Instruments Care Guide
Correct care keeps stainless steel instruments sharp, bright and safe for years. This guide covers the routine our own QC team recommends.
Immediately After Use
- Rinse instruments under running water as soon as possible to remove blood and debris — dried residue is the main cause of staining and pitting
- Keep hinged instruments open during cleaning and transport
- Never soak instruments in saline or bleach solutions
Cleaning
- Use a neutral-pH (near 7) instrument detergent; ultrasonic cleaning for 5–10 minutes removes debris from serrations and box locks
- For manual cleaning, use a soft brush — never steel wool or abrasive pads
- Rinse finally with deionised or distilled water to prevent water spots and mineral deposits
Lubrication
Apply instrument lubricant (“instrument milk”) to hinges, box locks and ratchets after cleaning and before sterilisation. Do not use industrial oils or WD-40-type products.
Sterilisation
- Steam autoclave: 134°C for 18 minutes, or 121°C for 15–20 minutes, following your autoclave manufacturer’s instructions
- Dry instruments completely before storage — residual moisture causes spotting and corrosion
- Do not autoclave instruments together with carbon-steel items
Storage & Handling
- Store in a dry, clean environment, ideally in cassettes or trays with tips protected
- Keep delicate instruments (scissors, needle holders with tungsten-carbide inserts) separated from heavy items
- Inspect joints, edges and ratchets regularly; a stiff joint usually needs cleaning and lubrication, not force
Questions about caring for a specific instrument? Contact our team with the article code and we will advise.