Spring is all about fresh starts, and your wound care routine should be no exception! Keeping supplies clean, organized, and properly stored helps prevent infection, reduces hassle, and makes daily care easier. A well-stocked and sterile setup ensures you have what you need, when you need it—without stress. Here’s how to refresh your wound care system this season.
Check Expiration Dates & Toss What’s No Longer Safe
Wound care supplies don’t last forever. Over time, bandages lose their adhesive, creams dry out, and sterile dressings become compromised. Using expired products can increase the risk of infection or irritation.
What to toss:
- Expired antibiotic creams and antiseptic solutions
- Opened gauze or bandages that are no longer sterile
- Medical tape that won’t adhere properly
- Any supplies stored in high heat or humidity
What to keep:
- Sealed, in-date dressings and bandages
- Approved antiseptics and wound cleansers
- Fresh, properly stored sterile gloves
Organize & Store Supplies the Right Way
Also, where you keep your wound care items matters. Heat, moisture, and exposure to air can compromise sterility and effectiveness.
- Store supplies in a clean, dry place. Avoid bathrooms or humid areas.
- Use labeled containers to separate sterile and non-sterile items.
- Keep frequently used supplies easily accessible to avoid unnecessary handling.
- Wipe down storage areas regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Disinfect Your Wound Care Area
A clean wound care space is just as important as the supplies themselves. Whether you change dressings in a designated area or at a bedside table, take time to sanitize the space before each use.
Surfaces should be wiped down with a disinfectant, and hands should always be washed before and after handling supplies. If using a reusable wound care tray or storage bin, clean it regularly to prevent contamination.
Restock the Essentials
Nothing disrupts a wound care routine like running out of critical supplies. Take stock of what you have and refill any missing or low items.
- Sterile gauze & bandages
- Medical tape & wound wraps
- Antiseptic wound cleansers
- Sterile gloves & hand sanitizer
- Barrier creams & dressings for skin protection
If you use specialty dressings or advanced wound care technology, confirm that you have enough for the coming weeks. Need recommendations? Your wound care provider can guide you on what’s best for your healing process.
A Fresh Start for Better Healing
Spring cleaning isn’t just about decluttering—it’s about resetting for better healing and care. Organizing your wound care supplies, keeping your space clean, and ensuring you have the right tools on hand can help prevent complications and make daily care smoother.
If you have questions about wound care best practices or need expert support, Restore First Health is here to help. We provide physician-led, advanced wound care directly to patients—so healing happens at home with the best care possible.
Need a consult? Contact us today.
www.restorefirsthealth.com