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Management

Cleaning Your Metered-Dose Inhaler

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Step-by-Step

  1. Hands scrubbing with soap under faucet with running water.

    Wash your hands.

  2. Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand pulling up on canister, sliding it out of inhaler.

    Remove the canister.

  3. Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand removing cap from mouthpiece.

    Take the cap off.

  4. A "no" symbol over canister being held under faucet with running water.

    Do not get the canister wet.

  5. Hand holding inhaler under faucet, water running into mouthpiece and out the top, with clock showing time passing.

    Run water into the mouthpiece for 30 seconds.

  6. Hand holding inhaler under faucet, water running into top and out mouthpiece, with clock showing time passing.

    Now run water into the top for 30 seconds.

  7. One hand holding inhaler, with other hand using cloth to clean mouthpiece.

    Wipe the mouthpiece with a cotton cloth.

  8. Cap lying next to inhaler on paper towel.

    Let your inhaler and cap fully dry.

  9. Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand pushing down on canister, sliding it back into inhaler.

    When the inhaler is dry, put the canister back in.

  10. Person holding inhaler upright with one hand, pointing inhaler away from face.

    Point your inhaler away from you.

  11. Hand holding inhaler upright and pointed away, with finger pressing on top of canister to spray medicine.

    Press down on the top three times to prime.

  12. Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand placing cap back on mouthpiece.

    Put the cap back on.

Online Medical Reviewer: Alan J Blaivas DO

Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC

Online Medical Reviewer: Paula Goode RN BSN MSN

Date Last Reviewed: 08/01/2024

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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