We’ve all seen it: sterilizer doors open, warm, wet packages are pulled out, and instruments are rushed into the operatory, placed on a counter, or stored prematurely. Here’s the hard truth: If it’s wet, it’s not going to stay sterile.
Touching wet instruments or packages—even for a moment—introduces contamination. This legacy error has become normalized in dentistry due to time pressures, a lack of instrument inventory, or incomplete understanding of how critical drying is to maintaining sterility. It’s time to change the narrative.
Why Drying in the Autoclave is Non-Negotiable
The drying phase of the autoclave isn’t just an optional cycle—it’s a critical step in the sterilization process. When instruments are removed wet, they’ve gone through sterilization, but they won’t stay sterile unless the package is completely dry.
Here’s why:
Wet Packages = Contamination: Moisture acts as a wick, allowing bacteria to travel into the sterilization pouch. This compromises the sterility of the instrument.
Drying Outside the Autoclave Increases Risks: Instruments placed on counters or in the operatory to finish drying are exposed to airborne contaminants and potential contact with non-sterile surfaces.
Improper Storage: Wet packages stored in sterile storage areas introduce contaminants into the storage environment, affecting other packages.
The solution? Allow instruments to dry completely inside the autoclave before handling or storing them.
The Lifecycle of a Sterile Instrument
1️⃣ Autoclave Drying: Instruments must go through the full drying cycle inside the sterilizer. This ensures any remaining moisture evaporates in a controlled, sterile environment.
2️⃣ Handling: Only handle packages once they’re cool and completely dry. Wet packages should never be touched, as this compromises their sterility.
3️⃣ Sterile Storage: Dry packages can be safely stored in sterile storage areas.
4️⃣ Avoid Drying in the Operatory: Instruments carried into the operatory wet or placed on counters to “finish drying” are no longer sterile. They’re exposed to contaminants from the air, surfaces, and even gloved hands.
What Wet Packages Really Mean
If packages are wet after sterilization, it indicates they’ve been through the sterilization process but cannot maintain sterility. Wetness isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s a failure in the reprocessing workflow.
To ensure sterility:
Let the Autoclave Finish: Always allow the drying cycle to complete before opening the door or removing packages.
Check Autoclave Performance: If packages frequently come out wet, evaluate your autoclave’s performance. Models like the W&H Lexa, with closed-door drying, eliminate this issue entirely.
Educate Your Team: Reinforce the importance of letting instruments dry fully before handling or storing. This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a standard of care.
Breaking the Cycle of Legacy Errors
Dentistry has normalized rushing the sterilization process due to time constraints or limited instruments. But handling wet packages is a legacy error we can no longer afford to ignore.
The takeaway?
Instruments that aren’t dry won't stay sterile.
Wet packages must never be touched, stored, or used.
Drying must happen in the autoclave—not on counters, in the operatory, or during storage.
By addressing this common but critical error, we can protect patients, preserve the integrity of our sterilization processes, and elevate the standard of care in our practices.
It’s time to rethink what we’ve normalized and commit to doing better—for our patients and our teams.
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