kld718's Full Review: Philips Sonicare Sanitizer with UV Clean Technolog...
I belong to many product and survey sites and usually have one product in my home to test at all times. That’s how I ended up with this Sonicare UV Sanitizer. I doubt I would have ever purchased it on my own because it is a little on the expensive side. But I am glad that I agreed to test it out. The sanitizer is designed to use UV light to effectively clean and remove germs from your toothbrush heads. Philips claims that it kills up to 99% of bacteria (E. Coli & S. Mutans).
The Sonicare UV Sanitizer is not unpleasing to look at. It is a cylindrical, white, plastic object that sits on a silver base with a plug emerging from the back end. There is a small green button on the top, which when depressed, will begin the UV clean cycle. The small LED on top will glow to show that the machine is working. The white plastic base opens very easily on the side and the front portion will swing open towards you.
Accessories included: UV Sanitizer Sonicare brush head attachments Oral-B brush head attachments
Inside, there is a blue drip tray attached to the bottom that can be removed for cleaning or if the light bulb needs to be replaced. On top, there is a small, silver protective screen that protects the UV light bulb. It is very easy to lift off to allow replacement of the light bulb. These light bulbs will need to be reordered from a Phillips authorized service center when it stops working. Supposedly, the LED light on top will flash quickly when the light bulb needs to be replaced.
Setting this UV Sanitizer up for first time usage is very easy. You will need to use the instructions above to place the light bulb into the unit for the first time. After this, there are brush head attachments included for the Sonicare or the Oral-B brush heads. You will have to select your appropriate brush head holder and insert it into the machine, left brush head holder first if you are sanitizing two brushes at once. Then replace the drip tray and insert your brush head, bristles facing towards the UV light bulb. Then simply close the sanitizer door and depress the green button. The machine will not start if the door is not properly closed. Very easy.
Your sanitizer will run for 10 minutes and then automatically shut itself off. If you feel the need to have your toothbrush before ten minutes, you can press the button to turn the machine off or just open the door. Cleaning this unit is very easy. You must not use any water to clean the actual unit. The brush head holders and drip tray can be cleaned with warm, soapy water for disinfecting, letting them dry completely before reinserting into the machine.
There are obviously some warnings when using this sanitizer. It does use electricity so be careful when using around water. The sanitizer is designed to be used with a certain voltage (100-240). Also, if the UV bulb remains lit when the door is open, discontinue use and contact the company. If you have more than three toothbrushes, discontinue use after the third brush is cleaned to allow the sanitizer enough time (recommended 30 minutes) to recover.
This product is now out of the testing phase and the stores are carrying it as I have seen it in places like Target and online at Drugstore.com (http://www.epinions.com/content_78343540356). The retail price is $49.99 but it can be found on sale for around $39.99. This sanitizer will only fit the Sonicare E-Series, Sonicare ProResults, Oral-B FlexiSoft and Oral-B Floss Action rechargeable brush heads. Phillips guarantees this product against faulty materials or workmanship, for two years after the date of purchase. Make sure to send in your product registration card for extra savings from Philips.
I think it’s great this product is designed for not one, but two brush heads. While it doesn’t take a long time to clean, it makes for a quicker clean if two can be done at the same time, which also cuts back a little on the electricity even though I’m sure it doesn’t use much. This isn’t really a concern for me as I am one person, but in the future it may be. The best thing is that it’s really easy to use, insert the brush head properly and shut the door, then depress the button to turn the machine on. I brush my teeth first in the morning and then go about the rest of my getting ready routine. This machine runs for about ten minutes so it’s definitely finished but the time I’m ready to leave my home. I unplug the machine before I go and usually leave the brush in there until the next time I am ready to use it. The unit can be stored on the counter as the unit bottom does act as a cord keeper, but I usually put it beneath the sink with the rest of my products so as not to clutter the counter.
Hey, I’m all for it if it helps keep the bacteria out of my mouth. The mouth is so moist and wet all the time that it’s breeding ground for bacteria. Most people brush at least twice a day, can you imagine all the bacteria we transfer from the air to our mouths to our vanity counters by putting the brush down? Not to mention wherever we store our brushes. My Sonicare Advance Toothbrush (http://www.epinions.com/content_181262388868) has a plastic cap that covers the bristles but that will not effectively keep the bacteria out as it is open on the bottom. I can also use this unit to store my brush to make sure it stays bacteria free before I reinsert it in my mouth, instead of storing my brush in the drawer or elsewhere.
The only problem is…how can you tell this thing is working? You can’t really. You just have to believe the proven claims that UV light kills germs. But for me, there was no money involved except for the electricity this thing uses so even if it doesn’t work, I’m not loosing much. Overall, I cannot complain about this sanitizer as it gives me peace of mind now that I am doing something to keep my toothbrush bacteria free.
Specially engineered Philips UV sanitizing technology helps kill bacteria on brush heads A simple push of the button safeguards against bacteria Turns...More at Amazon Marketplace
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