How to Clean a Tattoo Machine

Similar to what a dentist uses to clean his tools, tattoo artists use an autoclave to clean their tattoo machines and equipment. This sterilization technique is essential to prevent the spread of diseases and infections. Learn how to use an autoclave to clean a tattoo machine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tattoo Machine
• Autoclave
• Sterilizer bags
• Heat resistant rubber gloves

1. Disassemble the tube, tip and grip from the tattoo machine. Put on heat resistant rubber gloves.
2. Fill one sterilizer bag with your grips, while another sterilizer bag can be filled with tubes and tips.
3. Designate one autoclave tray per bag. Place each sterilizer bag on a tray.
4. Turn the autoclave on. Let the clave sterilize the machinery. Wait for the temperature to register at 0 degrees prior to opening.
5. Remove bags. Reassemble the tattoo machine.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not dunk your tattoo machine in liquid, as the liquid will rust the coils.