Stethoscope Cleaning and Care


  • Littmann stethoscope properly worn outside the collar of a white lab coat preventing the tubing from touching the clinician’s neck.

    Keep your stethoscope in top condition.

    Your 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope is designed to provide years of reliable service. Periodically giving it a routine cleaning helps ensure optimal acoustic performance, helps extend the life of the stethoscope, and leaves it looking shiny and new.



  • Hands wiping down the tubing of a Littmann stethoscope using an alcohol wipe.

    Care for stethoscope tubes

    All Littmann stethoscopes now feature a next-generation tubing that retains its shape and flexibility even after folding tightly into a pocket. It provides longer stethoscope life due to improved resistance to skin oils and alcohol, and is less likely to pick up stains. However, it’s still good practice to wear your stethoscope over a collar whenever possible.

    Next-generation tubing is not made with natural rubber latex, a benefit to sensitive medical professionals and their patients. And, to play its part in the protection of human health and the environment, the next-generation tubing does not contain phthalate plasticizers.