The global medical washers & disinfectors market size was valued at USD 1.07 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.10 billion in 2025 to USD 1.44 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period.

Data Validated and Triangulated Final

A medical washer & disinfector is used in healthcare settings to clean, decontaminate, and disinfect reusable medical instruments and devices. It utilizes a combination of thermal and chemical processes to remove contaminants and reduce the risk of infection, ensuring instruments are safe for re-use.

The increasing focus on maintaining hygiene standards in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities is driving the demand for medical washers & disinfectors in these areas, which is expected to drive the market growth in the coming years.

The key players in the market include Steris, Olympus Corporation, Getinge, and others. These companies are involved in strategic alliances, product launches, and geographic expansions to strengthen their foothold in the market.

MARKET DYNAMICS
Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities to Drive Market Growth

The increasing burden of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) significantly leads to patient morbidity and increased healthcare costs. This is encouraging healthcare facilities to adopt automated and standardized disinfection solutions. Medical washers & disinfectors ensure thorough cleaning of surgical instruments, endoscopes, and reusable devices, reducing manual errors.   Additionally, the rise in surgical procedures and expansion of surgical centers are expected to elevate the demand for such equipment.


For instance, as of November 2024, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) reported that over 4.0 million hip and knee arthroplasty procedures were performed between 2012 and 2024 in the U.S.

Moreover, the stringent regulatory requirements from regulatory bodies such as the CDC, FDA, and WHO reinforce investment in validated reprocessing technologies. Such a scenario is expected to increase the product usage, thereby driving the global medical washers & disinfectors market growth in the forthcoming years.

Market Restraints

Availability of Refurbished Products May Hamper Market Growth

Refurbished washers & disinfectors are significantly cheaper than new ones, which makes them an attractive option for hospitals and clinics seeking cost-effective solutions. In some regions, particularly those with less developed healthcare infrastructure, budget limitations can drive the adoption of refurbished equipment as a more accessible solution. Considering this, several suppliers are offering refurbished equipment in the global market, competing with the new ones.


For instance, as of June 2025, Auxo Medical is supplying refurbished medical washers & disinfectors in the U.S.

As this equipment offers a cost-saving alternative, it can also slow down the overall market growth for new equipment by impacting purchasing decisions and potentially delaying upgrades to newer technologies.

Market Opportunities

Growth in Ambulatory and Dental Care Facilities to Offer Lucrative Growth Opportunity

In recent years, the rising number of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), outpatient clinics, and dental care facilities has presented a lucrative growth opportunity for the medical washers & disinfectors manufacturing companies. These facilities increasingly perform complex, minimally invasive procedures requiring effective sterilization and reprocessing of surgical tools and instruments.


For instance, according to the data published by the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association in March 2025, there were over 6,300 Medicare-certified ASCs in the U.S.

These facilities seek to meet infection control standards to ensure patients’ safety, which is driving the demand for advanced washer-disinfectors. Moreover, expanding healthcare infrastructure in emerging economies such as India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia, combined with increasing medical tourism, is also expected to create substantial demand for affordable, yet compliant, automated disinfection solutions.

Market Challenges

High Initial Capital and Maintenance Costs Limit Market Expansion

In low-to-middle-income healthcare settings, significant upfront investment associated with medical washers and disinfectors is a primary restraint for the market growth. Advanced systems with automated cycles, digital interfaces, and integration features come at high prices, which hampers their adoption among smaller clinics and outpatient centers.


For instance, as of July 2024, Bimedis mentioned that the newest, high-tier washers & disinfection systems may cost as much as USD 16,000.

Additionally, operational costs such as water consumption, electricity usage, and specialized detergents increase the total cost of operating such equipment. These devices also require regular validation, calibration, and maintenance to ensure compliance with safety standards, thereby leading to an increase in expenses. As a result, healthcare facilities may prefer manual disinfection or low-cost alternatives in many resource-limited environments, which is expected to limit the market growth during the forecast period.

Medical Washers & Disinfectors Market Trends

Shift Toward Smart Washers & Disinfectors Creating New Market Trend

There has been a preferential shift toward smart washers & disinfectors systems, integrated with intelligent control systems. Hospitals and clinics increasingly adopt such products with built-in sensors and real-time cycle tracking. These systems enhance traceability of disinfection processes, ensuring compliance with sterilization protocols and aiding in infection control audits.


For instance, SHINVA’s smart automatic washer-disinfectors enable easy programming and cycle monitoring, including pre-wash, wash, rinse, disinfection, and drying stages. All these steps are customizable to suit specific instrument types. The system combines the function of an autoclave with advanced washing capabilities.

