This update includes two new trials (Godinez 2002; Moscati 2007). Twenty nine randomised controlled trials comparing wound cleansing solutions were identified but only eleven were eligible for inclusion in this review. Eighteen trials were excluded as they either compared various types of dressings or used solutions for purposes other than cleansing (e.g. povidone-iodine for infection prophylaxis). These trials are listed in the Characteristics of excluded studies with reasons for their exclusion. The included studies were conducted in Australia (Griffiths 2001), Germany (Riederer 1997; Neues 2000), Singapore (Tay 1999), Sweden (Angeras 1992), USA (Goldberg 1981; Godinez 2002; Bansal 2002; Valente 2003; Moscati 2007) and Tanzania (Museru 1989).