Medical Device Cleaning Market By Product Type (Enzymatic Detergents, Disinfectants, Washer Disinfectors, Ultrasonic Cleaners); By Process (Manual Cleaning, Automated Cleaning, Disinfection & Sterilization); By Device Type (Surgical Instruments, Endoscopes, Ultrasound Probes, Dental Instruments, Diagnostic Imaging Equipment); By End User (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Dental Clinics, Diagnostic Labs, Third-party Reprocessors); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Medical Device Cleaning Market will grow at a CAGR of 7.3% , reaching an estimated $4.9 billion by 2030 , up from around $3.2 billion in 2024 , according to Strategic Market Research.

 

Medical device cleaning may not be flashy, but it’s absolutely foundational. Whether in surgical suites, outpatient clinics, or diagnostic labs, the process ensures instruments are decontaminated, disinfected, and safe for reuse. In many ways, this market is the quiet force behind hospital safety, infection control, and surgical success.

 

From 2024 to 2030, this space is set for an aggressive scale-up. Why? For starters, healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a persistent threat. Hospitals are under pressure — from regulators, insurers, and patients — to minimize them. That’s triggering a broader shift from manual cleaning toward standardized, automated reprocessing systems that minimize human error.

 

Another force in play: the global surgical volume is rising fast. Aging populations, expanded insurance access in developing countries, and growing demand for minimally invasive procedures are all contributing. More surgeries mean more instrument turnaround — and higher demand for efficient cleaning protocols.

 

Meanwhile, the regulatory bar is rising. In North America and Europe, institutions like the FDA and EMA are tightening validation requirements for reprocessing workflows. Manufacturers are responding with cleaner formulations, automated tracking systems, and process-specific detergents designed to handle complex devices like endoscopes or robotic surgery tools.

 

There's also a hidden tech story here. Digital systems are creeping into the back end of reprocessing workflows — from barcode tracking for instrument traceability to IoT-enabled washer-disinfectors that flag real-time errors or maintenance needs. Hospitals aren’t just looking for soap; they want data, compliance, and proof.

 

The market’s strategic relevance has broadened. It’s no longer just a hygiene necessity — it’s a compliance, safety, and operational efficiency play. Key stakeholders span a wide range:

• OEMs and consumable suppliers developing innovative enzymatic detergents and disinfection systems

• Hospitals, surgical centers , and diagnostic labs looking for faster turnaround and traceability

• Regulators and accreditation bodies driving standardization across reprocessing cycles

• Third-party reprocessing companies offering outsourced cleaning and sterilization

• Healthcare investors and procurement heads watching for scalable, tech-enhanced cleaning infrastructure

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The medical device cleaning market breaks down into four core segmentation dimensions: By Product Type , By Process , By Device Type , and By End User , each reflecting how healthcare facilities approach cleaning protocols under tightening scrutiny.

By Product Type

• Enzymatic Detergents : These are gaining ground for their ability to break down organic materials (blood, tissue) without damaging delicate instruments. Especially useful for complex or reusable robotic instruments.

• Disinfectants : Still a staple, particularly in manual pre-cleaning and intermediate steps in semi-automated systems. High-level disinfectants that meet newer EPA or FDA requirements are preferred.

• Washer Disinfectors and Ultrasonic Cleaners : These capital equipment systems are now being bundled with IoT tracking features and usage analytics. As facilities scale throughput, automated systems are eating into manual process share.

In 2024, enzymatic detergents account for around 38% of product sales , a reflection of shifting demand from generic chemical solutions to device-friendly formulations that reduce residue risk. That said, automated washer-disinfectors are projected to post the fastest CAGR through 2030 , as hospitals seek more traceable, staff-light cleaning workflows.

 

By Process

• Manual Cleaning

• Automated Cleaning

• Disinfection & Sterilization

Manual cleaning is still common in smaller clinics, but automated processes are rising quickly — especially in surgical departments handling reusable endoscopes or laparoscopic tools. Automation isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about auditability and compliance.

Disinfection and sterilization stages, often part of a broader central sterile services workflow, are now being reevaluated for compatibility with advanced materials like polymers or robotic instrument coatings.

