STERILIZATION

An autoclave is sterilizing under steam and pressure. Usually 15 minutes in required to properly sterilize the tubes and needles. For autoclave units there are special pouches to put the tubes and needles in. These pouches have indicators that will change color when properly sterilized. Dry heat sterilization uses extreme heat like an oven. These are also special pouches for this procedure. These pouches are referred to as tubing, you will need indicators that change color for the procedure as well. Depending on the model and age of the sterilizer, 350 degrees at 60 minutes usually is sufficient for proper sterilization. The indicators will change from green to brown when properly sterilized. Prepared needles do not come sterilized and must be wiped down with alcohol before being sterilized. After doing a tattoo, the cleaning procedure is as follows, being careful, remove needles and tubes from machine, place them in a acreened basket, place the basket in the ultrasonic cleaning machine with ultrasonic cleaner and water solution (directions for solution will very), let the tubes and needles sit in the machine with it running for at least 30 minutes. Change the solution often, When finished (always wear gloves when cleaning machine), remove needles and tubes from the basket and spray with alcohol. Then, place them on a clean towel and allow time to dry. Put all needles and tubes in their proper pouches with indicators and place them in your dry heat or autoclave sterilizer. If you do not have an ultrasonic cleaning machine then the procedure is as follow, remove the tube and needle from the tattoo machine (while wearing gloves), point the sharp end of the needle away from your body, with a small brush (toothbrush). Starting where the needle connects to the bar, brush out toward the end of the points (being careful not to damage the points, it doesn't take much to bend or barb these very thin needles), use the green soap to wipe off the needles and tubes. After thoroughly cleaning, check the needle and tubes with an eye lube to make sure all the ink is removed from the cracks and crevasses. When this is done wipe the entire needle and tube with alcohol and place them in the sterilizer of your choice.
Follow the same procedure for the tubes as you would for the needles. Except, at the tips of tubes one might take a toothpick and clean the tip channels. Before you sterilize, spray with alcohol and let dry, then, place them in your choice of sterilizer. This way of cleaning can be very risky as well as time consuming. To do away with all of this get yourself an ultrasonic cleaner.