The Best Method for Cleaning a Stethoscope

Stethoscopes are important pieces of medical equipment that help physicians and veterinarians listen to the hearts and lungs of their patients. In order to maintain the acoustics and cleanliness of the stethoscopes, it is important that they are well maintained. One of the best ways to maintain a stethoscope is to clean it properly.

Things You'll Need

• Soft cloth or cotton balls
• Rubbing alcohol
• Talcum powder

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove the ear tips from the stethoscope to enable you to clean the tips and tubing thoroughly. If you are removing the diaphragm for cleaning as well, roll the rubber rim off of the chest piece to free it from the stethoscope.

• 2

  Moisten a soft cloth or cotton ball with a solution of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and wipe the individual parts of the stethoscope thoroughly. Stethoscopes should never be immersed in water or any other liquid.

• 3

  Allow the stethoscope to dry thoroughly and put the ear pieces back onto the stethoscope before use. When putting the diaphragm back into place, put a small amount of talcum powder under the rim to aid in the assembly.