A 7-year-old girl has a salbutamol metered-dose inhaler with a large-volume spacer. Her parent asks how the spacer should be cleaned to ensure it continues to work properly and does not build up static, which may affect drug delivery. Which of the following is the most appropriate advice regarding cleaning the spacer?

• A. Wash monthly in warm soapy water, air-dry without rinsing or wiping
• B. Wipe with a dry cloth after each use
• C. Soak in hot water
• D. Use dishwasher

Answer: (A)

Static and residue buildup inside a spacer can skew how much drug actually reaches the lungs. Cleaning with warm soap solution helps remove powder residues from the inner surfaces, reducing static that can otherwise trap drug particles and lower delivery. Letting the spacer air-dry completely after washing avoids introducing moisture that could promote microbial growth or leave fibers behind. Cleaning monthly provides a practical balance—frequent enough to keep it clean, but not so often that repeated exposure to heat or harsh cleaning methods risks deforming the plastic. Hot water or dishwasher can warp or damage the spacer and its delivery characteristics, while simply wiping after use won’t remove internal buildup.