one should follow basic sterile procedures to avoid contamination. being thorough is a must. clean only with new material. rinse with distilled water only. do everything within your power and imagination to maintain pure silver only being in contact with pure water only. soaps and cleaners are bad. i like to wash and clean thoroughly, then wipe dry with a new paper towel, then tripple rinse with distilled water before i use anything which my product or materials may come into contact with.