• Use standard precautions; use appropriate transmission-based precautions when indicated.
• Moisten a sterile gauze pad or swab with the prescribed cleansing agent.
• Use a new swab or gauze for each downward stroke.
• Clean from top to bottom.
• Work outward from the incision in lines parallel to it (Figure A).
• Wipe from the clean area (at wound edges) toward the less clean area.

• Use standard precautions; use appropriate transmission-based precautions when indicated.
• Moisten a sterile gauze pad or swab with the prescribed cleansing agent and squeeze out excess solution.
• Use a new swab or gauze for each circle.
• Clean the wound in full or half circles, beginning at the wound edges and working outward (Figure B).
• Clean to at least 1 inch beyond the end of the new dressing.
• If a dressing is not being applied, clean to at least 2 inches beyond the wound margins.

Source:Hess, C. (2013). Clinical guide to skin & wound care (7th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.