 

By Device Type

• Surgical Instruments

• Endoscopes

• Ultrasound Probes

• Dental Instruments

• Diagnostic Imaging Equipment

Surgical instruments dominate with a 2024 share of approximately 52% , but endoscopes are now driving more specialized demand due to the complex cleaning steps required. These scopes can harbor biofilms if improperly reprocessed, leading to serious compliance issues — and lawsuits.

 

By End User

• Hospitals

• Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)

• Diagnostic Labs

• Dental Clinics

• Third-party Reprocessors

Hospitals remain the biggest spenders by far — driven by large instrument inventories, regulatory pressures, and the shift toward automated CSSDs (Central Sterile Supply Departments). ASCs, however, are growing fast as minimally invasive procedures move outside hospital walls.

To be fair, even dental clinics are upgrading cleaning systems, especially in Europe, where infection control standards are converging with hospital norms.

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• LAMEA

North America leads in value due to strict regulatory frameworks and higher adoption of automated systems. But Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing , as China and India pour investments into surgical infrastructure, and more hospitals seek to align with international infection prevention standards.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

This market may look like it’s about cleaning, but what’s really unfolding is a tech-enabled infection control strategy. Behind the scenes, innovation is happening at both the chemical and systems level — and the stakes are rising.

1. Rise of Process-Specific Detergents

Hospitals are no longer satisfied with one-size-fits-all cleaning agents. What’s trending now are custom enzymatic blends tailored to device types — whether it's a robotic clamp, an ultrasound probe, or a fiberoptic scope.

One infection control officer put it bluntly: “Generic detergents don’t cut it anymore. If your chemistry can’t preserve coating integrity and kill bioburden, you're out.”

Vendors are also developing low-foaming, neutral pH formulations compatible with automated systems, avoiding residue buildup and surface damage over time.

 

2. IoT-Enabled Washer Disinfectors

Automation isn’t new — but connectivity is. Leading OEMs are rolling out smart washer-disinfectors with real-time dashboards, remote diagnostics, and maintenance alerts. These platforms generate cleaning cycle logs for audit purposes, simplifying regulatory compliance.

For example, a hospital CSSD supervisor can now get an alert when a cycle fails mid-clean — and rerun it before the instrument gets sent to the OR.

This kind of data traceability is becoming critical as accreditation standards tighten and surgical teams demand accountability.

 

3. Endoscope Cleaning Is Under the Microscope

Flexible endoscopes remain one of the most difficult-to-clean devices in healthcare. Their internal channels, heat-sensitive materials, and repeated reuse make them a hotbed for contamination risk.

That’s triggered waves of innovation:

• Single-use cleaning brushes with RFID tracking

• Automated channel flushers with validated flow metrics

• Drying cabinets that monitor humidity and airflow to prevent microbe regrowth

In the U.S., the FDA’s 2022 guidance reinforced the importance of validated reprocessing protocols, pushing hospitals toward more structured and tech-assisted approaches.

 

4. Push for Waterless and Green Cleaning Options

Water usage and chemical discharge are under growing scrutiny, especially in Europe. Emerging vendors are piloting low-water enzymatic foam sprays for surface decontamination and closed-loop cleaning systems that recycle rinse water through filters.

There’s also a broader movement toward low-residue detergents that reduce chemical waste while preserving effectiveness.

Sustainability may not yet be a deal-breaker in procurement, but it’s quickly becoming a differentiator — particularly in public health systems and green-certified hospitals.

 

5. Robotics and AI in Workflow Optimization

While we’re not seeing robots scrub scalpels, AI is being applied to workflow orchestration in sterile processing departments. Software solutions now:

• Predict peak demand and bottlenecks

• Schedule reprocessing based on procedure volumes

• Monitor operator performance and protocol compliance

Vendors that pair physical cleaning systems with intelligent dashboards are carving out a clear edge — especially in large hospital networks juggling hundreds of procedures daily.

 

6. Strategic Partnerships on the Rise

Big cleaning system OEMs are now forming alliances with infection control software providers , surgical device companies, and even EHR vendors. The goal? Integrate reprocessing into broader perioperative workflows.

