Following these easy maintenance tips will keep your sterilizer working properly and extend the life of your Midmark autoclave. These tips and tricks will not only ensure proper working order (less headaches!) but also save you money in the long run.

1. Only Use Autoclave Cleaners

Sterilizer cleaners are specially designed to remove hard water deposits and sediments that accumulate in autoclaves. Using other chemicals can damage your sterilizer severely.

In addition, items entering an autoclave should be pre-cleaned. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "Items must be cleaned using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaners before processing", such as in an ultrasonic cleaner. Removing particles from instruments will also prevent any contaminants from damaging your autoclave in the long run. 

Important to know: NEVER use bleach, steel wool, a steel brush, or anything abrasive to clean the chamber. Only use autoclave cleaners and distilled water.

MFI Medical Recommends: 

    2. Use Distilled Water Only

    Distillation removes impurities and contaminants, such as bacteria, particles, dissolved solids, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), providing the cleanest water possible for your sterilization needs. This will prevent minerals from collecting and corroding your sterilizer. The single most important step you can take to prevent problems with your sterilizer is to ensure only distilled water, not tap water, is used.

    Money Saving Tip: Having a water distiller will save you money and space compared to buying distilled water.

    MFI Medical Recommends: Tuttnauer Water Purification Systems

    3. Clean Your Autoclave Daily, Weekly, and Monthly

    Your autoclave is sterilizing your instruments, it needs to be kept clean! Luckily, if this is done on a regular schedule the process is quick and simple. If the sterilizer isn’t cleaned properly, dirt and debris will build up and clog the tubing and solenoid valves. This dirt can also be transmitted to the instruments, jeopardizing your sterilization. In addition, a layer of dirt on the stainless steel chamber will trap moisture against the metal and cause the camber to become porous and fail.

    The difference between sterilizing and disinfecting is disinfecting eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores. Meaning, if spores are present sterilization has not been reached. Sterilization eliminates all forms of microbial life. Using spore tests will ensure your autoclave is being cleaned properly and effectively sterilizing your instruments.

    MFI Medical Recommends: SteriDent Spore Test Monitoring Service Dry Heat or Steam

    Important to know: Because maintenance instructions can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer based on different features, materials, parts, etc., always follow the manufacturer recommended maintenance and cleaning instructions for your specific autoclave.

    Find cleaning and maintenance instructions here:

    M9/M9D and M11

    Daily and Weekly Maintenance Instructions Video

    Midmark Education+Training: Product Overview Simulation

    Midmark Product Overview Simulation

    The Midmark Product Overview Simulation is an interactive online visual and auditory training that provides education on the proper care, maintenance, and operation of Midmark M9/M9D and M11/M11D Steam Sterilizers.

    Midmark Product Simulator Training

    For step by step instructions with video follow these paths in the simulator:

    • Using Distilled Water: Installation & User Periodic Service > User Periodic Service > Using Distilled Water
    • Daily Maintenance: Installation & User Periodic Service > User Periodic Service > Daily Maintenance
    • Weekly Maintenance: Installation & User Periodic Service > User Periodic Service > Weekly Maintenance
    • Monthly Maintenance: Installation & User Periodic Service > User Periodic Service > Monthly Maintenance
    • Pre-Loading Preparation: Product Operation > Preparation & Loading > Pre-Loading Preparation
    • Operating the Autoclave and Running Cycles: Product Operation > Cycle Parameters/Operation > Select the program you are trying to run (unwrapped, pouches, packs, handpieces, and more)

    Equipment and Products You Will Also Need

    Autoclave Chamber Cleaners