Cleaning Instruments

All Instruments Must Be Cleaned Before Disinfection or Sterilization

All premises with multi-use items and equipment that require cleaning and disinfection or sterilization must have a separate designated reprocessing sink. This sink must:

Be separate from the handwashing sink.
Be able to immerse the largest piece of reusable equipment.
Have a constant supply of potable hot & cold running water under pressure.
Allow for one way flow from dirty to clean equipment reprocessing and have adequate counters/surfaces to prepare the reusable equipment.
Have separate areas for clean and used equipment.
Be appropriately separated from where personal services are provided to prevent contamination.
Not be in a room with a toilet.

Step 1: Pre-soak

Pre-soak instruments in cool water, with or without detergent

Step 2: Clean

Cleaning of instruments is very important to ensure disinfectants and the sterilization process works properly.
Clean with warm water and detergent
Use a small brush.
Use utility gloves and ensure instruments are visible to avoid cutting your hand.
Ensure brushes and instruments stay below the surface of the detergent solution while brushing.
Any brushes or reusable utility gloves used during cleaning need to be cleaned, disinfected, rinsed, dried, and stored after use. Once the brushes start to look worn out, discard and purchase a new cleaning brush.
If an ultrasonic cleaner is used:

- It must meet Health Canada standards and be approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
- Operate with the lid on.
- Change the solution daily or more often if visibly dirty.
- Clean and disinfect at the end of the day according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Test the unit weekly or according to manufacturer.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

Rinse with clean warm water.
Instruments are to be dried before disinfection or sterilization. If drying manually use a clean lint free cloth, sort absorbent towel or air-dry following manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Disinfect or Sterilize

Ensure items are properly cleaned before disinfection and sterilization to disinfect:
- Soak in the appropriate level disinfectant for the appropriate contact time
- For detailed information on disinfectants and contact times, see the Disinfection of Instruments & Equipment Fact Sheet
To sterilize:
- Air dry and store in a clean, covered container until ready to sterilize
- For detailed information on sterilization see the Sterilization – Infection Prevention & Control Fact Sheet

Important Related Information About Cleaning Instruments

Print Versions Available Upon Request in the Following Languages

For a copy of this document in the following languages, please email us at BodySafe@toronto.ca

中文 / Chinese
한국어 / Korean
Tiếng Việt / Vietnamese