An apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber for receiving the instruments, a distribution means for distributing superheated steam within the chamber and an exhaust means for purging vaporized moisture from the chamber. The chamber has at least one inlet port which is connected to the distribution means. The method comprises sterilizing the instruments using saturated steam generated by the steam generation means and drying the instruments using superheated steam generated by the steam generation means to vaporize moisture within the chamber and purging the vaporized moisture from the chamber using the exhaust means.