Cleaning your nebulizer cup

NJH recommends using unscented Seventh Generation dish soap.

My pulmonologist was quite specific that I use Dawn for daily cleaning, but I'm not sure why. Maybe because it rinses off thoroughly? At any rate, I soak in Dawn mixed with water from my Life Straw pitcher for 15 minutes, then rinse with more Life Straw water. Does the neb cup manufacturer make any recommendation?

TO: kgggg @kgggg, All on this blog give both Toni D and Irenea 8 suggestions for cleaning . Both good ways to clean. Were you able to read the directions of the manufacturer of the nebulizer cup to understand how they not only suggest cleaning but also disinfecting the nebulizer cup...if they sent you the directions? Wishing you good results and good nebulizing days!

What I've gathered from reading Dr. Falkinham's papers, lectures, etc, soaking the equipment in Dawn helps to "poke holes" in the biofilms that grow there. Once holes are in biofilms sanitizing/sterilizing helps remove any remainders.

By what method do you sterilize? I’ve read 8-10% vinegar soak for 30 minutes, or boil in water, but not sure how long. I’ve also read how boiling can damage the nebuluzing equipment.

Reusasble nebulizer cups can be boiled in a pan of water or disinfected in a steam microwave sterilizer or baby bottle sterilizer. I have not damaged any equipment since I started using a round silicone hot pad in the bottom of my saucepan so the parts do not contact metal. Disposable cups are meant for 1-4 uses (can be washed thoroughly) but heating usually damages or destroys them.

For mesh nebulizers, you need to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Many do not offer an adequate way to sanitize - a self-cleaning cycle with sterile water or using an alcohol wipe will not do it.

According to this article, 6% ascetic acid for 30 minutes will kill mycobacteria to the level considered disinfection. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3940030/

Here is what you need to consider - most household white vinegar is 5% ascetic acid, a few are labeled 6%, BUT it is not FDA tested because the concern is to use a minimum 5% solution for canning.
There is high-concentration ascetic acid available - Home Depot sells a 30% concentration for about $20/gallon , Lab Grade (99 - 99.5%) is widely available online for around $75/gallon. The "upside" is for every gallon jug of 99% I buy, I get 20 gallons for general use or 10 gallons for sterilizing and only ONE jug to dispose of. These are very sturdy, so my daughter uses them for winter-sowing vegetable and flower seeds and can reuse for years.

Dilute this to make whatever concentration you need. For laundry, etc I dilute to 5%. For disinfecting equipment I would use 10% to give a margin of safety. If you use ascetic acid for disinfecting equipment, remember to dilute with sterile water. Do not reuse.

Other options include soaking in 70-90% isopropyl alcohol for a minimum of 10 minutes. Wiping does not count because the disinfectant does not reach all the places bacteria can hide.
Hydrogen peroxide is more tricky - in an open bottle, it quickly loses its effectiveness, depending on how much air and light contact it - usually it should be discarded a month after opening. And soak time I have read varies from 10-30 minutes.

thank you Sue for this detailed useful info.

What to do when you are traveling and do not have access to a stove/ microwave? Would rinsing in the bathroom sink in hot water with liquid hand soap work?

Sue, may I ask where you purchased your silicone pad for the base of your pot? I searched and could not find one. I finally cut a silicone baking mat that is normally used on sheet pans into a circle and placed it in the base of the pot. It kept floating and caused the water to boil over. Any advice would be appreciated because I have gone through several Aerobika devices due to this. They don’t melt, but they start getting to where nothing flutters when I blow into them. I have to stop and smack the top as I am using it each time this happens!

At one house, I use a silicone hot pad that looks like a waffle, and I cut it to fit my small saucepan. At the other, I use a "universal" silicone pot lid that fits in the bottom - it was part of a set, and too small for any of my pans.
Also, I bring the water to a boil with the devices in the pan, then turn the water down to barely simmering & set the timer. When the timer rings, I shut the heat off and let it cool. By controlling the boil, the parts just rest on the mat and don't move around.