How Often Should You Service a Dental Autoclave?

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Your autoclave might be failing silently - cycles finishing without actually sterilising anything.

And unless you’re doing regular testing and maintenance, you wouldn’t know until a health audit, or a patient infection, exposes it.

Servicing isn’t optional. It’s mandatory. And it’s not just about compliance, it’s about keeping your clinic safe, efficient, and inspection-proof.

Why Autoclave Servicing Matters

• It prevents false pass cycles (when instruments aren’t truly sterile)
• It keeps your unit compliant with ADA and infection control regulations
• It extends the lifespan of your machine (and protects your investment)

A poorly maintained autoclave is worse than none at all — it gives a false sense of safety.

How Often Should You Service a Dental Autoclave?

Here’s the general rule for Australia:

• Annually – Full professional service
• Every 6 months (recommended) – For high-usage clinics
• Immediately  if any cycle failures, leaks, or alarms occur

Note: Class B units require more regular maintenance due to their complexity.

What’s Included in a Standard Autoclave Service?

A full service usually includes:

• Chamber pressure/leak testing
• Heating element check
• Door seal inspection/replacement
• Software/firmware updates
• Internal cleaning and descaling
• Printout log check and validation
• Function testing of safety valves and gauges

Pro tip: Always get a service report — this helps during audits and warranty claims.

Daily, Weekly, and Annual Maintenance Tasks

Even if you book yearly services, you still have daily responsibilities:

Daily:

• Drain and refill with fresh distilled water
• Wipe chamber interior
• Check chemical indicators and cycle logs

Weekly:

• Run a Helix or Bowie-Dick test (Class B)
• Clean door seal with mild detergent
• Inspect for rust, residue, or foul odours

Annually:

• Full strip-down service by qualified technician
• Replace worn seals, filters, and printer paper

How to Know It’s Time to Call a Technician

• Cycles take longer than usual
• Pouches come out damp or hot
• Error codes show during drying phase
• Unusual noises, steam leaks, or condensation in chamber

Trust your gut. If it looks or sounds off — shut it down and call support.

Who Should You Trust for Autoclave Servicing?

Only use:

• Technicians certified by the manufacturer
• Service teams that provide logbooks, certificates, and written reports
• Local support — no international shipping delays

We don’t service autoclaves ourselves at this time, but we’ll point you to Australian-based providers trusted by clinics around the country.