Like fine clothing, jewelry or high-speed hand pieces­ your instruments also require special care. Although stainless steel instruments, including XP, have outstanding built-in corrosion resistance, incompatibilities do exist with specific chemicals which should be avoided. Extend the life of your instruments!

Correct disinfection, care and sterilization
 
Sterilization cannot be a substitute for cleaning! An instrument exposed to high temperatures before being properly cleaned and rinsed, can cause the initiation of permanent stains onto the instrument surface.
Stubborn impurities and debris should be removed with a soft brush (never with steel wool, drill brushes or abrasive items). The instrument should be rinsed in distilled water (not tap water). Instruments should be cleaned in a non-corrosive, neutral cleaning agent with minimal foaming.
 
Sacred International recommends using cassettes for sterilizing any of your instruments. Cassettes offer protection which your instruments need to avoid damage caused by contact with other instruments, especially when using ultrasonic cleaning systems. They also offer proper flow of air or water for more efficient cleaning and sterilization.

Dos and Don'ts
 

• Regardless of sterilization method, always inspect your equipment for remaining debris and organic or mineral deposits. These can be transferred to the instruments and potentially cause corrosion.
• Do not batch stainless steel, aluminum, brass or copper instruments together during the cleaning or sterilization processes. If batched together, a potential for electrolysis reactions between dissimilar metals will exist, which can produce etching and corrosion on the instrument surfaces.
• Use only distilled or de-mineralized water when caring for dental instruments. High mineral levels in the water, or water that is too soft, can cause permanent stains on the instrument surface.
• Whether you use autoclave or germicidal solvents, always follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely, regarding specific recommendations for temperatures and times.
• Careful drying of instruments during cleaning and sterilizing processes is extremely important. Any remaining water or condensation can cause potential rust or corrosion on the instrument surface and into the substrate. It is advisable to remove any remaining moisture with a sterile cloth.
• Identification or engraving added to the instrument surface by the end-user is discouraged. When the polished surface is compromised, a potential inroad for oxidation and/or corrosion is created. 'Slip-on' ID rings is a recommended alternative for custom instrument identification.

With proper care, the longevity and performance of all your professional dental instruments can be extended. We hope that the above has been helpful to you in achieving this goal.