Download Keeping Your Wound Dressing Equipment Clean

Keeping Your Wound Dressing Equipment Clean
Cleaning your wound care instruments properly will help you prevent infections and get you
back to your regular life faster! Just follow these simple steps after each dressing change:
1.

Wash your hands.
Wash your hands before AND
after handling the equipment.
2. Important - Wipe the scissors and
forceps immediately after using
them for a dressing change.
 Use a clean paper towel to wipe
each piece of equipment.
3. Clean instruments by hand.
 Fill a clean bowl with warm,
fresh water. Use a clean paper
towel (not a sponge or
washcloth) and dish soap.
 Rinse with clean water.
Only use the sterile scissors and
forceps given to you by your nurse
for your wound care dressings.
4. Dry the instruments.
 Use a clean paper towel
 Drying prevents the growth of
bacteria, which could cause an
infection.
5. Store the dry scissors and forceps
in a clean glass or plastic
container with a lid, or, in a clean,
sealed storage bag.
 Use this container only for
storing clean instruments.
 If you are using a glass or plastic
container: Wash it with dish soap
and warm water, rinse it well
and dry it with a clean paper
towel before placing equipment
inside.
Before each dressing change:
 Wash your hands before using
instruments.
 Take your forceps and scissors
out of the container.
 Rub each instrument vigorously
with an alcohol wipe for about 30
seconds (to be sure the surfaces
have no bacteria).
 Allow to dry for one minute.
Your wound care instruments are
now safe to use!