Good care keeps stainless steel instruments sharp, smooth and corrosion-free for years. This guide covers the basics of cleaning, sterilizing, lubricating and storing Scalpra surgical, dental and beauty instruments.
Important: Scalpra instruments are supplied non-sterile. Clean and sterilize them before first use. Always follow your facility’s validated procedures, your autoclave manufacturer’s instructions and local regulations. This guide is general information, not a replacement for those.
1. Right after use
- Remove blood and tissue as soon as possible. Dried soil is the main cause of staining and rust.
- Keep instruments moist (for example with a damp towel or enzymatic pre-soak spray) until cleaning.
- Never leave instruments in saline, bleach or chlorine solutions. These cause pitting and corrosion.
2. Cleaning
- Open all hinged instruments (scissors, hemostats, needle holders) so joints and serrations get clean.
- Use a neutral pH or enzymatic instrument detergent, mixed as the label says.
- Clean by hand with soft nylon brushes (never steel wool or wire brushes), or in an ultrasonic cleaner.
- Rinse thoroughly, ideally with distilled or deionised water, to avoid mineral spots.
- Dry completely, paying attention to joints and box locks.
3. Inspection
- Check tips line up and close properly, and that jaws and serrations mesh.
- Scissors should cut cleanly along the full blade. Ratchets should hold and release smoothly.
- Look for cracks in box locks, bent tips, burrs or rust. Set damaged instruments aside for repair or replacement.
4. Lubrication
Before sterilization, treat hinges and moving parts with a water-soluble instrument lubricant (“instrument milk”). Do not use mineral oil or WD-40-type products, as they block steam from reaching the surface.
5. Sterilization
- Steam sterilization (autoclave) is the most common method for stainless steel instruments. Use a validated cycle for your autoclave and load type.
- Sterilize hinged instruments open or on the first ratchet click, never fully locked.
- Do not mix stainless steel with carbon steel, aluminium or chrome-plated items in the same load.
- Let instruments cool and dry fully before storage, and allow the dry cycle to finish.
6. Storage
- Store clean, dry and sterile-packed instruments in a dry place, away from chemicals.
- Use tip protectors on fine and sharp instruments.
- Keep ratchets unlocked or on the first click during storage to protect the joint.
Beauty and nail tools
Clean nippers, cuticle pushers and tweezers after every client, then disinfect or sterilize them according to the hygiene rules for salons in your country. A drop of instrument lubricant on the joint keeps nippers opening smoothly.
Stains and spots
- Brown or orange spots: often rust transferred from other items or water deposits. Clean with an instrument stain remover and check your water quality.
- Blue-black marks: usually caused by reaction with cleaning agents. Rinse better and check detergent concentration.
- White or rainbow film: mineral deposits from tap water. Use distilled or deionised water for the final rinse and in the autoclave.
Need help or replacement instruments? Contact us at info@scalpra.com or request a quote.