Cleaning your inhaler takes only a few minutes and prevents medication buildup from clogging the device or reducing how much medicine reaches your lungs. The process differs depending on which type of inhaler you use, so the most important thing to know upfront is this: metered-dose inhalers get washed with water, while dry powder and soft mist inhalers never should.
Cleaning a Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)
Metered-dose inhalers are the most common type, the pressurized canister that clicks into a plastic housing (called the actuator). Over time, medication residue builds up around the small spray hole inside the mouthpiece, which can partially block the spray or change how much medicine you inhale. Cleaning once a week keeps the device working properly.
Start by washing your hands, then pull the metal canister out of the plastic actuator and remove the mouthpiece cap. The canister itself should never get wet. Run warm water through the mouthpiece opening for about 30 seconds, then flip it over and run water into the top opening for another 30 seconds. Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean cotton cloth and set both the actuator and cap aside to air dry completely. This part matters: if you reassemble the inhaler while it’s still damp, moisture can interfere with the next dose.
Once everything is fully dry, slide the canister back into the actuator. Before you use it again, you’ll need to prime it. Point the inhaler away from your face and press down on the canister three times to clear the nozzle. Then put the cap back on.
Removing Stubborn Buildup
If you notice hardened medication around the tiny spray hole inside the actuator, a toothpick works well to gently scratch it off. Don’t use pins, needles, or anything sharp enough to widen or damage the opening, since the size of that hole helps control the spray pattern and dose delivery.
Cleaning a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)
Dry powder inhalers deliver medication as a fine powder instead of a spray, and that powder clumps when it gets wet. Water can ruin the dose sitting inside the device or cause residue to cake inside the mechanism, so the rule is simple: never use water to clean a dry powder inhaler.
Instead, wipe the inside and outside of the mouthpiece at least once a week with a clean, dry cloth. That’s it. If you see powder accumulating in hard-to-reach spots, a dry cotton swab can help. Always keep the cap on when you’re not using the device, since humidity from the air can also affect the powder over time.
Cleaning a Soft Mist Inhaler (SMI)
Soft mist inhalers, like the Respimat device, create a slow-moving mist without a pressurized canister. They follow the same no-water rule as dry powder inhalers. Wipe the inside and outside of the mouthpiece with a clean, dry cloth. Getting moisture into the internal mechanism can stop the inhaler from working properly, so keep it dry even if the mouthpiece looks visibly dirty.
Cleaning a Spacer or Holding Chamber
If you use a spacer or valved holding chamber with your metered-dose inhaler, it needs its own cleaning routine. Spacers develop static electricity on their interior walls, and that static pulls medication particles out of the air before you can inhale them. A study from the Allergy & Asthma Network found that static buildup can noticeably decrease the amount of medicine that actually reaches your lungs. The fix is surprisingly low-tech: dish soap.
Fill a large bowl with lukewarm water and a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent. Take the spacer apart (remove the mouthpiece, valve, and any other removable pieces) and soak everything in the soapy water for 15 minutes. The detergent leaves a thin film on the plastic that reduces static charge, which is why this step is important. Washing with water alone actually increases static buildup.
After soaking, shake off the excess water but do not rinse the pieces. Do not towel-dry them either, because rubbing with a cloth generates static. Instead, place the pieces on a clean, lint-free cloth or drying rack. Stand the chamber section upright (vertically, not on its side) so water drains out rather than pooling inside. Let everything air dry completely before reassembling.
Spacers should be checked every 6 to 12 months for cracks or a worn-out valve, and most manufacturers recommend replacing the device after 12 months of regular use. Your pharmacist can inspect it during a routine visit.
Why Cleaning Frequency Matters
A weekly cleaning is the general guideline for all inhaler types. For metered-dose inhalers, skipping regular cleaning leads to visible residue around the spray nozzle within a couple of weeks, and a partially blocked nozzle delivers less medication per puff without any obvious sign that something is wrong. You might feel like your inhaler isn’t working as well, when the real issue is buildup you could have wiped away.
For dry powder and soft mist inhalers, weekly wipe-downs prevent powder from accumulating near the mouthpiece, which can affect airflow and make it harder to inhale the full dose. Keeping the mouthpiece cap on between uses also helps by blocking dust and pocket lint from getting inside.
Quick Reference by Inhaler Type
- Metered-dose inhaler (MDI): Remove canister, wash actuator with warm running water, air dry completely, prime three times before reuse.
- Dry powder inhaler (DPI): Wipe mouthpiece with a dry cloth only. Never use water.
- Soft mist inhaler (SMI): Wipe mouthpiece with a dry cloth only. Never use water.
- Spacer or holding chamber: Soak in soapy water for 15 minutes, shake off excess, air dry without rinsing or towel-drying. Replace after 12 months.