Good ostomy bag hygiene is one of the most practical skills to develop after ostomy surgery. It protects the skin around your stoma, controls odour, extends the life of your pouching system, and makes daily management feel more manageable over time. If you’re wondering how to clean an ostomy bag properly, this guide covers everything you need to know, from emptying and rinsing through to a full system change.
At Davies Pharmacy, we carry a comprehensive range of ostomy products and accessories from leading manufacturers including Hollister, Coloplast, Convatec, Marlen, Salts, and Smith & Nephew, to support North Shore residents through every aspect of ostomy care.
Why Cleaning Your Ostomy Bag the Right Way Matters
How you clean and care for your pouching system has a direct effect on several things that matter day to day.
Proper hygiene prevents the buildup of bacteria inside the pouch, which is the primary cause of odour. It also protects the peristomal skin, which is the skin surrounding the stoma, from irritation caused by residue and moisture. A clean, well-maintained pouching system also seals more reliably and lasts longer, reducing the frequency and cost of full system changes.
Learning how to clean an ostomy bag in a way that becomes quick and routine is one of the practical skills that makes ostomy life significantly easier over time.
Drainable Pouches vs. Closed Pouches: Different Approaches
Before getting into cleaning steps, it helps to understand that not all pouches are cleaned the same way, because not all pouches are designed to be cleaned.
Drainable pouches have an opening at the bottom, secured by a clip or integrated closure, that allows the pouch to be emptied and rinsed multiple times before it needs to be replaced. These are the most common choice for ileostomy patients and for those with liquid or semi-liquid output.
Closed pouches are sealed at the bottom and are designed to be removed and discarded when full. They are common for colostomy patients with predictable, more formed output. These are not rinsed between changes – they are simply replaced when needed.
The cleaning guidance in this article applies primarily to drainable pouches. For closed pouch users, the focus shifts to skin care and full system change technique rather than between-change cleaning.
How to Empty a Drainable Ostomy Pouch
Emptying the pouch regularly is the most frequent hygiene task for most ostomates. As a general rule, empty when the pouch is one-third to one-half full to prevent the weight of the contents from straining the barrier seal.
Here is the process:
Sit or stand over the toilet in a comfortable position. Unfold or open the closure at the bottom of the pouch, pointing the opening toward the toilet bowl. Allow the contents to drain fully. If the output is thick, a gentle squeeze from the top of the pouch downward helps clear it. Once emptied, wipe the inside of the outlet tail with toilet paper to remove residue from the opening. Close the pouch securely before standing.
Some people prefer to use a small spray bottle of water to rinse the tail after emptying. This is optional but can help manage odour and keep the closure area clean between rinses.
How to Rinse the Inside of a Drainable Pouch
Rinsing the inside of the pouch after emptying helps reduce odour and the buildup of residue on the pouch walls. It is not strictly necessary every time you empty, but many people find it helpful, particularly for managing odour throughout the day.
To rinse, use a small squeeze bottle or a purpose-made pouch rinser, available from most ostomy supply brands. Add a small amount of cool or lukewarm water through the outlet opening, swirl gently, and drain. Repeat once or twice until the water runs relatively clear.
Avoid using hot water, which can damage the pouch material and degrade the barrier over time. Cool to lukewarm is always the better choice.
A few drops of a purpose-made pouch lubricant or deodorant added after rinsing helps control odour and makes future emptying easier by reducing how much output sticks to the inner pouch walls.
Cleaning the Stoma and Peristomal Skin During a Full Change
A full system change, where the barrier and pouch are removed and replaced entirely, is also the opportunity to clean the stoma and the skin around it thoroughly.
Remove the used system gently, supporting the skin around the barrier as you peel it away to minimize pulling. If the barrier is resistant, an adhesive remover spray or wipe makes this process gentler on the skin.
Once the system is removed, clean the stoma and surrounding skin with warm water and a soft cloth or unscented gauze. Mild, unscented soap can be used if needed, but rinse thoroughly afterward since soap residue can interfere with the adhesive bond of the new barrier.
Pat the skin completely dry before applying the new barrier. Moisture trapped under the barrier is one of the most common causes of adhesion failure and peristomal skin irritation. Allow a minute or two of air-drying time if possible before applying.
According to Ostomy Canada, gentle, consistent skin care during each system change is one of the most important factors in long-term peristomal skin health.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Ostomy System
Knowing what not to use is just as important as knowing the right technique.
Bleach and harsh chemical cleaners damage pouch materials and can irritate the stoma and surrounding skin if residue remains. Avoid them entirely.
Alcohol-based products dry out the skin around the stoma and can break down adhesives. This includes many hand sanitizers and astringent wipes.
Scented soaps and bath products leave residue that interferes with adhesive bonding and can cause skin sensitization over time.
Rough cloths or scrubbing should be avoided on or around the stoma, which is delicate tissue. Always use soft materials and a gentle touch.
