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] X Research source
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.
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] X Research 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. [5] X Research 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. [7] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization. Go to source [8] X Research source Dry heat can cause the needle to become brittle.
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 afterward. [10] X Research source If there are any soot or carbon deposits on the needle, wipe it with a sterile gauze pad. [11] X Research 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. [12] X Research 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.
