Storing your inhaler
Your inhaler will come with its own instruction leaflet. This tells you the best way to store and clean your inhaler. You can also ask your healthcare professional for advice.
Remember to:
- store your inhaler safely, away from children and pets
- keep the cap on your inhaler when you're not using it. This will help stop dust and debris from getting into the mouthpiece
- store your inhaler at room temperature
- avoid leaving your inhaler in direct sunlight, like on a sunny windowsill, or in cold temperatures. This can stop your inhaler from working properly
- keep your inhaler dry, as moisture can affect how the medicine works. Try not to leave your inhaler in a bathroom where it can be hot and damp.
Cleaning your inhaler
It's best to clean your inhaler at least once a week as medicine can build up. This can stop your inhaler from working properly. Sometimes it's hard to see the medicine build up.
To help you remember to clean your inhaler, you might find it helpful to set a weekly calendar reminder on your phone.
Cleaning your pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI)
Never let the metal canister get wet
Only wash the plastic parts of your pMDI inhaler.
The main steps for cleaning a pMDI inhaler:
- Pull the metal canister out of the plastic case and remove the mouthpiece cap
- Rinse the plastic case of the inhaler with warm running water for 30 seconds
- Dry the plastic case inside and outside. Once the case is completely dry, push the metal canister back into the plastic case
- Test your inhaler by pointing it away from you and releasing a single puff into the air
- Put the mouthpiece cap back on. It should click into place.
If you use a spacer with your pMDI inhaler, find out how to clean and look after it.
Cleaning your dry powder inhaler (DPI) or soft mist inhaler (SMI)
Never use water to clean your DPI or SMI inhaler
If the powder gets wet, it can stop your inhaler from working properly.
To clean your DPI or SMI inhaler:
- Wipe the inside and outside of the mouthpiece with a clean, dry cloth
Cleaning your breath-actuated inhaler (BAI)
Never let the metal canister get wet
Only wash the plastic parts of your BAI inhaler.
The main steps for cleaning a BAI inhaler:
- Unscrew the top of the inhaler and pull the metal canister out of the plastic case
- Rinse the plastic casing of the inhaler with warm running water for 30 seconds
- Let the plastic case fully air-dry (overnight, when possible)
- Once dry, push the metal canister back into the bottom part of the plastic case. It should click into place
- Close the mouthpiece cap
- Screw the top and bottom parts of the inhaler back together.
Replacing your old inhaler
Empty inhalers
It can be hard to tell when your inhaler is empty. Even when there's no medicine left, an empty pMDI inhaler can still 'puff'. But this might be air, not the medicine you need.
Keeping track of how many doses (puffs) you take a day will help you know when you need a new inhaler. Look at the instruction leaflet or ask your healthcare professional how many doses are in your inhaler.
Some pMDI, DPI and SMI inhalers have a dose counter. You can look at this to check if it's empty. If you find it hard to track, ask your healthcare professional about changing to an inhaler with a dose counter.
Expired inhalers
You should replace your inhaler when it's past the expiry date. You can usually find the expiry date on the side of the metal canister label or box.
When your inhaler is empty or out-of-date, take it back to your local pharmacy. They can make sure they're disposed of safely and in the best way for the environment.
Read more about recycling inhalers and why it's important for the environment.
Get support
Call or WhatsApp our Helpline for support with your condition. Get advice on your medicines, symptoms or travelling with a lung condition, or just call us to say hello.
