Abstract: A surgical instrument cleaner includes a containment chamber with an intake opening on a front thereof and an exhaust vent on a rear thereof. A manifold is positioned in the intake opening, and connected to a steam source. Nozzles arranged around the manifold emit converging steam jets at a single point positioned away from a plane defined by the nozzles. The steam jets are directed rearwardly into the containment chamber, so that they create a front-to-rear airflow between the intake and the exhaust vent. An instrument is positionable at the jet convergence point for cleaning. The airflow carries steam and airborne debris blasted from the instrument safely away from the user.