How do I clean the tubing of my Pink Littman?

KyPinkRN · Sep 17, 2008

I have some of these same markings on mine. The only thing I have tried that took the marks off somewhat is the clorox wipes... even then I couldn't get them all out. I've had mine for about a year, and it looks pretty worn. Thats the pitfalls of having such an awesome colored stethoscope. Still wouldn't trade my pink one for a black, or burgundy one. Love it! :rolleyes:

BinkieRN, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2008

Alcohol, Clorox wipes or something similar is the only thing you should use on the tubing for two reasons. You don't want to use anything abrasive because it will end up looking worse. Wiping it with a disinfectant will get the marks off as well as anything. Peroxide works well for ink stains.

The other reason to keep it clean is that 80% of stethoscopes used by doctors and nurses in hospitals are contaminated with microbes. Mostly Staphylococcus.

quetepye · Oct 18, 2008

My best friend and I both have pink Littmans. Both of ours look just like you said yours is. I'm really surprised and upset about it - is it just this kind or do ALL light stethoscopes do that? I am always so careful with mine and never throw it in my bag or anything but it still looks awful!! It probably started looking like that after a month or two of use - and that's when I was using it ONLY during my nursing school clinicals!

Marymoomoo · Oct 22, 2008

Maybe try the "sponge of death" aka Mr. Clean magic eraser? It's not abrasive and will take the marks off just about anything. Test in a small area first!

AirforceRN, RN · Oct 22, 2008

Marymoomoo said:
Maybe try the "sponge of death" aka Mr. Clean magic eraser? It's not abrasive and will take the marks off just about anything. Test in a small area first!

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is an abrasive...that's how it works.

shannonFNP, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 29, 2008

I have the same one that I was SO excited about buying, and no one else had them at the time in class so I was a little unique in that nature. Well I didnt wash my scrubs before my first wear out of them so the smirf looking blue dye wiped off my scrubs and all over my beautiful steth and it's never been the same since! I clean it... all the time. Nothing helps. I'm sorry =( I'm settling for a darker tubing this time, I get grossed out looking at my blue-gray-pink steth. It looks dirty, even after I've hosed it down in alcohol. I think it's all light colors that do this, but my pink just seems so much more susceptible to stains. I saw others, and they weren't NEAR as bad. :crying2:

Marymoomoo · Oct 29, 2008

AirforceRN said:
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is an abrasive...that's how it works.

Well, yes, technically. :lol2: The polymer inside the sponge activates when wet and is abrasive on a microscopic level. The sponge itself is not abrasive like a scotch pad or steel wool. For example, you could rub the dry sponge back and forth on the back of your hand and it wouldn't scratch (not that I'm recommending anyone try it!).

Pedi-Gree, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2008

You want to be careful when you clean the tubing on your stethoscope. Too many applications of alcohol or Cavicide will cause it to stiffen and crack. Every once in awhile I use a tire dressing on mine. It's meant to keep rubber tires supple and lubricated and it works just dandy on stethoscope tubing too. Just make sure you buff off the excess.

prmenrs, RN · Oct 29, 2008

I emailed Littmann and asked them--they answered and said, nothing you can do. You might be able to buy new tubing, tho.

busog · Dec 12, 2008

use a strong detergent

busog · Dec 12, 2008

try kleenex wipes