Lillian Bennett

Most dentists and manufacturers say swap the head about every three months or sooner if the bristles are splayed or you’ve been sick. In hard-water areas, a brief soak in diluted white vinegar now and then can dissolve mineral buildup; rinse well afterward and flick off excess water, and store the head upright and uncapped so it dries. If money’s tight, good‑quality third‑party soft heads with rounded bristle tips can be a cheaper option as long as they fit securely.

Good add - I’d also clean the front grille and pop off the concentrator nozzle and wash that too; buildup there reflects heat back and can trip the thermal cutoff. Avoid using a long or thin extension cord or a crowded power strip since voltage drop slows the motor and kills airflow, which overheats the coil. If it still trips on low heat with clean grilles and a direct outlet, the thermal cutoff or thermostat is likely tired and replacement is the practical fix.

A lot of neighbors don’t realize how far sound carries through thin walls so a friendly ask often works. Catch them early evening or on a weekend and say, “Hey, I’m in 4A - sorry to bother you, I’m up at 6 and the music after 10 has been keeping me up; could you keep weeknights a bit lower but then... i’d appreciate it.” If it slips again, leave a polite note as a reminder and try cheap fixes like earplugs or a fan/white noise, moving your bed off the shared wall, or a draft stopper under the door before involving the landlord.