Management

Cleaning Your Metered-Dose Inhaler

Choose a preferred language


Step-by-Step

  1. Hands scrubbing with soap under faucet with running water.

    Wash your hands.

  2. Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand pulling up on canister, sliding it out of inhaler.

    Remove the canister.

  3. Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand removing cap from mouthpiece.

    Take the cap off.

  4. A "no" symbol over canister being held under faucet with running water.

    Do not get the canister wet.

  5. Hand holding inhaler under faucet, water running into mouthpiece and out the top, with clock showing time passing.

    Run water into the mouthpiece for 30 seconds.

  6. Hand holding inhaler under faucet, water running into top and out mouthpiece, with clock showing time passing.

    Now run water into the top for 30 seconds.

  7. One hand holding inhaler, with other hand using cloth to clean mouthpiece.

    Wipe the mouthpiece with a cotton cloth.

  8. Cap lying next to inhaler on paper towel.

    Let your inhaler and cap fully dry.

  9. Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand pushing down on canister, sliding it back into inhaler.

    When the inhaler is dry, put the canister back in.

  10. Person holding inhaler upright with one hand, pointing inhaler away from face.

    Point your inhaler away from you.

  11. Hand holding inhaler upright and pointed away, with finger pressing on top of canister to spray medicine.

    Press down on the top three times to prime.

  12. Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand placing cap back on mouthpiece.

    Put the cap back on.

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find the right providers for your needs.

CalOptima Health works with thousands of Orange County providers, including doctors, specialists, health networks, medical groups and more.

Find a Doctor

Get Care Now

Your health is everything to us. Please reach out for support if you need it.

Get Care Now
Related Articles
Read article
Lung Health
Priming Your Metered-Dose Inhaler

Here are images showing how to prime your metered-dose inhaler before using it.

Read article
Lung Health
Breathing Methods: Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing involves breathing with your diaphragm, a large muscle located below your lungs. Using your diaphragm makes breathing easier. Try this belly breathing exercise.

Read article
Lung Health
Chronic Lung Disease: Coping Tips for Caregivers

When someone you love has chronic lung disease, such as COPD, it can change both of your lives. As a caregiver, you may have to support your loved one in new ways.

Read article
Lung Health
Using a Dry-Powder Twist Inhaler

Here are images that show the steps of using a dry-powder twist inhaler.

Powered by

WebMD Ignite

CalOptima Health, A Public Agency

Copyright © 2025 WebMD Ignite except where otherwise noted.

About

Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

Disclaimer

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Your Privacy Choices

NCQA Certified
URAC Certified