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The use of clean or sterile technique in performing healing in acute or chronic wounds is often questioned by the security of clean technique against the high cost of sterile technique. The aim of this study was to analyze the scientific production available in the literature on the choice of clean or sterile technique in the execution of dressing in customer care with chronic or acute wounds. The defined databases were Lilacs, Medline, PubMed, Cinahl, Cochrane, BDENF, Scopus and SciELO Library. The descriptors used were "wounds" and "dressings", besides the keywords: "clean technique" and "sterile technique". The search in the databases originated the total of 58 articles. When submitted to the inclusion and exclusion criteria they have narrowed down to only 8. The majority of studies shows that there is no consensus on the use of the appropriate technique. Ideally, the professionals add their personal experience for each technique chosen according to the environment and condition of the wound, for this it is fundamental the exercise of critical thinking. It is thus necessary to have new research initiatives with high power of evidence on the subject as well as policies and educational programs on sterilization in health services to assist professionals in decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]