Since the first use of superabsorbent polacrylate polymers (SAP) in wound care, the number of SAP-containing wound dressings has increased significantly. The manufacturing process and chemical variability of these SAPs has resulted in them having diverse properties. The fluid-handling capabilities are a key property of SAPs, which help manage exudate-producing wounds such as ulcers. As well as the properties of the material itself, how it is structured within the dressing and whether it is combined with other components influences the fluid-handling capability of SAP. HydroClean® plus is a dressing that uses pre-swollen SAP to rinse, cleanse and absorb at wound sites. Here we propose a mechanism for the action of this wound dressing from the evidence available.