Manufacturers are focused on developing such systems to enhance the washing and disinfecting of surgical instruments, further augmenting hygiene and safety in clinical environments. In addition, they are focused on meeting the stringent standards of healthcare guidelines for disinfection of surgical instruments.

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Segmentation Analysis
By Type

Increasing Number of Product Launches Boosted Multi-Chamber Segment Growth

Based on type, the global market is segmented into single-chamber and multi-chamber.

The multi-chamber segment held the largest market share in 2024. The growth is attributed to the increasing number of product launches by prominent companies, which is expected to fuel the availability of this product in the global market. These launches are due to the growing adoption of multi-chamber washers & disinfectors in healthcare facilities, considering their time-saving and scalability benefits.


For instance, in March 2024, Getinge launched the Aquadis Index multi-chamber washer-disinfector for central sterile supply department (CSSD) staff. 

The single-chamber segment accounted for a substantial global market share in 2024. The segment’s growth is mainly due to the cost-effectiveness and low space acquisition of this equipment type. This is expected to drive the demand for this equipment among small healthcare facilities, driving the segment’s growth.

By Closure Type

High Availability of Automatic Closure Systems Fueled Segment Growth

Based on closure type, the market is segmented into automatic, semi-automatic, and manual.

The automatic segment dominated the market in 2024. Compared to others, the large availability of products with automatic doors is a major factor behind the domination of this segment in the market. Automatic doors provide convenience and potentially better hygiene through hands-free operation. This segment is increasing, making them a preferable choice, which is expected to drive the segment’s growth.

The manual segment accounted for a substantial market share in 2024. The growth is attributed to the affordability of manual closure systems. This may be suitable for facilities with limited spaces, which is expected to increase their adoption rate.

By Loading Type

High Cleaning Performance of Front-Loading Systems Propelled Segment Growth

Based on loading type, the market is segmented into top-loading and front-loading.

The front-loading segment dominated the market in 2024. Front-loading systems offer superior energy, water efficiency, and cleaning performance, and are often preferred for larger medical devices. This is expected to increase their adoption, driving the segment’s growth during the forecast period.

The top-loading segment held the second-largest market share in 2024. These models offer cost-effectiveness and are often preferred in small healthcare facilities due to their advantage of limited space acquisition. This is leading to an increasing preference for top-loading systems, propelling the segment’s growth in the coming years.

By Portability

Stationary Segment Led Market Due to High Adoption by Larger Healthcare Facilities

Based on portability, the market is divided into stationary and mobile.

The stationary segment dominated the market in 2024. The segment’s growth can be attributed to high demand for stationary washers & disinfectors in the larger healthcare facilities, such as central sterile supply departments (CSSD). This adoption is mainly due to these systems’ high capability and efficiency. As a result, the increasing launch of central sterile supply departments (CSSD) may fuel the demand for stationary systems.


For instance, in February 2024, the central sterile services department (CSSD) was inaugurated at the AIIMS Nagpur. This CSSD was housed in a spacious 5000 square feet area.

The mobile segment accounted for a substantial market share in 2024. The growth is attributed to increasing preference for mobile solutions, especially in settings with limited space. This is further expected to stimulate key players to launch new mobile systems.

By End-user

Increasing Surgical Procedures Fueled Hospitals & Clinics Segment Growth

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into hospitals & clinics, standalone laboratories, pharmaceutical & biopharmaceutical companies, and others.

The hospital & clinics segment dominated the market in 2024. The growth is attributed to the growing number of surgical procedures in these settings, necessitating the disinfection of surgical tools. This is anticipated to drive the demand for the utilization of medical washers & disinfectors in these facilities.

The standalone laboratories segment accounted for the second-largest market share in 2024. The growth can be attributed to the increasing number of independent laboratories globally, which may increase the need for medical washers & disinfectors to sterilize the equipment, such as test tubes, plates, etc.


For instance, as of June 2025, the Laboratory of Florida LLC. mentioned that around 5,414 independent laboratories in the U.S. provide testing services.

MEDICAL WASHERS & DISINFECTORS MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

By region, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America

North America Medical Washers & Disinfectors Market Size, 2024 (USD Billion)

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North America dominated the market in 2024. The market size in North America stood at USD 0.51 billion in 2024. The growth is attributed to advanced healthcare infrastructure and stringent infection control regulations, which contribute to high adoption of automated cleaning systems in hospitals and laboratories.

In the U.S., rising surgical procedures and the presence of major manufacturers are contributing to high usage of automated disinfection solutions such as medical washers & disinfectors, improving hygiene standards across public and private medical facilities. Such a scenario is expected to drive the country’s market growth.