One example: a U.S. surgical hospital chain partnered with a detergent supplier and a logistics tech firm to create a fully traceable instrument loop — from OR to reprocessing to reuse. The program slashed lost instrument incidents by 40% in year one.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

This isn’t a market dominated by flashy brand wars. It’s a quieter landscape, but deeply strategic. A handful of players dominate, and they’re not just selling chemicals or machines — they’re embedding themselves into entire hospital workflows. Here’s how the competition stacks up.

STERIS Corporation

STERIS is arguably the most vertically integrated player in this space. It offers everything: enzymatic cleaners, washer-disinfectors, ultrasonic systems, and even sterilization assurance tools. Their edge? Bundled systems and lifecycle service contracts that appeal to large hospital groups.

They’ve also leaned into data — several of their systems now offer built-in compliance reporting tools, a must-have for accreditation audits.

What sets them apart is not just performance, but predictability. Hospitals know they can count on STERIS to handle reprocessing from end to end — no piecemeal workarounds required.

 

Getinge Group

Getinge plays in the premium hospital hygiene tier. Their automated washers and disinfectors are a common sight in CSSDs, especially in Europe. The company focuses heavily on high-throughput systems with strong energy and water efficiency credentials .

They’ve also invested in integrating traceability software into their machines, a smart move as global regulations push for end-to-end instrument accountability.

In short, they’re winning over the efficiency-first hospitals with volume demands and sustainability mandates.

 

3M Health Care

Known primarily for its consumables and sterilization assurance products, 3M brings brand trust and global reach. Their cleaning indicator strips, enzymatic formulations, and monitoring tools are used worldwide.

While they’re not a major player in hardware, their presence in consumables gives them a high-frequency customer touchpoint — especially in infection prevention departments.

Their real strength? Reliability and standardization. 3M’s tools are often the benchmark for what “compliant” looks like during a regulatory inspection.

 

Ecolab Inc.

Ecolab operates more like a healthcare partner than a product supplier. It offers custom cleaning and disinfection programs , complete with staff training, compliance audits, and chemical tracking. Their medical device cleaning portfolio includes:

• High-efficiency enzymatic detergents

• Surface disinfection agents

• Education and risk assessment services

They’re especially strong in large healthcare systems trying to align cleaning practices across dozens of facilities.

Think of Ecolab as the infection control consultant with a product catalog .

 

Belimed AG

This Swiss company is steadily growing its global presence, particularly in Europe and the Middle East . Known for high-performance washer-disinfectors , Belimed emphasizes modular systems that can be scaled or reconfigured for growing hospitals.

They also recently pushed into data-enabled cleaning systems , helping hospitals meet evolving traceability and documentation standards.

Their approach is more engineering-first, appealing to hospitals with technical staff that want control and customization.

 

Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP)

While ASP is more famous for its sterilization systems (especially hydrogen peroxide gas plasma units), they’ve been expanding into pre-cleaning and manual disinfectant solutions to offer a fuller infection prevention chain.

Their growth strategy is to complement sterilization hardware with front-end cleaning agents , building end-to-end relevance.

 

Steelco (A Miele Group Company)

Steelco has made waves recently for its stylish yet functional CSSD automation systems . Known for design-heavy cleaning systems with compact footprints, it’s become popular in space-constrained hospitals and ASCs .

Their newer washers come with intelligent loading systems and connectivity features, helping staff reduce cycle times while improving instrument safety.

 

Competitive Themes to Watch

• Bundling is king : Players who offer both consumables and automation platforms are winning larger contracts.

• Data traceability is a battleground : Vendors with better integration and reporting features are rising fast.

• Global expansion is selective : Some players dominate in North America; others (like Belimed , Getinge) are more entrenched in Europe and emerging markets.

• Service is a differentiator : Pure product play is fading. Providers offering training, audit prep, and long-term support are building sticky customer relationships.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

Medical device cleaning has become a global mandate, but how it's implemented — and where the real momentum is — varies sharply by region. Regulation, surgical volume, budget flexibility, and infrastructure maturity all shape how each region adopts and scales cleaning technologies.

North America

North America leads this market, and it’s not particularly close. The U.S. dominates , driven by a dense hospital network, strict infection control standards from the FDA, CDC, and Joint Commission , and a growing shift toward automation in sterile processing.

