How to Repair an Electric Toothbrush

LONDON (AP) — Toothbrushes used to be simple, hand-operated so they never broke. These days, rechargeable electric toothbrushes are increasingly popular because they make brushing easier and more effective, but they’re a headache when they stop working properly.

Inside the waterproof casing of an electric toothbrush is a battery that powers a small motor that quickly rotates or vibrates a replaceable brush head. Batteries are usually rechargeable, but they don’t last forever. The question of their longevity and the repairability of toothbrushes as a whole is the subject of many online forums.

If you’ve ever had one, you’ve probably noticed that recharging intervals are becoming more and more frequent. At some point you may decide to throw it away, adding to the world’s growing pile of electronic waste.

But all is not lost. You can pay someone else to fix it or – with some online help – do it yourself. Here are some tips:

CAN I REPAIR MY ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH MYSELF?

According to manufacturers, the answer is generally no. They warn people against disassembling the devices, saying it is dangerous or will void the warranty. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself, repair advocates say.

You can find websites and YouTube channels dedicated to showing people how to fix their battery-powered brushes.

Toothbrush manufacturers will say the devices are not “user-repairable,” but that is “blatantly false,” said Shahram Mokhtari, lead disassembly engineer at iFixit, a right-to-repair advocacy group. “Some of these devices have very replaceable batteries,” and in most cases, it’s just a matter of getting into the device and learning how to do a little soldering or taking it to someone who can do it, he said.

DIY fixes could soon become standard practice. The European Union, a pioneer in global technology regulation, is developing rules to promote repair of electrical devices, while several states have introduced right to repair legislation.

HOW TO GET TO THE BATTERY?

Each model is slightly different, but models from Oral B and Philips Sonicare – two of the most popular brands – can be disassembled using the same general procedure.

Most Oral B toothbrushes can be opened by holding the toothbrush and charging stand together and rotating the holder to remove the bottom cover. On some models, you may need to use the bracket as a lever to remove it.

The Philips Sonicare models are a little more complicated. You will need something to pry off the bottom cover, like a small screwdriver or a plastic tool known as a “ piercer.”

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Whatever the model, if it is too tight, some websites advise softening the plastic case by placing the brush in hot water for a few minutes.

Once turned off, you’ll need to slide the electronic innards out of the box. You may need to first remove a metal or plastic ring from the brush head shaft. Then push the shaft against something hard to slide the motor assembly out. You may need to open some plastic tabs first. Again, every toothbrush is different, so it’s best to consult the guide for your specific model on the website if possible. I fix this or other repair sites.

DO I NEED TECHNICAL SKILLS?

In some models, the battery is not as easy to remove because it is soldered to the circuit board. But if you feel comfortable, you can do it yourself, Mokhtari said. You will need a soldering iron to undo the wiring connection and then you will have to solder a new battery again. If you’ve never done this before, there are videos. Be careful, the soldering iron is hot.

“We would encourage people to learn this skill because it is not a difficult thing to learn,” Mokhtari said. The soldering process for toothbrushes is generally similar and will be “a little delicate” and “a little difficult,” he said.

CAN I GET A REPLACEMENT BATTERY?

Yes, but you will have to make sure it is the right size. It’s usually a cylindrical cell similar to the Energizer or Duracell AA batteries in your TV remote, but don’t assume it’s the same.

It may be longer, shorter, or have a different diameter than a standard AA. Some have metal tabs that need to be soldered to the circuit board. Whatever the type, it must be available online.

WHICH ARE EASIER TO REPAIR?

Oral B is making it easier for consumers to perform DIY repairs with its line of IO toothbrushes, which can be repaired without specialized tools. Some versions even come with a circular charger specifically designed to be used as a tool to rotate the bottom cover when turned upside down. After sliding the mechanism, simply remove the battery.

The downside is that the IO models and their brush heads are more expensive than other Oral B model lines, according to the UK website toothbrushbattery.com, which has a buyer’s guide ranking electric toothbrushes by ease of repair.

Some emerging brands like Suri and Quip highlight their repairability as part of their sustainable appeal. Suri, however, says owners should send them back to be repaired and should not do it themselves, and only if they have signed up for a brush head subscription plan.

Other types may vary. Mokhtari demonstrated for the Associated Press the procedure for disassembling a new Philips Sonicare 6100 model. It took him more than 15 minutes to remove the bottom cover and remove the electronic components, then perform a complex desoldering process.

“This is simply not consumer friendly. This is not easy to repair. he said. “We are already well beyond what would be reasonable for a DIY repair job.”

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