How do you clean a microneedling pen?

A microneedling pen should be cleaned carefully after every treatment, but the pen itself should never be submerged in liquid or sterilized like a needle. The most important thing is to always use sterile disposable needles, wipe down the outside of the pen, and keep the attachment free from product residue.

In this guide, we go through how to clean a microneedling pen safely, what to avoid, and why sterile needle cartridges are crucial for a hygienic treatment.

Why is cleaning important?

Microneedling means that needles come into contact with the skin. Therefore, hygiene is one of the most important parts of a safe treatment.

Poor hygiene can increase the risk of irritation, breakouts, and infection. This is especially true if needle cartridges are reused or if the pen is not kept clean between treatments.

If you want to understand more about common mistakes in home treatment, you can read our guide about common mistakes when doing microneedling at home.

Important: needle cartridges are disposable products

Needle cartridges for microneedling pens should always be sterile and used only once. They should not be cleaned, boiled, wiped with alcohol, and reused.

After treatment, the needle cartridge should be removed and disposed of according to local guidelines for sharp objects. The pen itself is cleaned separately on the outside and around the attachment.

You can read more about different options in our guide about which needles to use with Dr. Pen.

How to clean a microneedling pen step by step

1. Turn off the pen and unplug it

Always start by turning off the device. If the pen is charged via cable, it should be unplugged before cleaning.

2. Remove the needle cartridge

Always remove the needle cartridge immediately after treatment. It should not remain in the pen after use.

3. Wipe the outside

Wipe the outside of the pen with a lightly damp cloth or a disinfecting wet wipe suitable for surfaces. Avoid using too much liquid.

4. Clean around the attachment carefully

If there is product residue around the needle attachment, you can gently wipe it with a clean, slightly damp cotton pad or cotton swab.

Liquid must not run into the pen’s openings or motor.

5. Let the pen dry completely

Let the pen air dry before putting it back into storage. Store it in a dry, clean place protected from dust.

What should you not do when cleaning the pen?

There are a few things you should avoid so as not to damage the pen or compromise hygiene.

• Never submerge the pen in water or disinfectant
• Do not boil the pen
• Do not spray liquid directly into the attachment
• Do not reuse needle cartridges
• Do not store the pen with a used needle cartridge attached

If your pen uses needle cartridges with an anti-backflow function, this can provide extra protection against liquid moving backward toward the pen. Read more in our article about how anti-backflow needle cartridges work.

How often should you clean a microneedling pen?

Clean the pen after every treatment. This applies even if you only treated a small area or used the pen for a short time.

You should also check the pen before treatment to make sure it is clean, dry, and free from old product residue.

Do you need to sterilize the microneedling pen itself?

No, for normal home use, you do not sterilize the pen itself in the same way as a needle. The pen contains electronics and a motor, which means it should not be boiled, soaked, or autoclaved.

It is the needle cartridge that must be sterile. The pen should be kept clean on the outside and handled hygienically.

Difference between cleaning a pen and a dermaroller

A microneedling pen and a dermaroller are not cleaned in exactly the same way. A dermaroller is a manual tool where the needles are fixed to the roller itself, while a microneedling pen uses replaceable disposable cartridges.

If you also use a roller, you can read our separate guide on how to sterilize a dermaroller correctly.

Common questions about cleaning a microneedling pen

Can you wash a microneedling pen with water?

You can wipe the outside carefully, but the pen should never be submerged in water. Liquid can damage the motor and electronics.

Can you reuse needle cartridges if you clean them?

No. Needle cartridges are single-use products and should be replaced after every treatment, even if they look clean.

How do you clean the attachment where the needle cartridge sits?

Carefully wipe around the attachment with a clean, slightly damp cotton pad or cotton swab. Avoid getting liquid inside the pen.

Should you clean the pen before or after treatment?

Always clean after treatment and check before the next use that the pen is clean, dry, and free from product residue.

Summary

A microneedling pen should be cleaned after every treatment, but it should not be soaked, boiled, or sterilized like a needle. Always remove and discard the used needle cartridge, wipe the outside of the pen, and carefully clean around the attachment without getting liquid into the device. The most important hygiene rule is to always use sterile disposable needle cartridges.