Large hospitals in the U.S. are now standardizing automated washer-disinfectors across networks. Instrument traceability systems are also mainstream , especially in academic medical centers and high-volume surgical hospitals.

Canada mirrors many of these trends, though procurement cycles tend to be longer due to public system dynamics.

A sterile processing manager at a major U.S. facility put it clearly: “If your CSSD isn't digital and validated, your next audit won’t go well — period.”

 

Europe

Europe is a strong number two — and in some ways, ahead of the U.S. in sustainability and green cleaning priorities . The European Medicines Agency (EMA) , along with regional health authorities like Germany’s BfArM , have pushed device reprocessing toward water- and energy-efficient systems , prompting vendors to innovate around closed-loop washer designs and low-residue detergents.

Countries like Germany, France, and the UK have large centralized reprocessing facilities tied to public hospitals. Enzymatic cleaners and automated traceability systems are standard in most tertiary care centers .

Smaller facilities in southern and eastern Europe are catching up, but the region as a whole benefits from uniform training mandates and environmental reporting laws that push the market forward.

 

Asia Pacific

This is where growth is most explosive — but also uneven. The region is dominated by China, Japan, South Korea, and India , each with different drivers.

• China is investing heavily in hospital infrastructure and is adopting U.S. and European infection control frameworks. Automated washers are being introduced even in provincial hospitals.

• India is lagging in automation due to budget constraints but is a hot spot for single-use cleaning consumables and portable disinfection tools , especially in private surgical centers .

• Japan and South Korea are ahead of the curve in using compact automated systems that integrate seamlessly into small hospitals and specialty clinics.

Training remains a challenge in parts of Southeast Asia, but as more countries mandate accreditation via programs like JCI , structured reprocessing is gaining momentum.

A regional consultant noted: “Hospitals here don’t want Western machines—they want smart, affordable systems that can fit local workflows.”

 

Latin America, Middle East & Africa (LAMEA)

Adoption is more sporadic here. Brazil and Mexico are leading in Latin America, with growing investment in hospital reprocessing and partnerships with OEMs. That said, many facilities still rely on manual cleaning and basic disinfection protocols due to cost and infrastructure gaps.

In the Middle East , countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE are upgrading hospital systems aggressively, often importing European and U.S. washer-disinfectors as part of hospital tenders. There’s a focus on compliance with international standards, especially in urban teaching hospitals.

Africa remains largely underserved. Some public hospitals partner with NGOs for basic sterilization support, but comprehensive reprocessing — especially for advanced devices like endoscopes — is rare outside of South Africa and a few North African nations.

 

Key Regional Takeaways

• North America : Market leader in value, thanks to automation and traceability mandates.

• Europe : Leader in sustainability innovation and centralized reprocessing systems.

• Asia Pacific : Fastest growth, with rising infrastructure and public-private hospital expansion.

• LAMEA : Untapped potential — but progress hinges on funding and regulatory alignment.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The needs around medical device cleaning vary dramatically depending on who’s doing the cleaning — and why. A large tertiary hospital has vastly different expectations from a small dental clinic or a standalone surgical center . But what ties them all together is a rising intolerance for infection risk and workflow inefficiencies.

Hospitals

Hospitals are the market’s engine — and not just because of size. They're under constant pressure from regulators and insurers to cut infection rates, comply with audit protocols, and reduce instrument turnaround times.

• Most large hospitals now operate centralized sterile supply departments (CSSDs) that process thousands of instruments a day.

• These facilities are investing in fully automated washers , high-performance enzymatic cleaners , and digital traceability systems that log every wash cycle, detergent lot, and cycle operator.

For hospitals, the priority is compliance and throughput . A missed cleaning cycle can delay surgery or — worse — expose a patient to residual bioburden.

 

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)

ASCs are growing fast, thanks to the boom in outpatient procedures. But many are still limited in floor space and staff training . That’s created demand for:

• Compact washer-disinfectors

• Pre-measured detergent sachets

• Simplified reprocessing workflows with minimal operator dependency

For these centers , automation is less about scale and more about staff relief.

ASCs are also sensitive to pricing. They favor vendors who offer bundled cleaning and sterilization solutions with on-site training support , rather than complex, standalone systems.

