How to Clean a Bulb Syringe

Medically reviewed by Jennifer Boidy, RN

Last Updated: July 1, 2022 References

Bulb syringes are typically used to help clean out the nasal passage of infants and young toddlers. They can also be used to clear out ear wax.^{[1]
X
Research source} Because syringes are placed into the nose or ears, it is important that they are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. This will help to prevent the development of mold and bacteria. In order to clean a bulb syringe, you should wash the syringe in warm soapy water and then rinse the syringe. If you are planning to store the syringe for a period of time, you should sterilize the syringe with hot water and rubbing alcohol.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Washing the Syringe with Soapy Water

1
Fill a small bowl with cool soapy water. Each time you use a bulb syringe, you should clean it with cool soapy water. This will remove anything that may remain in the syringe after use. To do this, fill a small bowl with cool soapy water.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Don't use warm or hot water because that will make it harder to remove the mucus from the bulb.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
2
Soak the syringe in water. Place the syringe so that it is fully submerged in the water. Leave the syringe in the water for a few minutes.

Advertisement
3
Squeeze the syringe with the tip in the soap mixture. Place the tip of the syringe in the water and squeeze the bulb so that the syringe fills with the soapy water.^{[4]
X
Research source}
4
Release the soap. Aim the hole of the syringe in the direction of the water and squeeze the bulb to release the water down the drain.
5
Repeat three times. Continue to fill up the syringe with cool soapy water and then release the water. Do this three to four times in order to make sure that the inside of the syringe is completely cleaned.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Rinsing and Drying the Syringe

1
Rinse the syringe with running water. Place the syringe under a tap of warm running water. This will help remove any soap suds from the outside of the syringe.
2
Fill a small bowl with warm water. Empty the bowl filled with soapy water and then thoroughly rinse under running water. Then, fill the same bowl with warm water. Do not add soap to the water.^{[5]
X
Research source}
3
Squeeze the syringe with the tip in the water. Place the tip of the syringe into the warm water and squeeze the bulb. This will fill the syringe with warm water.
4
Shake the water to rinse the inside. Place your index finger over the hole in the syringe to prevent water from leaking out. Then, shake the syringe so that the water rinses the inside of the syringe.
5
Release the water. Aim the hole of the syringe at the bowl of water and the squeeze the bulb to release the water. You could also release the water directly into your sink.
6
Repeat until completely rinsed. Continue to fill the syringe with water, shake, and release the water. This will thoroughly rinse the syringe and remove any remaining soap from inside the bulb.
7
Suspend the syringe upside down in a glass. Place the syringe upside down in a glass, with the tip facing the bottom of the glass. This will allow the water to drip out of the syringe and dry.^{[6]
X
Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Sterilizing the Syringe

1
Place the syringe in boiling water for 10 minutes. Before storing a bulb syringe for a sustained amount of time, you should sterilize it to prevent the development of mold and bacteria. Heat a pot of water on the stove until it is boiling. Place the syringe in the water for ten minutes.^{[7]
X
Research source}
2
Remove the syringe from the water. After 10 minutes, carefully remove the bulb syringe from the water. Use a pair of heat-proof tongs or a metal spoon to remove it. Then, while wearing an oven mitt, pick up the syringe and slowly squeeze the excess water into the sink.
3
Rinse with rubbing alcohol. Fill the bulb syringe with rubbing alcohol. Place your finger over the hole to prevent the liquid from leaking out. Then, gently shake the syringe so that the rubbing alcohol fully cleanses the inside of the syringe. Squeeze the bulb to release the rubbing alcohol.^{[8]
X
Research source}
4
Dry upside down. Place the syringe upside down in a cup. This will allow any excess rubbing alcohol to drip out of the syringe.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Once the syringe is completely dry, store in a dry and cool space.

Things You’ll Need

Bulb syringe.
Dish soap.
Cup.
Pot.
Thermometer.
Rubbing alcohol.

Warnings

Never wash a bulb syringe in the dishwasher.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Bulb syringes can develop mold if they are not cleaned between each use and sterilized before being stored.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0