Over the last few years, R A Medical Services have become increasingly aware of damage caused to equipment by cleaning materials and regimes for infection control. The damage is avoidable, the cost is not — repair bills for cleaning-related damage run into hundreds of pounds per item, on top of the standard service cost. This guide explains what not to use, what to use instead, and the cleaning routine we recommend.
What you'll learn
- Identify the cleaning products that damage sedation equipment.
- Apply a cleaning routine that protects your equipment and stays compliant with infection control.
- Reduce avoidable service costs from cleaning-related damage.
We see the same handful of cleaning mistakes in practices that have an equipment damage issue. The damage is caused by the products and the application method, not by the act of cleaning itself.
The don'ts:
- Don't use Clinell or any other type of similar wipes that are very wet and foamy, unless they have first been squeezed over a sink to remove excess moisture. Excess moisture enters the flow tubes and damages the diaphragms.
- Never spray directly onto the equipment — for example, Durr Dental FD 322 or any similar spray. Always spray onto a soft cloth before applying.
- Don't use excessive moisture of any kind and avoid obvious open areas on the equipment which could allow moisture ingress — i.e. the top of flow tubes, or the air vents on the Miniscav.
- Don't use any cleaning material containing alcohol or bleach. Both strip the decals and pit the metalwork on flowmeters, stands, and scavenging units.
The do's:
- Ensure that any pre-moistened wipe is only just damp — squeeze out any excess liquid prior to applying to the equipment.
- Use of an e-cloth (Evident) is also approved by us, but care must be taken to ensure there is no excessive moisture in the cloth prior to applying to the equipment.
- After wiping over, polish the equipment with a soft clean cloth or paper towel.
- Wipe, don't spray. If you are using a spray product, apply it to a cloth first, never directly to the equipment.
- Pay attention to the flow tubes and air vents. These are the most common entry points for moisture. A small amount of moisture here causes a lot of damage.
The damage we see from inappropriate cleaning is consistent and expensive:
- Matrx Analogue MDM Flowmeter — damage includes liquid in the oxygen and nitrous oxide flow tubes, tide marks behind the flowmeter decal, and internal damage to the valves and diaphragms. Typical repair cost: £400+ above standard service.
- Mobile 4 Cylinder Stands — residue observed on bodok seals and pitting of metals. Repair cost varies.
- Miniscavs — external pitting of cases and damage to internal items including pump diaphragms. Typical repair cost: £350+ above standard service.
This is a potentially serious cost implication for NHS Trusts and other users, because this damage is not covered in the standard terms and conditions of service and will be charged extra.
The good news: it is entirely avoidable. A few minutes of care with the right cloth and the right product will keep the equipment in good condition for 15–20 years.
For day-to-day cleaning of R A Medical equipment, we recommend:
- A soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water and a small amount of neutral detergent.
- E-cloth (Evident) — approved by us for routine cleaning. Ensure the cloth is not dripping wet.
- Manufacturer-approved wipes — when available for your specific equipment. Always check the product data sheet first.
If you are in any doubt about whether a product is suitable, call us on 01535 652 444 before using it. We would rather advise you for two minutes than see a flowmeter back on the bench for a £400 repair.
Key takeaways
- Never spray directly onto the equipment. Wipe with a damp (not wet) cloth.
- Avoid alcohol- and bleach-based products. Both damage decals and pit metalwork.
- A few minutes of care keeps the equipment in good condition for 15–20 years. The cost of getting it wrong is £350–£400+ per repair.
References
- R A Medical Services. Equipment Damage Caused by Excessive Use of Cleaning Materials. Internal reference RAM/IC/416/001.
Originally issued as a customer letter (RAM/IC/416/001). Converted to a guide format for the R A Medical website.
