How to Clean Invisalign Aligners

To clean Invisalign aligners, rinse them in cool water every time you take them out, brush them gently morning and night with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap, and soak them regularly in aligner cleaning crystals or tablets; never use hot water, toothpaste, bleach or coloured mouthwash, which can warp, scratch or stain them.

Clean aligners stay clear, smell fresh and protect your teeth. At Orthodontists London we show you this routine on the day your first aligners are fitted.

Why do you need to clean Invisalign aligners?

Aligners sit tightly against your teeth for about 22 hours a day. Saliva, plaque and bacteria build up on them, and without cleaning they become cloudy, start to smell and can hold bacteria against your teeth and gums. That raises the risk of decay, gum inflammation and bad breath. Dirty aligners are also more noticeable, which defeats part of the point of having them.

How do you clean Invisalign aligners every day?

1. Rinse when you take them out. Run them under cool or lukewarm water to wash off saliva before it dries. Dried saliva is where plaque starts.
2. Brush them morning and night. Use a soft toothbrush kept just for your aligners. Brush inside and out gently with cool water and a small amount of clear, unscented liquid soap. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Clean your teeth before putting them back. Brush and floss after meals so no food is trapped under the aligners.
4. Store them in the case. Never wrap them in a napkin, and keep them away from pets, which like to chew them.

How do you deep clean Invisalign aligners?

Soak them regularly in an aligner cleaning product. Options include:

• Aligner cleaning crystals. The Invisalign-branded cleaning system and similar products dissolve in water. Soak for the time on the packet, then brush gently and rinse.
• Retainer cleaning tablets. Effervescent tablets designed for clear retainers and aligners work well and are widely available.
• Ultrasonic cleaners. Small home devices that use vibration in water, often with a cleaning tablet. Useful if you have them, but not essential.

Soak while you eat or shower, so cleaning does not eat into your wear time.

How do you disinfect Invisalign aligners?

Daily brushing and soaking in an aligner cleaning product is enough for most people. If you have been unwell, give your aligners a thorough clean and soak, and you can switch to your next set if it is due. Avoid improvised disinfectants. Bleach and strong household products can damage the plastic and are not safe to put in your mouth afterwards.

What should you not use to clean Invisalign?

How do you clean cloudy Invisalign aligners?

Cloudiness is usually dried saliva, plaque or minerals from water. A soak in cleaning crystals or a retainer tablet, then gentle brushing, normally clears it. Rinsing every time you remove the aligners prevents it building up. Some people use a short soak in a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water to loosen mineral build-up, followed by a thorough rinse. If aligners are scratched, they will not become fully clear again, but you will move to the next set soon.

Why do Invisalign aligners smell?

Smell comes from bacteria. Common causes are skipping brushing, putting aligners back over food, drinking things other than water with them in, and storing them wet in a closed case. Brush them twice a day, soak them regularly, clean your teeth before putting them back, and let the case air dry. If the smell persists even with good cleaning, bad breath can sometimes signal a gum or tooth problem, so mention it at your next review.

How do you clean the Invisalign case?

Wash the case weekly in warm soapy water, rinse it and let it dry completely with the lid open. A damp, closed case is a good place for bacteria to grow.

How do you clean attachments and your teeth during treatment?

Attachments, the small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to some teeth, collect plaque around their edges. Brush carefully around them with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss every day. A small interdental brush helps between teeth. Your gums should not bleed when you clean them. If they do, focus on gentle, thorough cleaning along the gum line, and tell us at your next appointment if it does not settle.

Should you clean aligners after eating out?

Yes, as well as your teeth. If you cannot brush, rinse your mouth and the aligners well with water before putting them back, then brush both properly when you can. Carry a small kit: a travel toothbrush, a mini fluoride toothpaste, floss and your case. Our guide to eating, drinking and vaping with Invisalign has a sample day that keeps you on 22 hours of wear.

Do the same rules apply to retainers?

Yes. Clear removable retainers are made from similar plastic, so clean them in the same way. Retainers are worn for years, so good habits make them last longer. Our retainer cost guide covers retainer types and replacements.

How long does each aligner last if you clean it well?

Each aligner is only designed to be worn for one to two weeks before you move on to the next. Cleaning keeps it clear and hygienic for that time. If an aligner cracks, distorts or no longer fits, contact us rather than carrying on with a damaged one.

Start your treatment

If you are thinking about aligners, we explain the routine, the costs and whether Invisalign suits your teeth at consultation. Our guide to how Invisalign works sets out each stage. Request a consultation through our online form.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Invisalign Cost in London: 2026 Prices and What’s Included
• How Much Do Braces Cost in London? (2026 Price Guide)
• Cheapest Invisalign in London: What Changes the Price
• Does Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
• Does Invisalign Hurt? What to Expect
• London Invisalign and Braces Price Index 2026
• Orthodontists in London: Invisalign and braces
• Areas of London we cover