How to Clean a Tattoo Gun

Working at a tattoo shop or around tattoo machines means not only understanding how to work with the machines, but also how to clean them on a regular basis in order to sterilize them, preventing disease and infection. It is important to understand the mechanisms of the machines, just as a doctor must understand his supplies. Using an autoclave is the best way to clean a tattoo machine.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tattoo machine
• Sterilizer bags
• Gloves that are heat resistant
• Autoclave
• Work space
• Protective eyewear, if desired

1. Take the tattoo machine apart, while wearing gloves, by removing the tip, tube and grip from the machine. Depending upon the make and model, this procedure of how to unscrew or pull of these three parts will vary.

2. Wash these machine pieces with anti-bacterial soap and warm water.

3. Soak cotton swabs and Q-tips in a tattoo machine antibacterial soap or rubbing alcohol. Clean the outside of the tattoo machine, making sure to dig in the crevices until the machine is shiny.

4. Fill one of the sterilizer bags with the tubes, one with the tips and one sterilizer bag with the grips. Close the sterilizer bag and set them each on their own autoclave tray. If you only have one autoclave tray, take turns with each bag.

5. Fill the autoclave with sterile and distilled water. Fill it so it is at the halfway point. Start the autoclave by turning it on. Keep an eye on the autoclave, as it will take about one to two hours to clean each bag of equipment. Depending on the make and model of the autoclave, directions may vary but the machine will always come with instructions just in case.

6. Open the sterilizer bags once the temperature registers at zero degrees.

7. Remove each of the bags from the autoclave tray. Remove the supplies from the bags and attach back onto the tattoo machine, or store them in sterile bags in a clean, dry cabinet.

8. Dispose of the gloves you used to clean the tattoo machine.

Tips & Warnings

• Never re-use needles. Makes sure to thoroughly clean the tattoo gun and parts after each use.