A mobile apparatus and method to sterilize surgical trays. A cabinet has filtered cabinet roof vents, filtered cabinet floor vents, door(s) sealably covering a cabinet front aperture, shelves sized to support surgical trays, and wheels. Surgical trays are placed within the cabinet, the cabinet doors are closed, and the mobile apparatus is placed within an autoclave and sterilized. The cabinet doors are not unsealed until the cabinet is in the operating room, ready for use. During use in the operating room, doors are opened, trays removed, and their contents used. Wheels on the cabinet facilitate moving the cabinet from autoclave to storage or operating room. Chemical indicators and a locator card may be used to verify the sterilization status and autoclave history of the cabinet and its contents. Method steps include periodically replacing the filters and door gasket.