PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Health
Medical Equipment
How to Sterilize a Needle Download Article Co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Last Updated: May 14, 2025
Download Article
Preparing to Sterilize the Needle
|
Sterilizing the Needle
|
Expert Q&A
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 643,481 times.
Sterilizing and disinfecting needles are two different things. While they both decontaminate, disinfecting only reduces the number of bacteria and contaminants and doesn’t guarantee safety from infection. Sterilization, on the other hand, completely removes all bacteria and microorganisms. If you need to sterilize a needle, make sure to take extra care to keep the needle uncontaminated until you use it.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Preparing to Sterilize the Needle
Download Article
1 Wear gloves. Before you handle any needles, you need to wear gloves. If you don't have gloves, make sure you wash your hands (and wrists) thoroughly.[1]XResearch source
2 Gather sterilized equipment. When you are sterilizing needles, you need to make sure that you don't contaminate the needle after you sterilize it.
Use sterilized tongs or spoons to pick the needle out of whatever device you place it in. Don't touch the newly sterilized needle with your hands or gloves. You could have contaminants on them.
Place the needle in a sterilized container if you are storing it.[2]XResearch source
Advertisement
3 Wash the needle. Before you sterilize the needle, make sure to wash it. This removes any dirt, grime, or blood left on the needle. This is extremely important if you have used the needle before.
Make sure to clean inside the needle if it is hollow. Use a clean or sterilized syringe to run water and soap through the inside.
4 Rinse the needles. After washing the needles with soap or disinfectant, you need to rinse them with sterile water. Make sure to use sterile water instead of distilled water. Distilled water can still contain bacteria. You need to rinse the needles to make sure there are no deposits from the washing left behind.[3]XResearch source
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 2:
Sterilizing the Needle
Download Article
1 Use steam. Steam is one of the most widely used and effective methods for sterilizing needles. No living thing can survive direct exposure to saturated steam at 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius) for longer than 15 minutes.
Use a steaming pot to do this. Put water in the bottom pot. When it starts to boil, place the needle in the pot with the holes over the boiling pot, then cover it with a lid. Let it steam for at least 20 minutes.[4]XResearch source
An autoclave is a tool specifically made for sterilizing needles and other tools by steam. If you need to sterilize needles often and precisely, you may want to invest in one.
2 Bake the needle. Wrap the needle in multiple layers of clean cloth. Bake the needle for 1 hour at 340 degrees Fahrenheit.[5]XResearch source
This is one way to completely sterilize the needle by killing all the microorganisms. Make sure you leave it in the oven long enough. This method can be used to sterilize needles used for acupuncture, medical use, and piercings and tattoos.#*Dry heat can cause the needle to become brittle.
3 Use fire. Use a gas-fueled fire because they leave less residue behind. Place the needle tip in the flame until it glows red.[6]XResearch source
Sterilizing a needle in a flame is good for home use, but doesn't get completely sterile because the needle can pick up contaminants in the air after
If there are any soot or carbon deposits on the needle, wipe it with a sterile gauze pad.[7]XResearch source
This method is effective for removing a splinter, but is not the most sterile. Therefore, it is not recommended for piercing, tattooing, or medical uses.#Boil the needle in water. One way to sterilize a needle is to drop it in boiling water. After you wash and rinse your tools, cover them with water and boil them for 20 minutes. Start counting the 20 minutes after the water has reached a boil.
4 Use chemicals. You can sterilize a needle by using chemicals. You can soak a needle in medical ethanol, bleach, 70% isopropyl alcohol, or 6% hydrogen peroxide. Make sure they stay submerged for at least 20 minutes before taking them out. If you use drinking alcohol, choose the strongest alcohol you can, such as gin, and allow it to soak for 1 day.[8]XResearch source
Clean the needles thoroughly before sterilizing them since even the slightest contamination can prevent the chemicals from working.
Do not use chemicals to sterilize needles that you’d use inside the womb.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question Can I boil my plastic syringes and needles to reuse for cattle? Marsha Durkin, RN Registered Nurse Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987. Marsha Durkin, RN Registered Nurse Expert Answer I would not try to boil disposable syringes for reuse. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 18
Question Can these methods be used on clean a needle for re-administering fluids to a dog? Marsha Durkin, RN Registered Nurse Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987. Marsha Durkin, RN Registered Nurse Expert Answer I don’t know if I would use this technique if your syringe and needle are all one piece, as many subcutaneous syringes are. Subcutaneous syringes can be purchased at the pharmacy with a prescription from your veterinarian; they are sold in small bags of 50 or 100 syringes. Disposable syringes are made to be thrown out after one use. Some disposable syringes can be taken apart, boiled or steamed, and reused several times. But we do not recommend this because needles that are not completely sterilized can spread disease. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 9
Question How do I sterilize my diabetic meter? Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Expert Answer You can’t really sterilize your diabetic meter but you can disinfect it by using alcohol prep wipe. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
Don’t pop a blister. The skin keeps the wound sterile and helps it to heal. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Avoid touching the ends of the needle after sterilizing it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Do not ever attempt to sterilize and reuse a disposable needle. They are not meant to be reused and could transmit deadly infections. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How to Unclog a Syringe NeedleHow toClean a SyringeHow toSterilize BottlesHow toUse a Tattoo GunHow toClean a Bulb SyringeA Complete Guide to Cleaning & Disinfecting Your Nail Clippers at HomeHow toPierce Your EarHow toPierce Your EyebrowHow toSterilize Medical InstrumentsHow toSterilize Bottles and Jars for CanningThe Best Ways to Sterilize Glass Baby Bottles at HomeHow toPierce Your Ear with a Safety PinHow toUse a Bottle SterilizerHow to Properly Store Baby Bottles After Sterilizing Them Advertisement
Co-authored by: Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner This article was co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 643,481 times. 25 votes - 69% Co-authors: 26Updated: May 14, 2025 Views: 643,481 Categories: Medical Equipment | Cleaning
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Read More...
