Q: Why do I need to clean the chamber of the sterilizer?
A: Poor water and steam quality, boilers additives, types of materials being sterilized, frequency of spills, and how often the sterilizer is used can determine how often a sterilizer chamber must be cleaned.
Note
Chamber discoloration is always due to external substances introduced into the sterilizer. Stainless steels do not rust like carbon steels do. The chromium in stainless steels forms a protective passive layer on the surface of the metal (See Did You Know? #12 and #93 for detailed discussions of stainless steels).
Q: Should I develop a cleaning schedule?
A: It is best to develop a cleaning frequency that corrects problems during their infancy and not allow severe discoloration or build-up to occur. Operating and maintenance personnel should establish the proper cleaning interval based on the chamber’s appearance and known local utility and process issues.
Spills and other soiling should be cleaned up immediately.
Caution
If the facility sterilizes products containing chlorides, the cleaning frequency must be increased to ensure that chlorides are not allowed to remain on the chamber surface.
Stainless steels are subject to chloride stress corrosion.
Chloride stress corrosion can rapidly cause severe damage to a chamber and must be avoided.
Q: What cleaning agents are safe for the PRIMUS sterilizer?
A: Any branded non-abrasive cleaning detergent that does not contain chlorides is suitable for cleaning the chamber. NEVER use abrasive cleaning compounds, wire brushes, steel wool, or scouring pads to avoid permanent damage to the chamber surface.
- One acid-rated sprayer for the cleaning agent and a second one for the rinse water
- Mop (avoid sponge types)
- Soft bristle brushes with extension handles
- Lint-free cloths
- Eye protection (face shield or safety glasses)
- Rubber gloves
- Water proof apron
- Other personal protective equipment (PPE) required by the respective facility’s safety requirements
Q: How do I clean a PRIMUS steam sterilizer chamber?
A: Follow these steps for proper cleaning:
- Turn off the sterilizer’s power, water, and steam.
- Allow the sterilizer to cool down to ambient temperature. Remove the shelves and loading equipment.
- Wear all facility required personnel protective equipment (PPE).
- Using the acid rated sprayer, liberally apply the cleaning solution to the inside surfaces of the sterilizer chamber, including the inside surface of the door(s).
- Use a dampened lint-free cloth, or soft bristle brush attached to an extension handle to clean the chamber surface.
- Fill the second sprayer with warm tap water.
- Repeatedly rinse the sterilizer chamber surfaces and the inside of the sterilizer door(s) to eliminate all detergent residues.
- Make sure all foreign materials (lint, cleaning bristles, etc.) are removed from the chamber.
- Clean out the pin trap.
Have a question or having difficulties? Talk to Dave Schall, our PRIMUS sterilizer expert who is here to assist you anytime at 877.679.7800 extension 1212 or email at dschall@spire-is.com.
