Global Medical Device Cleaning Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In January 2023, PAMA launched its new ethylene oxide sterilization solution for the eco-efficient, cost-effective, and safe sterilization of medical devices.

• In May 2022, GOJO Industries, the makers of Purell products, expanded its surface hygiene portfolio with the launch of Purell Healthcare Surface Disinfecting Wipes. The new offering delivers unprecedented potent efficacy and peace of mind. Purell Healthcare Surface Disinfecting Wipes offer powerful germ-kill in one-step, hospital-grade surface disinfecting wipes.

The global medical device cleaning market is segmented based on device type into non-critical, semi-critical, and critical categories. Non-critical devices, which include items that come into contact with intact skin but do not penetrate the body, are typically cleaned using low-level disinfection methods. Semi-critical devices, such as endoscopes and dental instruments, require higher levels of cleaning and disinfection due to their exposure to mucous membranes. Critical devices, which include surgical instruments that come into contact with sterile tissues or the bloodstream, demand the highest levels of cleaning and sterilization to prevent infections and ensure patient safety.

In terms of cleaning technique, the market is divided into cleaning and disinfection. Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt, organic material, and debris from medical devices, often using detergents and other cleaning agents. Disinfection involves the use of chemical agents or heat to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms. Both processes are essential in maintaining the functionality and safety of medical devices. The market also segments based on the cleaning process, which includes precleaning, automatic cleaning, manual cleaning, and disinfection. Precleaning typically involves the initial removal of debris before more advanced cleaning techniques are applied. Automatic cleaning systems are gaining popularity due to their efficiency, while manual cleaning still plays a role in certain situations. Disinfection, which follows cleaning, is essential in reducing the microbial load on medical devices.

Applications of medical device cleaning span various fields such as surgical, endoscope, ultrasound, and dental instruments. Surgical instruments require meticulous cleaning due to their direct contact with sterile body areas during procedures. Endoscopes, which are prone to contamination, require specialized cleaning and disinfection to prevent cross-contamination between patients. Ultrasound probes, which may come into contact with mucous membranes, are cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of infection. Dental instruments are similarly cleaned to maintain hygiene standards and prevent transmission of diseases. The diverse needs in these applications drive the demand for tailored cleaning solutions, ensuring both safety and compliance with healthcare regulations.

Global Medical Device Cleaning Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Medical Device Cleaning Market has been segmented by Device, Technique, Process, Application and Geography.

Global Medical Device Cleaning Market, Segmentation by Device

The Global Medical Device Cleaning Market has been segmented by Device into Non-critical, Semi-critical, and Critical.

Non-critical devices, such as stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and hospital beds, come into contact with intact skin and pose a relatively low risk of infection. These devices typically require low-level disinfection or thorough cleaning with detergents to ensure they are free from contaminants. Despite the lower risk, maintaining cleanliness for non-critical devices is essential to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe healthcare environment.

Semi-critical devices, including endoscopes, respiratory therapy equipment, and ultrasound probes, contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin and therefore require a higher level of disinfection. High-level disinfection methods, often involving chemical disinfectants, are necessary to eliminate all microorganisms except for high levels of bacterial spores. The complexity of these devices, especially endoscopes with their intricate channels, necessitates specialized cleaning and disinfection protocols to ensure all surfaces are adequately treated and safe for reuse. The market for cleaning semi-critical devices is driven by the increasing use of minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, which rely heavily on these types of instruments.

Critical devices, such as surgical instruments, implants, and needles, enter sterile body areas or the vascular system, presenting the highest risk of infection transmission. These devices must undergo rigorous cleaning followed by sterilization to ensure they are completely free of all microorganisms, including bacterial spores. The cleaning process for critical devices often involves multiple steps, including pre-cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning, and automated washing, to ensure thorough decontamination before sterilization. The stringent regulatory requirements for sterilizing critical devices and the potential consequences of inadequate cleaning drive significant demand for advanced cleaning technologies and solutions in this market segment.

Global Medical Device Cleaning Market, Segmentation by Technique

The Global Medical Device Cleaning Market has been segmented by Technique into Cleaning, and Disinfection.

Cleaning refers to the physical removal of visible soil, organic material, and other debris from medical devices. This initial step is crucial because the presence of organic matter can interfere with the effectiveness of subsequent disinfection or sterilization processes. Cleaning can be performed manually or using automated systems. Manual cleaning involves the use of brushes, detergents, and water to scrub the device surfaces, ensuring that all visible contaminants are removed. Automated cleaning, often utilizing washer-disinfectors or ultrasonic cleaners, enhances efficiency and consistency by using mechanical action, detergents, and sometimes high-frequency sound waves to clean the devices thoroughly.

Disinfection, the next crucial step, involves using chemical agents to destroy microorganisms on the surface of medical devices. This process is particularly important for semi-critical and non-critical devices that do not require sterilization but still need to be free from potentially harmful pathogens. High-level disinfection is necessary for semi-critical devices such as endoscopes and respiratory therapy equipment, which come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. Low-level disinfection is typically sufficient for non-critical devices like blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes that come into contact with intact skin. The effectiveness of disinfection depends on the choice of disinfectant, the duration of exposure, and the device's material compatibility.

