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How to clean a tracheostomy tube

Patient Education
Last reviewed

Cleaning your tracheostomy tube

Plastic and metal tubes may be cleaned with mild soap and clean tap water. Hydrogen peroxide may be used to clean plastic or stainless-steel tubes. Do not use hydrogen peroxide with sterling-silver tracheostomy tubes.

If the tracheostomy tube is cuffed, clean the cuff using the manufacturer’s instructions found in the package. The cuff should not touch any cleaning detergents or chemicals.

You will need these supplies:

  • Clean tap water
  • Mild soap 
    or
    Hydrogen peroxide (do not use this with sterling-silver tracheostomy tubes)
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Gauze sponges

To clean:

  1. Put the dirty tracheostomy tube, obturator, and ties in a clean container.
  2. Add clean tap water and mild soap or hydrogen peroxide (depends on what your tube is made of, such as plastic or metal) to the container.
    o The tube, obturator, and ties must be covered.
    o If you are using hydrogen peroxide, fill the container with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water (such as 1 cup water and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide).
  3. Soak them for a few minutes to loosen any secretions
  4. Clean the tube and other parts using pipe cleaners and gauze sponges. Put the pipe cleaner through the tube to get rid of all the secretions.
  5. Rinse well with clean tap water to get rid of all the soap or hydrogen peroxide
  6. Make sure the secretions and lint from the pipe cleaners are removed.
  7. Put the tracheostomy tube parts on a clean towel in a safe place. Let them air dry all the way. It will take about 2 to 3 hours.
    o Note: Have an extra tracheostomy tube ready for use while the newly-cleaned tube dries.
  8. When the tracheostomy tube is dry, look for cracks, a change in color, and any foul or bad odor. The tube needs to be replaced if you find any of these.
  9. Get the tube ready to be used again by adding ties and putting the obturator in the tube.
  10. Place all the parts in a closed, clean container. Always keep this with you.

Cleaning the inner cannula

You need to clean the inner cannula so it does not get plugged.

  1. Unlock it by turning it until you get to the notch. Then slide it out.
  2. Use a small brush or pipe cleaners to clean it.
  3. Rinse it under cool running water.
  4. Look through the inner cannula to make sure it is clean.
  5. Shake it or use dry pipe cleaners to get rid of any moisture or wetness.
  6. Put it back in and lock it into place.