Oils and moisturizing products applied around the stoma before barrier placement will prevent the adhesive from bonding properly, leading to leakage.
Managing Odour Between Changes
Odour is one of the most common concerns among ostomates, and cleaning technique plays a significant role in managing it. A few additional strategies are worth knowing.
Pouch deodorants, available as drops or tablets placed inside the pouch, neutralize odour from within. These are distinct from air fresheners and work by altering the chemical composition of the gas and output in the pouch rather than masking smells.
Most modern drainable pouches from brands like Hollister, Coloplast, and Convatec include integrated charcoal filters that vent gas while filtering odour. Keeping the filter dry and avoiding covering it with clothing that presses it flat helps it work more effectively.
Diet also plays a meaningful role. Foods like asparagus, fish, eggs, garlic, and onions are known to increase output odour. Yogurt and parsley are often mentioned anecdotally as helpful for reducing it.
Cleaning Your Ostomy Bag Away from Home
Managing ostomy hygiene in public restrooms or while travelling takes a little adjustment, but it is very manageable with the right preparation.
Carrying a small kit with essentials, including a squeeze bottle for rinsing, pouch lubricant, deodorant drops, closure clips, and a few wipes, makes public emptying straightforward. Many ostomates use a travel-sized spray bottle filled with water for quick rinses.
Accessible toilet cubicles with more space and a sink nearby make the process easier, but standard cubicles can be managed with a compact kit. Placing toilet paper in the bowl before emptying reduces splash and makes the process quieter and less stressful in shared spaces.
When to Replace Rather Than Clean
Knowing how to clean an ostomy bag extends its usable life, but there are clear signs that a pouch needs to be replaced rather than rinsed.
Replace the pouch when the inner lining shows visible staining that doesn’t clear with rinsing, when odour persists even after thorough cleaning and deodorizing, when the closure mechanism becomes difficult to secure reliably, or when the filter has become saturated and is no longer venting effectively.
For the barrier specifically, replace at the first sign of lifting at the edges, skin irritation under the adhesive, or leakage, regardless of how recently it was applied. Pushing a barrier past its effective life risks skin breakdown and more significant adhesion problems down the line.
If you need guidance on which replacement products are right for your system, book an appointment with our team and we can help you find the right fit from our range.
Ostomy Supplies and Support on the North Shore
Finding the right cleaning products, deodorants, lubricants, adhesive removers, and replacement pouching systems is part of managing ostomy care well. Davies Pharmacy stocks products from Hollister, Coloplast, Convatec, Marlen, Salts, and Smith & Nephew, giving North Shore residents access to a broad selection without having to order online and wait.
Our team understands that ostomy care involves practical, day-to-day questions that don’t always come up at medical appointments. Whether you need a product recommendation, want to try a different brand, or simply have a question about your current routine, we’re here to help through our pharmacy services.
Clean and Confident: Making Ostomy Hygiene Second Nature
Learning how to clean an ostomy bag properly takes a little practice, but it quickly becomes a routine that takes only a few minutes. Good technique protects your skin, keeps odour under control, and extends the life of your pouching system, all of which make daily life with an ostomy more comfortable and less stressful.
If you have questions about ostomy cleaning products or want to explore your supply options, contact us at Davies Pharmacy. Our team is always happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my ostomy bag?
Drainable pouches should be emptied when one-third to one-half full, which for most people means several times a day. A full rinse of the inside of the pouch can be done at the same time or just once or twice daily depending on preference. Full system changes, where the barrier and pouch are replaced entirely, typically happen every one to three days for one-piece systems and every three to five days for the barrier in a two-piece system.
Can I reuse a closed ostomy pouch after emptying?
Closed pouches are designed for single use and are not meant to be rinsed and reused. Once full, they should be removed and disposed of. Attempting to reuse them risks leakage, odour, and skin irritation. Drainable pouches are the appropriate choice if you prefer a system that can be emptied and rinsed multiple times before replacement.
What is the best way to control odour when cleaning an ostomy bag?
Using a pouch lubricant or deodorant drops inside the pouch after each rinse is the most effective between-change odour management strategy. Keeping the charcoal filter dry and functional helps vent gas with less odour. Diet also has a significant impact, with yogurt, adequate hydration, and reducing high-odour foods like asparagus and eggs making a noticeable difference for many ostomates.
Is it safe to shower with my ostomy bag on?
Yes. Most modern ostomy pouching systems are water-resistant and can be worn in the shower without issue. Some people prefer to shower during a scheduled bag change, with the system removed, to clean the stoma and peristomal skin at the same time. Both approaches are acceptable, and the right choice depends on personal preference and your change schedule.
Where can I find ostomy cleaning products and supplies on the North Shore?
Davies Pharmacy carries a broad range of ostomy accessories including pouch lubricants, deodorant drops, adhesive removers, and replacement systems from Hollister, Coloplast, Convatec, Marlen, Salts, and Smith & Nephew. Contact us to ask about specific products or to get a recommendation based on your current pouching system.