Article SummaryX
To sterilize a needle, drop it in boiling water and leave it there for 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can wrap the needle in a cloth and bake it in the oven for 1 hour at 340 degrees Fahrenheit. Or, you can place the needle in a steaming pot over boiling water, cover the pot with a lid, and let it steam for 20 minutes to sterilize it. You can also soak the needle in 5% bleach, 70% isopropyl alcohol, or 6% hydrogen peroxide for 20 minutes. For more tips from our Nurse co-author, like how to avoid contaminating a needle after you sterilize it, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish Italian Russian Portuguese Indonesian German French Dutch Arabic Hindi Czech Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 643,481 times.
Reader Success Stories
Sandra Lee Nelson
Jul 25, 2017
"I do animal rescue, and I have been treating kittens over the last month that were kept in really inhumane, unsanitary conditions. I've been going through a lot of needles, which can become extremely expensive. I also use just a syringes, so I've been worried about whether I can get everything sterile."..." more Rated this article:
Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner 25 votes - 69% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 26Updated: May 14, 2025 Views: 643,481
Sandra Lee Nelson
Jul 25, 2017
"I do animal rescue, and I have been treating kittens over the last month that were kept in really inhumane, unsanitary conditions. I've been going through a lot of needles, which can become extremely expensive. I also use just a syringes, so I've been worried about whether I can get everything sterile."..." more Rated this article: Share yours!
Quizzes & Games
What Piercing Should I Get QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizDeserted Island SimulatorPlayDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizThe Impossible QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How to Unclog a Syringe NeedleHow toClean a SyringeHow toSterilize BottlesHow toUse a Tattoo Gun
Featured Articles
What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)
Trending Articles
What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?How Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereBest Personality TestDo I Have Common Sense QuizDaily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧Compatibility Test
Featured Articles
What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?
Featured Articles
How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test
Watch Articles
How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)
Trending Articles
10 Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey FastWhat Am I Craving Quiz150 Unique & Sentimental Ways to Say “Happy New Year”30+ New Year’s Eve Games to Keep Your NYE Party GoingWhich Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Toxic Family Test
Quizzes & Games
How Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizThe Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionPlayAm I Smart QuizTake QuizOCD TestTake QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Health
Medical Equipment
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS 
How toSterilize Bottles and Jars for Canning 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner This article was co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 643,481 times. 25 votes - 69% Co-authors: 26 Updated: May 14, 2025 Views: 643,481 Categories: Medical Equipment | Cleaning 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Play
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Play
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
658 
1 Wear gloves. Before you handle any needles, you need to wear gloves. If you don't have gloves, make sure you wash your hands (and wrists) thoroughly.[1] 
2 Gather sterilized equipment. When you are sterilizing needles, you need to make sure that you don't contaminate the needle after you sterilize it. 
3 Wash the needle. Before you sterilize the needle, make sure to wash it. This removes any dirt, grime, or blood left on the needle. This is extremely important if you have used the needle before. 
4 Rinse the needles. After washing the needles with soap or disinfectant, you need to rinse them with sterile water. Make sure to use sterile water instead of distilled water. Distilled water can still contain bacteria. You need to rinse the needles to make sure there are no deposits from the washing left behind.[3] Advertisement 
1 Use steam. Steam is one of the most widely used and effective methods for sterilizing needles. No living thing can survive direct exposure to saturated steam at 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius) for longer than 15 minutes. 
2 Bake the needle. Wrap the needle in multiple layers of clean cloth. Bake the needle for 1 hour at 340 degrees Fahrenheit.[5] 
3 Use fire. Use a gas-fueled fire because they leave less residue behind. Place the needle tip in the flame until it glows red.[6] 
4 Use chemicals. You can sterilize a needle by using chemicals. You can soak a needle in medical ethanol, bleach, 70% isopropyl alcohol, or 6% hydrogen peroxide. Make sure they stay submerged for at least 20 minutes before taking them out. If you use drinking alcohol, choose the strongest alcohol you can, such as gin, and allow it to soak for 1 day.[8] 
Marsha Durkin, RN Registered Nurse Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987. 
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.