How to keep your splint clean and fresh
Your splint (or orthosis) sits against your skin for hours at a time, so it picks up sweat, oils, and everyday grime just like your hands do. Keeping it clean helps it stay comfortable, smell fresh, and last the distance.
The good news: it only takes a minute, and you already know the steps, because they are much the same as washing your hands.
Your everyday clean
Once a day, give your splint a wash with lukewarm water and a gentle hand or dish soap.
Wet the splint under running water.
Work up a little soapy foam in your hands and spread it over the splint.
Rub every surface for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the size.
Rinse the soap away completely.
Pat and wipe it dry with a clean towel.
Between washes, a quick wipe-down does the trick, the same way you would freshen up a phone or a door handle.
Your weekly deep clean
Once a week (or more often if you like), you can give your splint a proper refresh in the washing machine:
Do up the Velcro straps, or take them off if they are removable.
Pop the splint into a mesh laundry bag for delicates.
Add it to a regular load, ideally a colour wash.
Use a mild detergent on a cold or 30°C cycle.
Keep it cool. Splints are made from heat-mouldable plastic, so never dry yours in the dryer, on a heater, or with a hot hairdryer. Heat can soften the material and change the shape we worked hard to get right. Air drying is always best.
A few good habits
Hand sanitiser and mainstream disinfectant gels are fine to use while you are wearing your splint, but please avoid rubbing alcohol directly on the material. If you are heading out, a thin sock with the toe cut off (and a small hole for your thumb) makes a simple, washable cover to keep things clean during the day.
Remember that the straps and softer materials can stay damp for a while after washing, so allow enough drying time before you need to wear it again.
If your splint ever feels uncomfortable, rubs, or stops fitting the way it should, don't push through it. Get in touch and we will happily check the fit and sort it out with you.
Further reading: For more splint care tips from the specialists who make the material, see WS Medical's guide, How to Keep My Orthosis Clean and Hygienic.
