Caring for your Podiatry Instruments

Your LuxeMED instruments will perform at the highest level when they are initially received. To keep them performing at this level, it is important to care for them in a way which not only reduces the wear and tear, but minimises the chance of malfunction.

Pre-cleaning Instruments

Cleaning your instruments correctly ensures that the spring remains stiff (in the case of clippers) and the outer surface remains untarnished. This is important to minimise the chance of contamination and enhance the usability of the instruments.

Before sterilising your instruments, be sure to remove all foreign material from all externals surfaces. Failure to do so can cause these contaminants to become ‘baked’ to the surface of the instruments, resulting in tarnishing and reducing the efficacy of the sterilisation process. The best practice is to pre-rinse your instruments as soon as possible following use. Use cool, potable running water ideally with a low mineral content. Minerals contained in some water supplies can form deposits on your instruments, dramatically reducing their performance and lifetime.

To remove foreign material, be sure to use a pH neutral disinfectant, a manual brush with soft bristles and finishing the process with a rinse with clean running water. A purpose produced cleaning agent should be used over household cleaning agents as these fragrances etc which can be difficult to remove. This can cause residue build-up, resulting in damage to your instruments.

Don’t leave your instruments to soak for an extended period of time as this can increase the risk of rust and tarnish occurring.

If your manufacturer recommends it, instruments may be ultrasonically cleaned to assist with removing persistent debris adhered to your Podiatry instruments. Remember to use distilled water in your ultrasonic cleaner.

Using an ultrasonic cleaner to remove debris from your LuxeMED clippers should be done sparingly. The strong vibrations can cause debris and residue built up in the hinge to become stiff – restricting the function of the clippers. Remember to apply a concentrated oil based lubricant following the use on an ultrasonic cleaner to ensure that the hinges of the clippers remain lubricated.

Sterilising Instruments

Once you have removed the visible contaminants from your instruments, its time to sterilise them using an autoclave. The sterilisation requirements vary across the different regions so be sure that you’re informed on the correct standards required in your region. 

General Instrument Care

The lubrication of hinges on your Podiatry clippers, scissors and other instruments should not need to be completed routinely. The ‘stiffness’ or ‘stickyness’ felt in hinges of instruments may be a result of inadequate cleaning or drying before sterilising, improper cleaning techniques or poor quality cleaning solutions. Another cause of damage may be an ineffective drying cycle in your steam style autoclave.

Occasional maintenance such as lubricating the hinges maximises the lifetime and performance of your LuxeMED Podiatry clippers. They are supplied with a level of stiffness which is normal and desirable in Podiatry clippers expected to provide a lifetime of service.

Remember:

• Let the instruments dry fully prior to sterilising or pat them dry with a clean lint free towel.
• Leave all hinges open and unlocked throughout the sterilisation process
• Never operate clippers until they cool to room temperature
• Dissimilar metals should be separated throughout the sterilisation process
• Remember to lubricate if you sonicate!