Written by Sophie Bebeau on Mon Jun 23 2025.
Managing incontinence can be challenging, but catheters offer a welcome solution, reducing the need for frequent diaper changes, trips to the toilet, and endless laundry. While there's a learning curve to proper catheter care, it's a skill you can master with practice.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for safely removing, emptying, cleaning, and caring for three common types of catheters: the external condom catheter for men, the PureWick™ for women, and indwelling catheters for both. With a little practice, these essential care tasks will become second nature, giving you greater confidence and peace of mind.
An external condom catheter is a flexible, disposable sheath that fits over the penis and connects to a urine collection bag worn on the leg or waist. because it doesn't require insertion into the urethra, it offers a comfortable and lower-risk alternative to internal catheters.
Empty the collection bag when it's about half to two-thirds full. You should fully remove and clean the condom catheter and replace the condom sheath every 24 hours. Empty full-sized bags every eight hours, and smaller bags every 3-4 hours. Remember to remove the catheter at least once a day and wash the penis with soap and water or a perineal cleanser.
Important: Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, itching, odor, or discharge. Untreated infections can lead to serious complications.
Washcloth
Large plastic or metal container
Prepare your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, ensuring they are completely dry before putting on clean, disposable exam gloves.
Warm the catheter: Hold a warm, wet washcloth over the catheter adhesive for at least 30 seconds. This makes removal easier and more comfortable.
Gently remove the sheath: Starting from the base of the penis, gently pull the condom away from the skin, then slowly roll it off. Always inspect the skin on and around the penis for any signs of redness, swelling, or irritation, which could indicate an infection.
Empty the collection bag: Hold the collection bag over a toilet or large container. Remove the drain spout from the bottom of the bag without touching the tip. Let the urine drain, leaving a small amount in the bag to prevent a vacuum from stopping urine flow from the catheter sheath.
Clean the drain valve: Use an alcohol wipe to thoroughly clean the tip of the drain valve before closing it. If you're attaching a new collection bag, use a fresh alcohol wipe to clean the tip of the tubing before connecting it. Wash your hands thoroughly once you've finished emptying the bag.
Initial rinse: Fill the empty bag halfway with cold water, seal it, and shake for about 10 seconds. Empty the water into the toilet. Repeat 1-2 times.
Soak with cleaning mixture: Prepare a cleaning mixture of one to two parts white vinegar and three parts warm water. (Alternatively, you can use one part bleach to 10 parts water, but use caution to avoid inhaling fumes or getting bleach on your skin, eyes, clothing, or bathroom fixtures.) Fill the bag halfway with your chosen mixture and let it soak for 30 minutes, then pour it out.
Rinse and air dry: After pouring out the cleaning mixture, rinse the bag with warm water. Repeat if necessary until the bag is completely clean. Air dry the bag by hanging it with the drain valve open and pointing down. Do not hang it over a heat source. Once dry, close the drain valve. Before re-applying the external catheter, apply a
protective barrier cream to the skin to prevent irritation from the adhesive.
The PureWick™ catheter is an external catheter and urine collection system designed for women as an alternative to incontinence pads and indwelling catheters. It wicks urine away from the body, helping to reduce skin breakdown and irritation caused by moisture. The catheter, or "wick," is placed against the perineum (the area between the vaginal opening and anus) and between the labia.
Many caregivers find that proper placement is crucial for success, so if you notice leaks, adjust its position until you find the perfect fit. This device can be used when lying down or reclining, making it ideal for nighttime use, allowing for more comfortable sleep without frequent diaper changes or bathroom trips.
The PureWick™ catheter should be replaced at least every eight to 12 hours, and immediately if it has been soiled with blood or feces. The catheter wick itself should be discarded after each use, while the collection canister, lid, and all tubing should be cleaned. The canister and tubing should be replaced every 60 days.
Important: Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, itching, odor, or discharge. Untreated infections can lead to serious complications.
Large plastic or metal container
Toothbrush or small cleaning brush
Towel
Prepare your hands: Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, ensuring they are completely dry before putting on clean, disposable exam gloves.
Remove the catheter: Keep the device plugged in and on to ensure all urine has drained into the collection canister. Fully separate the legs, glutes, and labia (this is usually easiest with the user on their back with legs apart). Gently pull the catheter outward, being careful not to drag it against the skin, which can cause irritation and contamination. Discard the used PureWick™ catheter.
Check for skin irritation: Before placing a new PureWick™ catheter, check the skin around the perineal and genital area for signs of breakdown or irritation. If you notice signs of infection (redness, swelling, itching, odor, or discharge), seek medical attention immediately. If you observe skin irritation or breakdown, discontinue PureWick™ use and treat the compromised skin with body shield cream or perineal lotion until it improves.
