Prior to sterilization, all instruments must be cleaned to remove debris, blood, oil, etc. This prevents blood from drying in serration and box locks. Open all box locks and disassemble instruments. Scrub each instrument with a soft brush in warm water with an instrument detergent with a pH near 7.0-8.5. Wear gloves and be mindful of sharp edges on instruments.
Distilled water is used to prevent mineral deposits on the instrument surfaces.
If distilled water is not available and tap water is used, hand-dry the instruments to remove mineral deposits from the water . Ultrasonic cleaning Ultrasonic cleaning is a more effective cleaning method than manual cleaning. It can penetrate areas that a hand brush cannot reach. Cleaning is accomplished by the use of high frequency sound waves converted in the solution into mechanical vibrations, which pull soil out of instruments. However, it is important to recognize that it does not sterilize, or eliminate the need for initial removal of obvious blood and soil.