How to Kill Bacteria on a Nebulizer

A nebulizer is a medical device used by individuals with breathing problems like asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia. Medication is dispensed via fine mist to penetrate swollen organs. Used by adults and children alike, the device is generally used at a doctor's office, clinic or hospital where there is little concern about passing on of bacteria. Some patients; however, use nebulizers at home, requiring they take on a level of responsibility for machine maintenance.

Things You'll Need

• Nebulizer
• Water (plain and distilled)
• Lint free paper towels
• Antibacterial soap
• White vinegar
• Large pan
• Bleach
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Dishwashing machine
• Microwave
• Medical disinfectant

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove and rinse the medication holder and the nebulizer mask or mouthpiece after each use. After the last use of the day, clean those parts using a gentle antibacterial soap.

• 2

  Put dishwasher safe nebulizer parts into the dishwasher on high temperature. Make sure the parts are air or dishwasher dried completely.

• 3

  Disconnect the tubing that runs from the machine to the mask or mouthpiece only if mucous has accumulated therein. Replace it with new tubing rather than attempting to clean it.

• 4

  Dry nebulizer pieces thoroughly by exposing them to the air, using a hair dryer or drying them by hand with a lint free paper towel.

• 5

  Remove low-level bacteria by soaking the various nebulizer parts in a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water. Repeat two to four times weekly. Be sure to let the parts soak for at least 30 minutes to one hour.

• 6

  Clean and disinfect by boiling nebulizer parts in water for at least five minutes. Some manufacturers recommend boiling between 10 and 15 minutes.

• 7

  Clean and disinfect nebulizer parts by microwaving them in hot water for at least five minutes.

• 8

  Disinfect nebulizer parts three to five times a week. Soak them in 3 tbsp. of bleach to each gallon of water. Let sit for three to five minutes. Rinse with distilled water and air dry.

• 9

  Eliminate bacteria from nebulizer parts by soaking them in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for five to seven minutes. Rinse and air-dry.

• 10

  Kill nebulizer bacteria by immersing parts into 3 percent peroxide between 30 and 45 minutes. Rinse and air-dry.

• 11

  Use an approved medical disinfectant to clean and disinfect nebulizer parts. Follow the instructions for the product purchased.

• 12

  Replace the nebulizer's filter as recommended by the manufacturer. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria.

• 13

  Clean and disinfect the outside of the nebulizer machine periodically to prevent transfer of external bacteria to the internal mechanisms.