Instrument Care 101: Cleaning, Lubricating and Autoclaving Reusable Instruments
Reusable instruments are an investment. A simple care routine — prompt cleaning, regular lubrication and correct autoclaving — can double their working life.
A quality pair of Mayo scissors should give your practice years of service — but only with the right reprocessing routine. Here's the simple regime we recommend to every WA clinic we supply.
1. Clean promptly after use
Blood and saline are the enemies of stainless steel. Rinse instruments in warm (not hot) water as soon as practical after use, and don't let soiled instruments dry out. Use a neutral-pH enzymatic detergent — avoid chlorine-based cleaners, which pit stainless steel.
2. Brush joints and serrations
Box joints, ratchets and serrated jaws trap debris. A soft instrument brush (never steel wool) keeps them clear. If you have an ultrasonic cleaner, use it — it reaches where brushes can't.
3. Lubricate moving parts
After cleaning and before sterilisation, treat hinged instruments with instrument milk or a steam-permeable lubricant. Stiff joints cause misalignment, and misalignment ruins tips and edges.
4. Autoclave open and dry
Sterilise instruments in the open, unratcheted position so steam reaches every surface, and run a full drying cycle — moisture left in packs causes staining and corrosion. Store instruments dry and separated so tips can't knock together.
5. Inspect regularly
Check needle holder jaws for wear, scissor blades for burrs and forceps tips for alignment. Catching wear early keeps procedures safe and repair costs low.
Need to replace tired instruments? Our full surgical instruments range ships fast across Western Australia.