A light relief question about cleaning spacers

[Wheezycat]

The other day I noticed my Aerochamber had a residue of white fine particles in spite of cleaning it as per advice. So I have now looked at various bits of video to see if I can find more effective methods. I easily get oral thrush. And I do gargle and brush the inside of my mouth etc. I can manage the thrush, but want to reduce the possibility.

I see on AUK website you shouldn’t rinse after swishing it in soapy water, and soaking, which I have done (not doing so would be an effort of will), but I need first to get rid of the residue. You shouldn’t wipe the inside, both to avoid static electricity and lint particles, so what else? Some places say you can put them through the dishwasher, but not all.

Any suggestions? How do you all manage this? Remember I do follow the advice given on this.

[Hidden]

I use steradent or warm water and washing up liquid then raised under water and let dry and use my spare inhaler for my pumps

[Wheezycat in reply to Hidden]

That is what I do, warm water and washing up liquid, then rinse (as I now have learned you shouldn’t) but it hasn’t moved that fo e white residue.

[Hidden in reply to Wheezycat]

I got the information from Asthma UK about warm water and washing up liquid. But I find steradent work's well. Then I rinse with warm water and washing up liquid. Here's the link I find the washing up liquid being used to clean the spacers asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

[Wheezycat in reply to Hidden]

It is AUK who says you shouldn’t rinse, as the washing up liquid reduces static electricity. I haven’t got any stearadent so can’t try it at present. I would love to put them through the dishwasher.

[Hidden in reply to Wheezycat]

Gently clean it using a detergent, such as washing-up liquid. Only a small number of brands of spacer are dishwasher safe, so check the instructions on the label

from the link I shared with you

[emmasue]

I was told not to rinse. The soap film helps keep the medication from sticking to the surfaces.

[Wheezycat in reply to emmasue]

It is exactly what is stated in AUK’s bit of video about it, but seemingly not in 5heir written instructions.

[emmasue in reply to Wheezycat]

Strange that. They should change the advice. x

[Hidden]

I probably shouldn’t , but i gently wipe the inside with a small, clean, soapy water soaked piece of chamois leather. (Wet the inside of the spacer with warm soapy water get some off first) Failing that my fingers (cleaned) wipe it away. Then wash and drip dry as per asthma uk instructions. I replace it once per year. It seems to get ingrained.

[Wheezycat in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I don’t think chamois leather leaves lint, so that makes more sense, even if not actually recommended. Unfortunately my fingers are not long enough to reach all the way. I have tried!

[Hidden in reply to Wheezycat]

Ah I may have had a misspent childhood trying to get all the cake mix off electric whisk. ......

[Wheezycat in reply to Hidden]

We never had an electric whisk then but I certainly was good at getting the mixture, using both fingers and tongue......But I don’t think my tongue would be long enough either, and it may defeat the object!

[Hidden]

Hmmmmmm. Cake mix ........ !!!

[Kiiam]

Hi there , If it any help, I do the soapy water thing, but use a baby’s bottle brush to get out the white sediment first : it only used for that purpose: and then sterilise 😊

[Wheezycat in reply to Kiiam]

I have wondered about that, but worried about scratching the plastic surface which might then make more residue adhere. But certainly I am thinking of it.

[Hidden]

Hi,

I thought it best that I re look at the Asthma UK video to make sure I was cleaning mine correctly, the instructions are quite clear.

Follow your manufacturers instructions that came with the spacer.

Place in warm water for 15 minutes to allow them to soak.

Carefully clean the parts of the spacer with a gentle washing up liquid.

Don’t scrub the inside of your spacer as this may affect the way it works.

Some spacers need rinsing, others you need to leave the soapy film to prevent static, check your manufacturers instructions as to what you should do.

Leave the parts to air dry on a paper towel.

Wipe the mouth piece to remove any detergent before using.

I now realise that I am not cleaning mine the right way.

I would suggest that you may be better off buying a new spacer as it may not be possible to remove the residue. I bought mine from Boots obviously you can google to find the best price.

Hope the above helps.

[Wheezycat in reply to Hidden]

I already hVe four, three bought by myself on different occasions. That makes it easier to wash and swap, so they have time to dry properly. Yes, maybe if I had left that washing up liquid (I have just seen that too) it would have helped, so perhaps replacing would be a good way to go, start from scratch etc. I’ll think about that.