The distinction between cleaning and disinfection techniques is critical in the context of regulatory standards and infection control protocols. Effective cleaning is a prerequisite for successful disinfection; without thorough cleaning, organic residues can shield microorganisms from disinfectants, reducing their efficacy. The market for these techniques is driven by the increasing incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which necessitates stringent infection control measures in healthcare settings.

Global Medical Device Cleaning Market, Segmentation by Process

The Global Medical Device Cleaning Market has been segmented by Process into Precleaning, Automatic, Manual Cleaning, Disinfection, Type Non-Enzymatic, Enzymatic.

The global medical device cleaning market is categorized based on various processes that ensure the proper cleaning and disinfection of medical devices. One of the key segments is precleaning, which involves initial cleaning steps to remove gross contaminants from medical instruments before they undergo further cleaning procedures. This step is crucial in reducing the potential for infection and ensuring that the device is ready for more intensive cleaning processes.

Another important segment is automatic cleaning, which utilizes specialized machines to perform the cleaning and disinfection of medical devices. This process is highly efficient and reduces human error, providing a standardized and thorough cleaning. Manual cleaning, on the other hand, relies on healthcare professionals to scrub and wash medical devices, typically in cases where automatic cleaning is not feasible. While manual cleaning may require more time and attention, it is essential for delicate or complex devices that need more careful handling.

Additionally, disinfection is a vital part of the medical device cleaning market, where various agents are used to eliminate harmful microorganisms from the surfaces of medical devices. The types of disinfectants can include both non-enzymatic and enzymatic solutions. Non-enzymatic disinfectants are typically broad-spectrum chemicals that are effective in killing bacteria and viruses, while enzymatic cleaners are used to break down organic matter and facilitate the removal of contaminants from medical instruments. Each cleaning type and method plays a pivotal role in maintaining high standards of hygiene and preventing healthcare-associated infections.

Global Medical Device Cleaning Market, Segmentation by Device

The Global Medical Device Cleaning Market has been segmented by Application into Surgical, Endoscope, Ultrasound, Dental Instruments.

The Global Medical Device Cleaning Market is diverse, with several key applications driving its growth. One of the primary segments is surgical instruments cleaning, which requires rigorous and specialized processes to ensure the safety and sterility of devices used in surgical procedures. These cleaning methods typically include manual, automated, or a combination of both, and are essential in preventing infections and maintaining high standards of hygiene in operating rooms.

Another significant segment is endoscope cleaning. Endoscopes are delicate and complex devices used for minimally invasive surgeries and diagnostic procedures. The cleaning process for endoscopes is particularly challenging due to their intricate design and the need to thoroughly disinfect them without damaging sensitive components. This segment is expanding due to the increasing number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures involving endoscopy, which drives the demand for effective and efficient cleaning solutions.

Ultrasound and dental instrument cleaning are also important market segments. Ultrasound cleaning requires specialized equipment and techniques to ensure the integrity and function of the transducers, which are critical for accurate imaging. Dental instruments, such as scalers, drills, and forceps, must be cleaned and disinfected to the highest standards to prevent cross-contamination between patients. As the demand for high-quality, safe medical procedures continues to rise globally, the market for cleaning solutions in these applications is expected to grow.

Global Medical Device Cleaning Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Medical Device Cleaning Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Medical Device Cleaning Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America, comprising the United States and Canada, leads the global market due to its well-established healthcare infrastructure, stringent regulatory standards, and high awareness of infection control practices. The presence of leading market players and substantial investments in healthcare facilities further drive the adoption of advanced cleaning and disinfection technologies. Regulatory bodies like the FDA enforce rigorous guidelines that mandate effective cleaning protocols, thereby boosting the demand for high-quality cleaning agents and equipment.

Europe follows closely, with countries such as Germany, France, and the UK spearheading the market. The region's strong focus on healthcare quality and patient safety, along with stringent regulatory frameworks, ensures robust demand for medical device cleaning solutions. The European Union's medical device regulations (MDR) impose strict requirements on cleaning and sterilization, compelling healthcare providers to adopt reliable and efficient cleaning processes.

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth, driven by expanding healthcare infrastructure, increasing healthcare expenditures, and rising awareness about infection control. Countries like China, India, and Japan are investing heavily in modernizing their healthcare systems, which includes the adoption of advanced medical device cleaning technologies. The growing incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in this region further underscores the need for effective cleaning and disinfection practices.

In the Middle East and Africa, the market is gradually developing, supported by improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing government initiatives to enhance healthcare quality. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa are focusing on upgrading their healthcare systems, which includes adopting better infection control measures. However, challenges such as limited access to advanced technologies and financial constraints may hinder market growth to some extent.

Latin America, including countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, presents significant growth opportunities due to the ongoing improvements in healthcare infrastructure and rising awareness about the importance of infection control. Government initiatives and increasing investments in healthcare are driving the demand for effective medical device cleaning solutions in this region.