Quick answer: Occasionally, yes, if the mouthwash is alcohol-free and your orthodontist's instructions don't say otherwise. Healthline warns alcohol can harm a retainer's plastic, WebMD suggests nonalcoholic mouthwash for soaking, and an NHS Tayside leaflet says mouthwash is safe to use. Treat it as a backup, not your main clean.
Why listen to us? Blakmint makes a persulfate free liquid cleaner for retainers, tested under ASTM E2315 against four bacteria strains, with a 99.99% reduction at a 20-minute soak for the sample tested. Every outside claim below is linked to the page it came from.
Why everyone asks this at 11pm
The question usually arrives when the retainer case is empty, the cleaner has run out and the only thing within reach is a bottle of minty blue liquid. I have stood in that exact bathroom, holding a retainer like a tiny, judgmental fish. Mouthwash looks like it should work. It smells like it should work. Whether it does is a bit more nuanced than that.
What the sources actually say
The advice isn't unanimous, which is the sort of thing that makes you want to lie down on the bathroom floor. Here is what each page says, so you can judge for yourself.
- Healthline says alcohol can harm a retainer's plastic, so if your mouthwash contains alcohol you should only soak your retainer in it occasionally. Read it at Healthline's retainer cleaning guide.
- WebMD recommends a nonalcoholic mouthwash for soaking and notes that alcohol can dry a retainer out. See WebMD's guide to cleaning your retainer.
- NHS Tayside has a leaflet on removable retainers that says to clean the retainer using cold water and your toothbrush, and that it is safe to use mild soap or mouthwash. It doesn't specify alcohol content. Find it in the NHS Tayside removable retainers leaflet.
So the sources disagree a little, but they land in a similar place: if you use mouthwash, keep it occasional and pick an alcohol-free one. Your own orthodontist's instructions beat all three of them, because they know what your retainer is made of and I know what I had for lunch.
The bits that matter more than the mouthwash
Honestly, the mouthwash question is the side dish. The main course is the boring stuff, and I say that as someone who has skipped the boring stuff for most of his adult life.
- Cool or lukewarm water only. Colgate's retainer guide advises a soft-bristled brush under cool to lukewarm water, and keeping Essix-style clear retainers away from hot water, since heat can cause them to shrink.
- Skip the toothpaste. The same Colgate page says not to brush a retainer with toothpaste, because its abrasive ingredients may scratch it. Scratches are where bacteria like to set up camp, so let's not roll out the welcome mat.
- Rinse and brush after every wear. It takes under a minute, which is shorter than most of my excuses.
Why mouthwash isn't a full clean
A swish of mouthwash is a bit like wiping the kitchen table and calling it a deep clean. It might make things nicer for a moment, but the sources above treat it as a fallback, not a replacement for brushing and a proper soak. If a retainer smells or looks cloudy and a mouthwash dunk hasn't helped, the likelier fix is a thorough brush and a dedicated cleaner. If the smell sticks around after proper cleaning, mention it to your dentist.
When a dedicated cleaner earns its spot
Blakmint's Liquid Retainer & Denture Cleaner is designed for exactly this job, so nobody has to raid the bathroom cabinet at 11pm. You mix 10ml of cleaner with 90ml of lukewarm water, soak for 5 to 20 minutes, then brush and rinse. One occasional overnight soak is the maximum, and it isn't a nightly habit. The mixed solution can be reused across 6-day batches, which is how a £14 250ml bottle lasts up to 5 months. It is persulfate free and stated as compatible with ultrasonic cleaners.
Mouthwash vs a dedicated cleaner at a glance
| Question | Mouthwash | Blakmint liquid cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Healthline and WebMD advise caution or alcohol-free | Check the label for ingredients |
| How often | Occasional soak at most (Healthline) | Routine 5 to 20 minute soak, one occasional overnight |
| Lab-tested on appliances | Check your product's own claims | ASTM E2315, 99.99% reduction at 20 minutes for the sample tested |
| Cost | Varies by bottle | £14 for 250ml, up to 5 months |
Mouthwash points come from the Healthline, WebMD and NHS Tayside pages linked above, checked November 2026. Those pages are general guidance. Always follow your orthodontist's instructions for your retainer.
Frequently asked questions
-
Can I soak my retainer in mouthwash?
Occasionally, if it is alcohol-free. WebMD recommends nonalcoholic mouthwash for soaking, and Healthline says to soak in alcohol-containing mouthwash only occasionally. Follow your orthodontist's advice first. -
Why is alcohol a problem for retainers?
Healthline says alcohol can harm a retainer's plastic, and WebMD notes it can dry a retainer out. -
Can I use toothpaste on my retainer?
Colgate's guide says not to, because the abrasive ingredients may scratch it. -
What temperature of water should I use?
Cool or lukewarm. Colgate advises keeping clear Essix-style retainers away from hot water, as heat can cause shrinking. -
How much does a Blakmint cleaner cost?
£14 for 250ml, which lasts up to 5 months when the mixed solution is reused across 6-day batches at 10ml cleaner to 90ml lukewarm water.
Skip the 11pm bathroom raid. The Blakmint Liquid Retainer & Denture Cleaner is £14 for up to 5 months, persulfate free and stated as compatible with ultrasonic cleaners.
Want the full routine? Read How to Clean Retainers (Wire and Clear, Properly), or see our Vivera retainer care guide.