Frequently Asked Questions

Caring for and protecting instruments after use is essential for ensuring long-lasting performance and a trouble-free experience.

• Our reusable stainless-steel instruments are fully autoclavable and corrosion resistant. However, exposure to unsuitable chemicals can still lead to corrosion, staining, or discoloration. General Care & MaintenanceNew instruments should be cleaned prior to the first sterilization. Every instrument must be sterilized before use.
• Use each instrument strictly for its intended purpose.
• Handle instruments with care, avoid dropping, impact, or excessive force.
• Pre-soak instruments in an appropriate enzymatic or pre-cleaning solution to loosen contaminants from hinges, joints, and moving parts.
• Clean instruments promptly after use to prevent debris from drying on the surface.
• Residues such as blood or saline can stain or corrode stainless steel if left to dry.
• Rinse all cleaning agents thoroughly from the instrument. Use distilled or demineralised water for washing, rinsing, and sterilisation. Pair this with a nylon brush or non-abrasive scrubber and a low-sudsing, near-neutral detergent (around pH 7).
• Regular tap water may leave mineral deposits on the instrument surface.
• Do not use steel wool, wire brushes, abrasive cleaning pads, or detergents with a high pH (above 9), as these can damage the protective passive layer of stainless steel.
• With ongoing use and repeated processing cycles, stainless-steel instruments naturally reinforce their passive layer, enhancing their resistance to wear and corrosion.
• Keep box locks, ratchets, and joints fully open during cleaning and sterilisation.
• Disassemble any instruments with removable components before processing.
• After cleaning, apply a water-soluble lubricant designed for instrument care. Do not rinse or wipe it off—the lubricating film helps protect moving parts during sterilisation and storage. Lubrication is especially important when ultrasonic cleaning methods are used.
• Ensure box locks, hinges, ratchets, and serrations remain free of debris; buildup can cause stiffness, misalignment, or cracking.
• Dry instruments thoroughly before wrapping. Trapped moisture in joints or crevices can lead to corrosion.Ensure reusable wraps or pouches are fully rinsed after laundering; detergent residues can cause staining or corrosion during sterilisation.
• Do not mix stainless-steel instruments with those made from other materials (such as carbon steel, brass, copper, or aluminium). If a plated instrument becomes chipped, exposed metal can transfer particles onto stainless steel through electrolytic action. Replacing plated items with stainless steel is recommended whenever possible.
• Avoid placing stainless-steel instruments and plated instruments together in an ultrasonic cleaner; electrolysis may cause corrosion or pitting.
• Prevent contact corrosion by keeping stained or corroded instruments separate from pristine ones.
• Brown staining can become apparent with the build up of residues and can often be removed by rubbing with a cloth.

Note: Instruments should never be exposed to substances not specifically formulated for instrument cleaning, processing, or sterilisation. Certain chemicals are particularly harmful and can damage or destroy stainless-steel surfaces. These include: Mercury Chloride, Mercury Salts, Phenol, Potassium Permanganate, Potassium Thiocyanate, Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach), Stannous Chloride, Sulfuric Acid, Tartaric Acid (tartar and stain removers), Carbolic Acid, Chlorinated Lime, Citric Acid, Dakin’s Solution, Ferric Chloride, Ferrous Chloride, Hydrochloric Acid, Iodine, Lysol®, Aluminium Chloride, Aqua Regia, Barium Chloride, Bichloride of Mercury, Calcium Chloride, Chlorine or chlorinated products, and household bleach.