Clean the area: Before placing a new PureWick™ catheter, thoroughly clean the perineal and genital area. A single-use antiseptic towelette is recommended for a quick and effective clean. Wash your hands thoroughly after this step.
Empty the canister: The collection canister can hold up to 2000 mL, but it's recommended to empty it before it reaches 1800 mL. To empty, turn the device off and disconnect the power cord from the outlet and the back of the PureWick™ device. Disconnect the collector tubing from the top of the canister and the pump tubing from the back of the device. Carefully lift the canister from the device base with two hands (do not lift
by the lid). Take the canister to a bathroom and pour the urine into the toilet. Remove and discard gloves.
Rinse parts: Put on a new, clean pair of disposable exam gloves. Rinse the PureWick™ canister, lid, elbow connector, and tubing under cool tap water, ensuring water flows through one end of the tubing and out the other for a thorough rinse.
Soak in cleaning solution: Prepare a cleaning mixture of one teaspoon of dish soap and one gallon of cool tap water in a large container. Submerge the canister, lid, elbow connector, and tubing, and let them soak for at least 10 minutes.
Brush and rinse: Use a small, soft brush (like a toothbrush) to scrub the surface of each part for at least one minute. Then, rinse all parts with cool tap water. Flush the inside of the tubing with cool tap water until it's completely clear of soap.
Soak in isopropyl alcohol: Fill a large container with 70% isopropyl alcohol and fully submerge the canister, lid, elbow connector, and tubing. Soak for ten minutes. Then, rinse the parts thoroughly again. Dry the parts with a soft, clean towel and let the tubes air dry for 30 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly after completing the task.
An indwelling catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. Because it creates a direct pathway from inside to outside the body, meticulous catheter hygiene and skincare are extremely important to prevent skin irritation and infection. You should clean your indwelling catheter twice a day.
Important: Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, itching, odor, or discharge. Untreated infections can lead to serious complications and, in some cases, can be life-threatening.
Washcloth
Bath towel
Prepare your hands: Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, ensuring they are completely dry before putting on clean, disposable exam gloves.
Wash the catheter and genital area: Many caregivers and catheter users find it easiest to clean catheters during a daily shower, but it's simple to do even if showering isn't possible. Dampen a washcloth with warm water and gentle soap. Hold the catheter near where it enters the body at the urethra to prevent tugging on the tube while cleaning. Use the soapy washcloth to gently wash the catheter where it enters the body, as well as the surrounding genital area. Wipe the catheter downwards, away from the body, towards the drainage bag.
For men: Begin washing at the tip of the penis, pulling back the foreskin (if uncircumcised), and wiping back towards the anus. Return the foreskin to its original position afterward. Rinse the washcloth, apply more soap, and gently wash the thighs and buttocks.
For women: Separate the labia and wipe back towards the anus. Rinse the washcloth, apply more soap, and gently wash the thighs and buttocks.
Rinse and dry: Rinse the soap off the catheter and body with warm water. Gently dry the area with a soft, clean towel.
Daily showering: A daily shower is recommended to keep the catheter clean, thoroughly cleaning the catheter and genitals each time. Do not take baths with an indwelling catheter, as it increases the risk of infection.
Perineal cleanser: Use a no-rinse perineal cleanser to clean, moisturize, and deodorize the skin around the catheter.
Avoid lotions/powders: Do not apply lotions or powders near where the catheter enters the body.
Hand hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the collection bag.
Explore Carewell's resources to learn more about managing incontinence and choosing the right catheter:
The PureWick™ Female External Catheter, What Is It? How to Use it? And FAQ
Carewell’s Essential Checklist for Urinary Incontinence Care
6 Things Your Loved One Might Not Tell You About Their Incontinence Issues
Finding the right catheter can involve a lot of research. If you need help determining what will work best for your loved one, browse Carewell’s selection of catheters or talk to a Carewell Care Specialist today. We're available and happy to answer your questions and make recommendations.
Reach out to our Care Team by calling (800) 696-CARE, emailing support@carewell.com.
See our tips for choosing the best catheter. We've rated the best in an easy-to-read chart. Bonus, see maintenance tips on keeping it clean.
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Many women with urinary incontinence use products like diapers, booster pads, and underpads. These items can make cleanup easier, but they don’t necessarily allow you or your care recipient to get a restful night’s sleep. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to avoid bedding changes, midnight trips to the bathroom, and irritated skin? The BD PureWick™ Urine Collection System provides all of that and more.
Read More >Sophie Bebeau is a writer, graphic designer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist living in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When she’s not writing or making things for the internet, she can be found cross-stitching, writing poetry, and snuggling on the couch with a cup of tea and her husband, son, and dog, Buttercup.
