The following steps are recommended when manual scrubbing instruments.

1. Always wear heavy-duty utility gloves, mask, protective eye-wear, and a gown.
2. Proceed slowly and carefully to reduce the chance of per-cutaneous injuries.
3. Place a few instruments in the pan and brush them thoroughly using a long handled brush while they are submerged. This reduces splattering.
4. Wash the instruments thoroughly, but avoid splattering.
5. Wash the cleaning brush after use, and allow it to dry.

The following steps are recommended for ultrasonic cleaning.

1. Proceed slowly and carefully.
2. Wash instruments prior to placing them in the chamber.
3. Place a maximum of 20 loose instruments at a time in the holding basket or rack.
4. Use a detergent designed for use in ultrasonic cleaners.
5. Operate the unit with the lid on.
6. Process loose instruments for 3 to 6 minutes (adjust time if needed).
7. Process instrument cassettes for 10 to 20 minutes (consult manufacturer instructions).

Instrument washers automatically clean and rinse instruments. Depending on design and water temperature, instrument washer types may also sanitize, disinfect, and sterilize. These machines are an excellent way of decontaminating instruments while minimizing handling and, therefore, possible per-cutaneous injuries.

Thermo disinfection is also more efficient than cleaning by hand and lowers the risk of contamination. Mostly the machine is large and is inefficient if chosen for small quantity of instruments. Before sterilization the instruments should be dry to prevent stains. Instruments with joints or ratchet should be cleaned and sterilized in open position only.