An unsanitary machine isn’t just unprofessional—it’s unsafe. Properly cleaned, tuned, and maintained machines run smoother, last longer, and keep your clients safe.
Here’s your guide for cleaning your tattoo machine, whether it's a coilOpens a new window, rotary,Opens a new window or wireless model.
Why Cleaning Your Machine Matters
Ink, blood, and skin debris build up fast, reducing performance, messing with voltage, and risking contamination.
Bottom line: if you’re serious about tattooing, you clean your gear—every time.
How to Clean a Coil Tattoo Machine
Coil machines have more moving parts and open components than rotaries, so there are more nooks for grime, ink, and skin debris to hide. Proper cleaning keeps your voltage stable, your stroke smooth, and your hit consistent.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
1. Disassemble the machine
Unplug your clip cord and power supply. Remove the needle, tube, and grip, and set them aside for separate cleaning. Always wear disposable gloves before handling used equipment.
2. Clean the grip and tube
Any part that came in contact with skin or bodily fluids needs a deep clean.
- Use antibacterial soap and hot water to wash away ink and residue.
- For a more thorough clean, place grips and tubes in an ultrasonic cleaner with an enzymatic solution for about 10 minutes.
- Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub off any remaining buildup.
- Rinse thoroughly and set the parts aside to dry.
3. Clean the machine body
Your frame, coils, and armature bar collect dust, pigment, and plasma — especially around the contact screw and spring area.
- Wipe everything down with disinfectant wipes or a clean cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol.Opens a new window
- Avoid soaking the coils or internal wiring — moisture can cause rust or electrical failure.
- Change wipes frequently to prevent spreading contaminants from one part to another.
4. Disinfect and dry
Once all visible grime is gone, do a final pass with a clean cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcoholOpens a new window to disinfect and remove leftover residue.
- Let all parts air dry completely on a clean, disposable barrier or paper towel.
- Make sure everything is 100% dry before reassembling.
5. Lubricate and reassemble
Lightly oil the armature bar and other moving parts with machine oil or clipper oil.
- Don’t overdo it — one drop is plenty.
- Reassemble the machine, following your model’s manual to keep your tuning just right.
6. Test the machine
Plug it in and let it run for a few seconds.
- Listen for smooth, even sound with no sputtering or power fluctuation.
- Make any fine-tuning adjustments before wrapping and storing for the next session.
Pro tip: Coil machines benefit from regular deep cleaning — not just wiping down. Every few weeks, break it down fully, clean under the coils, and check for corrosion around contact points. Keeping those components dry and properly oiled is what keeps your machine hitting like it should.
How to Clean a Rotary Pen Tattoo Machine
Rotaries are simple to run but need attention, too. The biggest difference: rotaries usually have enclosed motors, fewer exposed parts, and cartridge systems, so you can't soak the motor.
1. Disassemble
Remove needle cartridge and grip. Only open the motor housing if the manufacturer allows.
2. Wipe down carefully
Use CaviWipes or 70% isopropyl alcoholOpens a new window wipes. Avoid fluid near the motor or RCA port.
3. Ultrasonic the grip
Metal grips and cartridge housings can go in the ultrasonic cleaner. Rinse, dry, and bag for sterilization.
4. Autoclave what’s safe
Never autoclave the motor. Only grips and cartridge housing if designed for it.
5. Check for wear
Inspect O-rings, drive bars, and connection pins. Replace or lubricate to keep motion smooth.
Pro gear:
- Critical Torque Pen Cleaning Kit
- CaviWipes Disinfectant Towelettes
Key tip: Rotary machines are less “fragile” but motor-sensitive. Over-soaking or using harsh chemicals near the motor can ruin the machine. Keep fluid off electronics.
How to Clean a Wireless Tattoo Machine
Wireless machines are basically rotary machines with built-in batteries, so many cleaning principles overlap—but there are extra precautions.
1. Disassemble removable parts
Take off the grip, needle cartridge, and any metal components that contact skin. Clean these as you would for a rotary.
2. Wipe down the body
Use 70% isopropyl alcoholOpens a new window or disinfectant wipes. Avoid the battery compartment and charging port.
3. Clean connection points
Wipe any contact surfaces where the grip or battery connects to prevent voltage drops or corrosion. Wipe any contact surfaces where the grip or battery connects to prevent voltage drops or corrosion. If grime, ink, or dried plasma builds up on these contacts, it can increase resistance and reduce the voltage reaching the motor, leading to jerkiness, sputtering, or less consistency.
4. Dry thoroughly
Make sure all parts, especially battery housing and contacts, are completely dry before reassembling.
5. Check battery health
Inspect for leaks, corrosion, or swelling. Replace if needed.
Pro tip: Treat the battery as sensitive electronics. Never submerge or over-saturate, and avoid harsh chemicals near ports.
Quick Maintenance Tips for Machine Cleaning
- Always glove up.Opens a new window
- Disinfect clip cordsOpens a new window, power suppliesOpens a new window, and foot pedalsOpens a new window between clients.
- Don’t let ink or plasma dry on machines—clean immediately.
- Keep a maintenance schedule for springs, O-rings, and grommets.
The Takeaway
A clean machine hits better, lasts longer, and keeps your work tight.
- Coil machines: Extra attention on springs, armature bars, and exposed contact points. Moisture and soaking are a no-go.
- Rotary machines: Protect the motor, O-rings, and drive bars. Keep cleaning fluids away from electronics.
Sanitation is always top priority.
