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This article was medically reviewed by Jennifer Boidy, RN. Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her nursing career, she also works as a Healthcare Content Strategist & Writer, helping businesses and non-profits market their products and services to healthcare provider organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare services vendors. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals & life sciences, health technology, medical devices & diagnostics, health insurance & managed care, and healthcare services & facilities. Her certification as a Registered Nurse was issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing and Finance. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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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] 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.
Steps
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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]
- Don't use warm or hot water because that will make it harder to remove the mucus from the bulb.[3]
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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
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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]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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]
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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]
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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.
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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]
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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]
- Once the syringe is completely dry, store in a dry and cool space.
Expert Q&A
Things You’ll Need
- Bulb syringe.
- Dish soap.
- Cup.
- Pot.
- Thermometer.
- Rubbing alcohol.
Tips
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Typically, you can wash the syringe with soapy water between each use. Once you have finished using the syringe on a regular basis and need to store it between uses, you should sterilize the syringe to prevent the development of mold.[10]Thanks
Warnings
- Never wash a bulb syringe in the dishwasher.Thanks
- Bulb syringes can develop mold if they are not cleaned between each use and sterilized before being stored.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.chkd.org/patients-and-families/health-library/way-to-grow/suctioning-your-childs-nose-and-mouth/
- ↑ http://www.womans.org/our-services/mother-and-baby/newborn-care/baby-care/bulb-syringe/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7_4uAcZtqU
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7_4uAcZtqU
- ↑ https://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-use-a-bulb-syringe-or-nasal-aspirator-to-clear-a-stuf_482.bc
- ↑ https://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-use-a-bulb-syringe-or-nasal-aspirator-to-clear-a-stuf_482.bc
- ↑ https://www.conehealthybaby.com/chb/your-new-baby/home-care/using-the-bulb-syringe/
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/cg/how-to-use-a-bulb-syringe.html
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/cg/how-to-use-a-bulb-syringe.html
About This Article
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.