 

Dental Clinics

Dental facilities have lagged behind hospitals in cleaning sophistication — but that’s changing, especially in Europe and North America. Regulators are increasingly applying hospital-level disinfection standards to dental tools like scalers and endodontic files.

As a result, dental clinics are upgrading from manual soaking methods to small-scale ultrasonic cleaners and enzymatic foam sprays that are effective and easy to use.

The real trend? Shift from basic disinfectants to validated, device-friendly detergents. It’s not about high volume — it’s about consistency and risk reduction.

 

Diagnostic and Research Labs

Labs cleaning reusable diagnostic tools or sample collection instruments often fall outside the surgical hygiene narrative. But in genetic testing or biopsy processing, cross-contamination risks are just as serious .

These labs are adopting specialty cleaners that preserve optical components or sensitive probes. Some are piloting automated bench-top cleaners designed for delicate items.

 

Third-Party Reprocessors

These outsourced service providers are rising in number, especially in North America and Europe. Hospitals contract them to handle:

• Complex device reprocessing (like orthopedic drills or robotic components)

• Overflow during peak surgical days

• Backup during CSSD system upgrades or maintenance

They demand industrial-scale washers , track-and-trace software , and standardized detergent systems across client accounts.

The differentiator? Speed, reliability, and zero non-conformances.

 

Use Case Highlight

A mid-sized hospital in Germany was facing repeated audit findings due to inconsistent manual cleaning of laparoscopic tools. Staff training varied, documentation was spotty, and reprocessed instruments often showed residual debris under inspection.

The hospital partnered with a medical device cleaning vendor to install automated washer-disinfectors and switch to a validated enzymatic detergent system with built-in RFID cycle logging.

Within 6 months:

• Instrument reprocessing time dropped by 32%

• Audit compliance improved significantly

• Staff training hours were cut in half, thanks to automation

More importantly, surgical delays due to reprocessing failures fell to near zero. The hospital now uses this project as a model across its broader health system.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• STERIS launched the AMSCO 7000 Series washer-disinfectors in 2024, integrating RFID-enabled cycle validation and IoT dashboards to support large hospital CSSDs.

• Getinge introduced its AquaViva Compact System in early 2023, targeting small and mid-sized surgical centers with space-saving automated reprocessing and a built-in water filtration loop.

• Ecolab rolled out a new enzymatic foam cleaner for pre-cleaning robotic surgical instruments in 2023, addressing concerns about manual residue left on delicate surfaces.

• Belimed partnered with a German university hospital in 2024 to pilot AI-driven washer cycle optimization — aiming to reduce reprocessing time without sacrificing efficacy.

• 3M expanded its Clean-Trace™ monitoring system in 2023 to include ATP bioluminescence sensors specifically validated for endoscope reprocessing workflows.

 

Opportunities

• Rising surgical volumes in emerging markets Countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa are scaling up hospital infrastructure, creating a demand surge for automated and validated cleaning systems.

• IoT-enabled compliance tracking Hospitals are under pressure to prove adherence to reprocessing protocols. Smart washers and cloud-based logs are now a selling point, not a bonus.

• Reusable robotic instruments and complex devices The rise of robotic surgeries is fueling demand for device-specific detergents and cleaning protocols , creating new subsegments within the market.

 

Restraints

• High capital cost of automated systems Washer-disinfectors and traceability tools can run into six figures. This limits penetration in smaller facilities and developing regions, especially where budgets are tight or donor-funded.

• Skilled labor shortage Effective reprocessing still relies on trained CSSD staff. Many hospitals face a skills gap, especially when transitioning from manual to automated workflows.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 3.2 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 4.9 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 7.3% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, Process, Device Type, End User, Region
By Product Type	Enzymatic Detergents, Disinfectants, Washers, Ultrasonics
By Process	Manual, Automated, Disinfection & Sterilization
By Device Type	Surgical Instruments, Endoscopes, Probes, Dental, Diagnostic Equipment
By End User	Hospitals, ASCs, Dental Clinics, Labs, Third-Party Reprocessors
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, etc.
Market Drivers	- Infection control standards tightening - Rise in complex surgical devices - Adoption of automated reprocessing
Customization Option	Available upon request