How to Clean Tattoo Machines

It's essential that you sterilize tattoo needles after each use.

To clean their equipment and machines, tattoo artists use an autoclave. This device is similar to what a dentist uses to clean her tools. To prevent the spread of infections and diseases, it's essential that sterilization procedures be in place for a tattoo business. If you are starting or managing your own tattoo shop, it's important you know how to use an autoclave to clean tattoo machines, before using the equipment on clients.

Things You'll Need

• Heat resistant rubber gloves
• Sterilizer bags
• Autoclave

Instructions

1. Disassemble the grip, tip and tube from the tattoo gun. Put on rubber gloves.

2. Place grips in a sterilized bag. Put the tips and tubes in another sterilizer bag.

3. Assign one autoclave tray to each bag. Place each bag on a tray and close the device.

4. Turn on the autoclave. Allow the autoclave to clean the tattoo machinery. Wait for the temperature to fall before opening the device.

5. Remove the sterilized bags. Reassemble the tattoo gun or machine.

References

• China Tattoo Supplies: How Should We Clean Tattoo Machines
• Tattoo and Piercing Supplies: Basic Tattoo Equipment
• Get Better Life: How To Clean a Tattoo Machine

Resources

• National Tattoo Association
• iGuides: Tattoo's Basic Equipment Essentials