Tips for Efficient Pouch Cleaning and Deodorizing

Trial and error has led me to a system of emptying and cleaning my pouch that makes everything feel better. I saw another post about using warm water in the pouch after emptying to wash it out. I will say it takes several times of doing this (put water in, holding the pouch up, swish it around, then empty) to get it clean. I do this until the water runs clear when coming out. I also use a deodorant each time I'm done (into the pouch before closing up). Everybody has a different body's chemistry, but safe and simple unscented seems to take care of all in any odor. Hope this helps someone in any way. Have a happy day.

Yes, that's how it is done. The fill and swish routine.

Don't go too "Mr. CLEAN."

On having the bag clean because in 5 minutes you're gonna poop again or release something that dirties the pouch.

Are you using a 2-piece system? You can rotate the bag 180 degrees to fill and swish.

Welcome to the new norm.

Welcome wagon on the way.

It's a good idea to keep water lukewarm (not hot) when rinsing. I spray Poo-Pourri deodorant into the sink beforehand. Hollister lubricant deodorant (not much of a deodorant) and hydrogen peroxide in your bag help with odor. The peroxide keeps others from smelling your bag, and the lubricant keeps things moving to the bottom of the bag.

Warroir has it correct. You cannot stop the poop; no rectal muscles. Unless too thick to empty? Leave it alone. Warm water swishing could ruin your skin seal, damage parastomal tissue, or leak (our fear).

I have had an ileostomy for 60 years. The pouches that are available now, when closed, have no exposed odor on the person. Cleaning out the pouch when emptying makes no sense to me, as it is going to get messy again very soon. I use a liquid deodorant (M9 Hollister). When the output is thick, I push down to empty, then I add deodorant to loosen it or use a little water. After emptying, I use a few drops of deodorant.

When out in public places, I skip using deodorant as I don't want to be in a public restroom for long, and once the bag is closed, there is no odor.

My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister

I used to get frustrated trying to clean up inside the end of the Hollister pouch … the lock and roll type … so it could be closed again.

I now have a couple of squeeze bottles like you sometimes see in restaurants full of ketchup. I fill these with warm water, and after emptying the pouch as much as possible, I squirt some water into the end, then drain it out. Repeat as necessary.

I used to dread emptying the pouch, especially if the contents were thick. I used a ton of toilet paper trying to get the s@*t out. Now just a few squirts, a quick wipe of the end, and all is well.

Have you tried Revel ostomy lubricant deodorant? Eucalyptus, lavender, or unscented options. Lubes through multiple pouch emptyings. My favorite lube deodorant so far.

Thank you so much. I'm finally ready to join in and be supported after 1 year. I wish I had done this previously. Feeling much less alone.

That's exactly my experience. And then I used a dollar store refillable ketchup bottle, and it works great, better than the ones I had ordered.👍🏻

Thank you. I will try those!