How to Clean Surgical Instruments: Detergent and Presoak Basics
By Medical Supply Pros | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step surgical instrument cleaning process using enzymatic presoak detergent and the right detergent for manual or automated cleaning.
Quick answer
Clean surgical instruments by presoaking them in an enzymatic detergent immediately after use, then cleaning with a detergent matched to your method: low-suds enzymatic detergent for automated washers and ultrasonic machines, or high-sudsing detergent for manual cleaning. Rinse and dry fully before inspection.
Match the detergent to your cleaning method
The biggest cleaning mistake is using the wrong detergent for your equipment. High-sudsing formulas are designed for manual scrubbing, where foam helps lift blood and soil from surfaces. In an automatic washer or ultrasonic machine, high suds can interfere with mechanical action and leave residue. Low-suds enzymatic detergents are formulated for those machines and for presoaking heavily soiled instruments.
If you clean by hand, a high-sudsing surgical detergent with a hemolytic formula and rust inhibitor gives you the foam and protection you need. If you use an automatic washer or ultrasonic cleaner, choose a low-suds enzymatic detergent to avoid excess foam and ensure thorough rinsing.
Presoak is not a substitute for cleaning
An enzymatic presoak begins breaking down blood, fat, and protein before manual or automated cleaning. It keeps soil from drying and makes the main cleaning step faster and more effective. But presoaking alone does not disinfect or sterilize. You still need to clean, rinse, and then follow your facility’s disinfection or sterilization protocol.
Also note that product catalogs often list multiple enzyme formulas. Check the label for the specific enzymes and contact time recommended for your instruments. If a product page does not list a detail such as exact dilution or soak time, treat that as a gap to confirm with the manufacturer before use.
Step-by-step surgical instrument cleaning process
- 1. Presoak immediately after use: Place instruments in a container of enzymatic presoak detergent as soon as possible after the procedure. Use the dilution and soak time on the product label. Common mistake: letting blood and soil dry on the instruments, which makes cleaning harder and can damage surfaces. Set a timer for the recommended soak time so instruments are not left in the solution longer than necessary.
- 2. Choose the right detergent for your cleaning method: For manual cleaning, use a high-sudsing surgical detergent. For automatic washers or ultrasonic machines, use a low-suds enzymatic detergent. Common mistake: using a high-sudsing detergent in an automated machine, which can cause excess foam and poor rinsing. Label your cleaning stations clearly so staff grab the correct detergent every time.
- 3. Clean thoroughly: If cleaning manually, scrub all surfaces, lumens, and hinges with a soft brush under running water or in the detergent solution. If using an automated washer or ultrasonic, load instruments so they do not nest and follow the machine cycle. Common mistake: skipping lumens or box locks, which trap soil. Inspect each instrument for visible soil before moving to rinse.
- 4. Rinse completely: Rinse with water until all detergent residue is gone. Pay attention to hinges and lumens. Common mistake: not rinsing enough, which leaves detergent film that can interfere with disinfection or cause corrosion. If you see spots or film after drying, rinse again.
- 5. Dry and inspect: Dry instruments immediately with a clean, lint-free cloth or forced air. Inspect for cleanliness, function, and damage. Common mistake: letting instruments air-dry slowly, which can lead to water spots or corrosion. Remove any instrument that fails inspection from the set and reprocess it.
Product facts
- Enzymatic Surgical Instrument Detergent and Presoak: Available in three enzyme formulas and suitable for automatic washers, ultrasonic machines, and manual pre-cleaning. One product line can cover presoak, ultrasonic, and washer use, so you can standardize without switching detergents.
Enzymatic Surgical Instrument Detergent and Presoak - Enzymatic Surgical Instrument Presoak Detergent: Enzymatic presoak detergent designed for presoaking heavily soiled instruments before cleaning. A dedicated presoak step keeps soil wet and starts breaking it down, which makes the main cleaning step more effective.
Enzymatic Surgical Instrument Presoak Detergent - High-Sudsing Detergent for Surgical Instruments: High-sudsing, hemolytic formula that rinses spot-free and contains a rust inhibitor. The foam helps lift blood and soil during manual cleaning, while the rust inhibitor protects instrument surfaces.
