You don't have to go back to a manual brush when you go away. A little planning is all it takes.
1. Charge it before you leave
For a short trip you may not need the charger at all. Manufacturers quote these figures for a full charge:
- Oral-B iO2: up to 4 weeks
- Philips Sonicare 5300: up to 3 weeks of regular brushing
2. Use a travel case
A case protects the bristles, keeps the brush away from everything else in your wash bag and stops it switching on by accident. Several brushes in our range come with one, including the Oral-B iO2 and iO3. Let the brush dry before you pack it.
3. Check the plug
Many UK toothbrush chargers have a 2-pin bathroom shaver plug. Its pins are closer together than a European 2-pin plug, so it won't fit a European socket without a travel adaptor.
4. Check the voltage
This is the one people miss. Look at the label on your charger or box:
- A charger marked 220-240V, as on the Oral-B iO packs we stock, is made for UK and European mains. It isn't suitable for countries with a lower voltage, such as the USA, without a voltage converter.
- A charger marked 100-240V works worldwide with just a plug adaptor. Philips lists the Sonicare 5300 charger as 100-240V.
5. Flying?
Electric toothbrushes contain a rechargeable battery. Rules can vary, so check your airline's guidance on battery-powered devices before you pack.
6. Pack a spare head
On a longer trip, a spare brush head takes up almost no room. A refill holder keeps it clean.
Sources: Electric Teeth: 2 pin plugs and adapters for toothbrushes explained
