A Tech Tip: How to Repair an Electric Toothbrush

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LONDON (AP) — Toothbrushes used to be simple and only operated by hand, so they never broke. These days, rechargeable electric toothbrushes are becoming increasingly popular because they make brushing your teeth easier and more effective, but when they stop working properly, they cause headaches.

Inside an electric toothbrush’s waterproof housing is a battery that powers a tiny motor that quickly spins, or vibrates, a replaceable brush head. The batteries are usually rechargeable, but they don’t last forever. The question of their longevity and the overall repairability of toothbrushes is the subject of many online forums.

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If you’ve ever owned one, you’ve probably noticed that charging intervals are getting shorter and shorter. At some point you may decide to throw it away, adding to the world’s growing pile of e-waste.

But all is not lost yet. You can pay someone else to do the repair or, with online help, do the repair yourself. Here are some tips:

Can I repair my electric toothbrush myself?

According to the manufacturer, the answer is usually no. They warn against dismantling the devices as this is dangerous or would void the warranty. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself, repair advocates say.

There are websites and YouTube channels that show people how to repair their battery-operated brushes.

Toothbrush manufacturers will say the devices are not “user serviceable,” but that is “blatantly false,” said Shahram Mokhtari, lead teardown 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 that, he said.

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DIY repairs could soon become standard practice. The European Union, a pioneer of global technology regulations, is drafting rules to encourage the repair of electrical equipment, while several states have introduced right-to-repair laws.

How do I 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 brushes can be opened by holding the toothbrush and charging stand together and then rotating the stand to remove the bottom cap. On some models, you may need to use the stand as a lever to take it off instead.

Philips Sonicare models are a little trickier. You’ll need something to pry off the bottom cap, such as a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic tool called a “spudger.”

Regardless of model, some websites recommend softening the plastic casing if it’s too tight by placing the brush in hot water for a few minutes.

Once it’s turned off, you’ll need to slide the electronic interior out of the case. You may first need to remove a metal or plastic ring on the brush head spindle. Then press the spindle against something hard to pull the motor assembly out from the bottom. You may need to pry open some plastic tabs first. Again, every toothbrush is different, so it’s best to consult the instructions for your specific model on iFixit or other repair websites if possible.

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DO I NEED TECHNICAL SKILLS?

On some models, the battery cannot be easily removed because it is soldered to the circuit board. But if you feel up to it, you could do it yourself, Mokhtari said. You will need a soldering iron to loosen the cable connection and then solder a new battery back in. 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 difficult to learn,” Mokhtari said. The soldering process for toothbrushes is generally similar and will be “somewhat delicate” and “somewhat difficult,” he said.

CAN I GET A REPLACEMENT BATTERY?

Yes, but you need to make sure it’s the right size. Typically it’s a cylindrical cell, similar to the Energizer or Duracell AA batteries in your TV remote, but don’t assume it’s the same thing.

It could 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. Regardless of the type, it should be available online.

Which are the easiest to repair?

Oral B makes it easier for consumers to make DIY repairs with the IO toothbrush range, which can be repaired without special tools. Some versions even come with a circular charger specifically designed as a tool for twisting off the base cap when turned upside down. After pulling out the mechanism, simply take out the battery.

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The downside is that IO models and their brush heads are more expensive than other Oral B model lines, according to the British website Toothbrushbattery.com, which rates electric toothbrushes based on their ease of repair in a buying guide.

Some emerging brands like Suri and Quip are emphasizing their repairability as part of their sustainable appeal. However, Suri says owners should send them back for repairs and not do it themselves, and only if they’ve signed up for a brush head subscription.

Other types may vary. Mokhtari demonstrated the procedure for disassembling a brand new Philips Sonicare 6100 model for the Associated Press. It took him more than 15 minutes to take off the base cap, remove the electronics, and then tackle a complex desoldering process.

“It’s just not consumer-friendly. This is not repair friendly,” he said. “We’re already well beyond what would make sense for a DIY repair.”

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