Reusable Sterile Dressings

White cotton sheets are a good inexpensive source of fabric for these sterile dressings. Make some ahead of time to be ready when they are needed.

Materials:

• White material, preferably 100% cotton
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry material.
2. For 2”x2” dressing, cut a 6” square of fabric.  For 3”x3” dressing, cut a 9” square of fabric.  For 4”x4” dressing, cut a 12” square of fabric.
3. Fold each square in thirds.
4. Fold each folded piece of fabric in thirds to form a square.
5. Wrap each square in aluminum foil.
6. Place foil wrapped dressings in a baking pan or rimmed baking sheet.
7. Bake at 350^oF for 3 hours.
8. Cool.
9. Label zip top plastic bags for storage of the dressings
10. Store cooled wrapped dressings in labeled bags.

To reuse dressings:

1. Using gloved hands, rinse out dressings.
2. Wash in bleach and hot water without fabric softener.
3. Machine dry without fabric softener.
4. Fold dressings as originally prepared.
5. Wrap dressings in aluminum foil.
6. Bake at 350^oF for 3 hours in a baking pan or rimmed baking sheet.
7. Cool.
8. Store in a labeled plastic bag.