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Cleaning Your Metered-Dose Inhaler

Step-by-Step

Hands scrubbing with soap under faucet with running water.

Wash your hands.

Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand pulling up on canister, sliding it out of inhaler.

Remove the canister.

Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand removing cap from mouthpiece.

Take the cap off.

A "no" symbol over canister being held under faucet with running water.

Do not get the canister wet.

Hand holding inhaler under faucet, water running into mouthpiece and out the top, with clock showing time passing.

Run water into the mouthpiece for 30 seconds.

Hand holding inhaler under faucet, water running into top and out mouthpiece, with clock showing time passing.

Now run water into the top for 30 seconds.

One hand holding inhaler, with other hand using cloth to clean mouthpiece.

Wipe the mouthpiece with a cotton cloth.

Cap lying next to inhaler on paper towel.

Let your inhaler and cap fully dry.

Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand pushing down on canister, sliding it back into inhaler.

When the inhaler is dry, put the canister back in.

Person holding inhaler upright with one hand, pointing inhaler away from face.

Point your inhaler away from you.

Hand holding inhaler upright and pointed away, with finger pressing on top of canister to spray medicine.

Press down on the top three times to prime.

Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand placing cap back on mouthpiece.

Put the cap back on.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter K263 in the search box to learn more about "Cleaning Your Metered-Dose Inhaler".

Current as of: February 27, 2026

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Care instructions adapted under licence by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Care instructions adapted under licence by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

©2024-2026 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

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