Keeping Your Surgical Site Clean and Safe

This guide provides simple, clear steps to help you care for your surgical wound at home. It explains how to keep your sheets, towels, clothes, and hands clean. Following these tips can help prevent infection and support healing.

Why it matters: Dirty fabric can carry germs that may cause infection. 

What to do: 

• Put clean sheets on your bed before you come home from surgery.
• Change your sheets at least twice a week, or sooner if they get dirty.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions on when it’s safe to shower or take a bath. Once you’re cleared, use a clean towel every time you bathe or shower.
• Don’t share towels with anyone.
• Wear clean clothes every day. Loose clothing is best so it doesn’t rub your wound.
  • When your clothes get soiled or wet, change them to clean clothes.
• Wash clothes, towels, and sheets in hot water and dry them completely.
• Clean transfer devices and equipment (such as wheelchairs, slings, transfer boards, etc.) before use.

Why it matters: Germs on your hands can get into your wound. 

What to do:

• Wash your hands before and after touching near your wound or changing the bandage. Bandages should only be changed as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Use soap and water and scrub for 20 seconds (sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
• Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel.
• Anyone helping you should also wash their hands first.

Call your doctor if you notice: 

• The incision opens in any way
• More redness, swelling, or warmth around the incision
• Thick drainage from the incisions, such as yellow or green fluid coming out
• Bad smell coming from the incision
• Fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher 

For urgent questions or concerns, call the Nurse Help Line at 651-229-3890. We are available 24 hours a day.