To think my toothbrush should last more than 5 years?

[yarris]

Sadly I've had to add to landfill and buy a new Sonicare because my one has stopped charging! I'm cross.

It's cost me money and I feel like it's a total waste!

Frustrating, isn't it?

I was surprised when the hygienist at my dentists office recommended replacing my electric toothbrush every two years, as they begin to lose power.

Won't be doing that.

The batteries do lose the ability to hold charge and the level of power over time.

We replaced our super-duper-expensive one with 2 cheaper bottom of the range ones when we realised that a few years was all we would get - no matter which choice we made. It is amazing the difference in power level after just 2 years.

This frustrated me too. I've moved to Chinese rip offs on Amazon. So much cheaper and just as powerful as the more expensive sonic ones. My current one has lasted over a year.

5 years twice daily use? I’d say you’d had your use out of it.

5 years twice daily use? I’d say you’d had your use out of it. - this!

How much was it?

Am I the only one who clicked on this thinking the OP had had a standard handheld toothbrush for five years and thinking: what a minger?

5 years twice daily use? I’d say you’d had your use out of it.

I think this is sad

I can't remember how much it was. I'm not bothered about the money, more the waste and plastic

yarris

Then don’t buy plastic tat. Get a bamboo one. You bought it!

Mine lasted a smidge over 2 years. Expensive Phillips sonicare thingy. I was really disappointed so have bought a cheap £20 thing from Amazon. Had it about a year now and perfect. Doesn't need charging as often as my expensive one either.

It's not tat! A bamboo sonicare?

Mine lasted 15 years!

I agree with the OP about the waste. If it's not possible to include a longer lasting battery in the design then it would be better if the battery was replaceable. I keep hoping the government will tackle short lifespans and built in obselesence.

My Phillips Sonicare has stopped charging after two years! Is this an issue with the brand do you think?

No, just a toothbrush. Plastic electrical equipment has a shelf life and after that you have to throw it out. Stop morning and make a better choice for the environment if you care that much.

*moaning

Can it definitely not be recycled?

I thought all electrical items could be recycled.

I know Lovehoney had a Rabbit recycling scheme - it’s just a motor in a plastic shell same as a toothbrush.

Just the opposite end of the body.

www.recyclenow.com/what-to-do-with/electrical-items-0

Just don't mix them up @mother

I think my second one I've had in about 20-25 years is dying. I charged it the other day and noticed it seems to be going flat again.

I just get the cheap basic ones. I don't want to pay £££s for one with loads of bells and whistles which are more likely to go wrong and a comedically inflated RRP.

Our neighbourhood recycling centre (collection of big metal bins in the centre of the village) has a bin for small electrical items. So that is the place to take broken toothbrushes, hairdryers, chargers etc.

Am I the only one who clicked on this thinking the OP had had a standard handheld toothbrush for five years and thinking: what a minger?

You are not the only one, Echt!

I've got a cheapie from Aldi. 8 years old, still holds a charge for a month.

I'm on my fourth Sonicare and the previous two lasted almost exactly two years each. The first one lasted for much longer - I think they have changed something about the manufacture in recent years as my current one feels far less good quality than the previous ones. The last two basically just stopped charging.

I have had some fairly serious gum problems in the past and the periodontist I was seeing at the time basically implied it was the only toothbrush to use so I have stuck with them religiously since, despite their decreasing longevity. Interested in the comments here - will be checking out alternatives...

My Oral B/Braun "Sonicare" is still going after 12 years. But it's worth knowing that if there's any grime between the toothbrush and the base, charging efficiency is impaired, so give each part a good scrub.