How do I clean my prosthetic socket?
You may not want to think about it, but prosthetic liners, socks, and sockets are total germ-magnets. Each one spends a whole day collecting bacteria and dead skin cells that can irritate the skin unless they're cleaned away. In fact, any part of your prosthetic interface that comes in contact with skin should be cleaned on the regular.
To clean your prosthetic socket, wipe the inside down with a damp, soapy cloth. It's important that the cloth is only damp so that water doesn't seep into the prosthetic components. The soap should be gentle, made from ingredients that won't irritate the skin.
Once the prosthetic socket has dried, use a paper towel to wipe down the inside of the socket with rubbing alcohol. It's best to do this at night so the prosthesis can dry and the alcohol will have enough time to evaporate fully. (Alcohol is great for disinfecting, but if it doesn't dry thoroughly it can be an irritant.)
To clean a protective prosthesis skin cover, wipe it down gently with a damp cloth and dry it carefully. A dirty prosthetic foot shell can be cleaned with a product like Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser, a stain remover without the harsh chemicals.
Keeping each part of your interface clean will cut down on odor and the likelihood of a skin disorder caused by bacteria. Regular maintenance will also help you avoid premature wear and tear.
