by LONDON (AP) – Toothbrushes used to be simple, powered by one hand so they didn’t break down. Today, rechargeable electric toothbrushes are more popular because they make brushing easier and more efficient, but they are a headache when they stop working properly.
Inside the waterproof housing of an electric toothbrush is a battery that powers a tiny motor that rapidly rotates or vibrates a replaceable brush head. The batteries are usually rechargeable but they don’t last forever. The question of longevity, and the variability of toothbrushes as a whole, is the subject of many online forums.
If you’ve ever owned one, you’ve probably noticed that recharge intervals become more and more frequent. At some point you may decide to throw it away, adding to the growing amount of electronic waste in the world.
But all is not lost. You can pay someone else to fix it, or – with online help – do it yourself. Here are some tips:
CAN I REPAIR MY ELECTRICAL WASTE MYSELF?
According to the manufacturers, the answer is usually no. They warn people not to disassemble the devices, saying it is dangerous or it 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 repair their battery powered brushes.
Toothbrush manufacturers will say the devices are not “user-serviceable” but that is “patently false,” said Shahram Mokhtari, chief 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 going inside the device and learning to do a little soldering or taking it to do it, he said.
DIY solutions may soon become common practice. The European Union, a pioneer in global technology regulations, is drafting rules to promote the repair of electrical devices, and several states have introduced proper repair legislation.
HOW DO YOU LIKE THE HOLLIES?
Each model is slightly different but models from Oral B and Philips Sonicare – two of the most popular brands – can be removed from the same general procedure.
Most Oral B brushes can be opened by holding the toothbrush and charging stand together, then twisting the stand to eject the bottom cap. On some models, you may need to use the stand as a lever to pry it.
Philips Sonicare models are a bit more complicated. You’ll need something to pry off the base cap, such as a small flat-head screwdriver or a plastic tool called a “spudger.”
Regardless of the model, if it is too tight some websites recommend softening the plastic housing by placing the brush in hot water for a few minutes.
Once it’s off, you’ll need to slide the electronic innards out of the housing. You may first need to remove a metal or plastic ring on the brush head spindle. Then press the spindle against something hard to slide the motor assembly out from the bottom. You may need to open some plastic tabs first. Again, every toothbrush is different so it’s best to consult, if possible, the guide for your specific model on iFixit or other repair websites.
DOES OM HAVE ANY TECHNICAL SKILLS?
On some models, the battery is not as easy to remove because it is soldered to the circuit board. But if you feel handy, you could do it yourself, said Mokhtari. You will need a soldering iron to undo the wiring connection and then you will need to re-solder a new battery in. If you’ve never done it, there are videos. Be careful, the soldering iron is hot.
“We encourage people to learn that skill because it’s not a difficult thing to learn,” Mokhtari said. The soldering process for toothbrushes is generally similar, and they will be “a little delicate” and “a little difficult,” he said.
CAN I GET A REPLACEMENT CALL?
Yes, but you’ll need to make sure it’s the right size. It’s usually a cylindrical cell that looks like the Energizer or Duracell AA batteries in your TV remote control, 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 should be available online.
Which ones are the easiest to repair?
It’s easier for Oral B consumers to make DIY repairs with their IO line of toothbrushes, which can be fixed without special tools. Some versions even come with a circular charger specifically designed to be used as a tool to unscrew the bottom cap when it is turned upside down. After sliding the mechanism out, just pop out the battery.
The downside is that IO models, and their brush heads, are more expensive than other Oral model lines, according to the UK website toothbrushbattery.com, which has a buyer’s guide ranking electric toothbrushes according to their ease of repair.
Some upstart brands like Suri and Quip highlight their repair capabilities as part of their sustainable appeal. However, Suri says owners should send them back to be fixed and not do it themselves, unless they’re signed up for a brush head subscription plan.
Other types may vary. Mokhtari demonstrated to the Associated Press the procedure for disassembling the brand new Philips Sonicare 6100 model. It took him more than 15 minutes to remove the bottom cap and remove the electronics, then tackle a complicated desoldering process.
“This is not consumer friendly. This is not repair friendly.” he said. “We’re already well beyond what would be reasonable for a DIY repair job.”
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