Proper maintenance of an autoclave is vital for ensuring its efficiency and longevity. Some key maintenance steps include: - Regular Cleaning: Clean the chamber and gaskets to prevent residue build-up. - Routine Inspections: Check for any signs of wear or damage. - Calibration and Validation: Regularly calibrate and validate the autoclave to ensure it operates within the required parameters. - Record Keeping: Maintain detailed logs of each sterilization cycle for quality control purposes.