Cleaning Suction Catheters

How to clean suction catheters

In order to prevent the spread of germs, clean suction catheters regularly. In following the guidance below, remember to:

  • Clean catheters completely of all mucous.
  • Follow each step.
  • Dry catheters completely and store dry.
  • Throw out catheters that become cloudy, develop cracks, or have mucous that cannot be removed. All such catheters should not be used again.

  • 3 large bowls
  • 1 bottle dishwashing detergent
  • 1 bottle hydrogen peroxide
  • 1 bottle sterile water
  • Suction machine
  • Dry towels
  • Dry container to store catheter
  • 1 pair of clean gloves (optional)
  • Dirty catheter(s)

  • Fill the first bowl approximately 1/3 full with tap water and 1 squeeze of dishwashing soap.
  • Fill the second bowl approximately 1/4 full with hydrogen peroxide.
  • Fill the third bowl approximately 1/4 full with sterile water. You can use homemade sterile water.
  • Suction soapy water through catheter to clean the inside. You can dip the catheter in and out of the water to agitate the soap for more thorough cleaning.
  • Rinse the outside of the catheter and wipe off any debris.
  • Use the suction machine to suction tap water through the catheter and rinse the soapy water out.
  • Suction a small amount of hydrogen peroxide through the catheter, then place catheter in hydrogen peroxide and soak for approximately 20 minutes.
  • Suction sterile water though the catheter to rinse the hydrogen peroxide from the inside of the catheter, then place in the sterile water to rinse off the hydrogen peroxide from the outside of the catheter.
  • Suction air into the catheter to dry the inside and wipe the outside of the catheter with a clean towel.
  • Store the dry catheter in a clean, dry container. Close the cover when not in use.
You're on Shepherd Center's patient education website. For our hospital's main website, please visit shepherd.org.