Movemints Cleaning Tablets work just as hard to keep them clean.

Ready to try them for yourself?
Shop Movemints Cleaning Tablets and make daily aligner care easy, effective, and orthodontist-approved.