Steps of HLD by Boiling

Note: A white, scaly deposit may be left on items that have been boiled frequently and on the pot or boiler itself. These are lime deposits caused by lime salts in the water. To minimize lime deposits:

Add some vinegar to the water to remove deposits on the inside of the boiler.
Boil the water for 10 minutes to precipitate the lime (to make it come out of the water and settle on the bottom or sides of the boiler instead of on the items being boiled) before the items are added.
Use the same water throughout the day, adding only enough to keep the items below the surface.
Drain and clean out the boiler at the end of each day.

Step 1
Decontaminate and clean all items to be boiled. Because water must touch all surfaces for HLD to be achieved, completely submerge all items in the water in the pot or boiler. Open all hinged items and disassemble those with sliding or multiple parts. Place any bowls and containers upright, not upside-down, and fill with water.

Step 2
Cover the pot or close the lid on the boiler and bring the water to a gentle, rolling boil.

Step 3
When the water comes to a rolling boil, start timing for 20 minutes. Use a timer or make sure to record the time that boiling begins. From this point on, do not add or remove any water and do not add any items to the pot or boiler.

Step 4
Lower the heat to keep the water at a gentle, rolling boil.

Note: If you boil the water too vigorously, the water will evaporate, and the items may become damaged if they bounce around the container and hit the sidewalls and other items being boiled. Lower heat also saves fuel or electricity.

Step 5
After 20 minutes, remove the items using dry, HLD pickups (lifters, cheatle forceps). Place the items on an HLD tray or in an HLD container that is in a low-traffic area away from insects and dust.

Note: An HLD tray or container can be prepared by boiling it for 20 minutes or by filling it with a 0.5% chlorine solution and letting it soak for 20 minutes, then draining the chlorine solution and rinsing thoroughly with boiled water.

Step 6
Allow to air-dry before use or storage. Use items immediately or keep them in a covered, sterile or HLD container for up to one week.

Note: Never leave boiled items in water that has stopped boiling; they can become contaminated as the water cools down.

Tips for HLD by boiling:

Items must be completely covered with water. Open all hinged instruments and disassemble items with sliding or multiple parts.
Always boil for 20 minutes. Start timing when the water reaches a rolling boil. If you forget to start timing the procedure, start timing at the point at which you realize this.
Do not add anything to or remove anything from the boiler once boiling begins.