For instance, according to the data published by the NCBI in April 2024, 1 in 9 individuals reported undergoing at least one surgical procedure in the U.S. in the past year.

Europe

Europe held the second-largest share in 2024. The growth can be attributed to increasing openings of central sterile supply departments (CSSD) in the region, which may represent several opportunities for key players to be part of washer & disinfectors providers for these facilities.


For instance, in April 2023, Bolzano Hospital in Italy announced a 1300+ sqm sterilization centre project. This aimed to provide reprocessing up to 920 DIN trays and 400 STUs daily, permitting over 200 surgeries daily. Steelco S.p.A. was a part of this project with its CSSD solutions, including medical washers & disinfectors.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific held the third-largest share in 2024. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are witnessing increased installations of medical washers & disinfectors in hospitals and diagnostic centers. Moreover, government investments in healthcare modernization and rapid urbanization contribute to such installations. In addition, increasing medical tourism and surgical procedures fuel the adoption of efficient decontamination systems for disinfecting surgical instruments in the region.


For instance, according to the article published by the GovHospital in October 2024, nearly 2.0 million patients from 78 countries visit India annually for various treatments, including surgeries.

Latin America and Middle East & Africa

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa held lowest market shares in 2024. The growth is mainly due to rising healthcare expenditure, hospital expansions, and a growing need for infection control equipment in these regions. Moreover, urban hospitals and private medical centers are adopting automated washer-disinfectors to comply with international hygiene standards, which is also expected to contribute to the region’s market growth.


For instance, according to the data published by the International Trade Administration (ITA) in December 2024, Brazil spends around 9.47% of its GDP on healthcare, representing around USD 161.0 billion.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Key Market Players

Emphasis on Product Innovations to Improve Market Share of STERIS, Olympus Corporation, and Getinge

STERIS, Olympus Corporation, and Getinge accounted for the largest global medical washers & disinfectors market share in 2024. This larger share was attributed to these companies’ product innovations and new launches to capitalize on the market. Moreover, they are also involved in promoting their products to enhance brand reputation.

Furthermore, other players such as Tuttnauer, Steelco S.p.A., and others are involved in strategic alliances and focused on geographic expansions. Such initiatives may help these companies to gain a significant portion of the market in the coming years.

LIST OF KEY MEDICAL WASHER & DISINFECTOR COMPANIES PROFILED

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

March 2025 – Tuttnauer attended the International Dental Show 2025 to promote its washer-disinfectors for dental surgical devices.
January 2025 – Tuttnauer announced its plans to attend the World Health Expo held in February 2026, Dubai, to highlight its medical washer & disinfectors in the Middle Eastern market.
November 2023 – Steelco S.p.A. and Belimed planned a joint venture to bring expertise together to provide the most reliable washer-disinfectors for healthcare and life science industries.
November 2022 – Miele introduced the PG 8582 and PG 8592 medical undercounter washer-disinfectors in Canada to reprocess medical instruments and equipment.
May 2020 – Skytron, LLC, launched the new Sterling P1800 washer/disinfector for sterile processing departments.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global medical washers & disinfectors market report provides a detailed analysis of key aspects, such as major companies, competitive landscape, type, closure type, portability, loading type, and end-user. It also provides detailed market dynamics and trends and highlights key industry developments. Furthermore, the report provides a detailed analysis of several factors driving the market’s growth during the forecast period 2025-2032.

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Report Scope & Segmentation



ATTRIBUTE



DETAILS





Study Period



2019-2032





Base Year



2024





Estimated Year 



2025





Forecast Period



2025-2032





Historical Period



2019-2023





Growth Rate



CAGR of 3.9% from 2025-2032





Unit



Value (USD billion)





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segmentation



By Type



Single-Chamber
Multi-Chamber




By Closure Type



Automatic
Semi-automatic
Manual




By Loading Type



Top-Loading
Front-Loading




By Portability






By End-user



Hospitals & Clinics
Standalone Laboratories
Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Companies
Others




By Region



North America (By Type, By Closure Type, By Loading Type, By Portability, By End-user, and By Country)

Europe (By Type, By Closure Type, By Loading Type, By Portability, By End-user, and By Country/Sub-Region)

U.K.
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Russia
Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific (By Type, By Closure Type, By Loading Type, By Portability, By End-user, and By Country/Sub-Region)

Japan
Australia
China
India
Southeast Asia
Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America (By Type, By Closure Type, By Loading Type, By Portability, By End-user, and By Country/Sub-Region)

Brazil
Mexico
Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa (By Type, By Closure Type, By Loading Type, By Portability, By End-user, and By Country/Sub-Region)

Rest of Middle East & Africa



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