Results. The sterile water group had 92 patients and the povidone-iodine group had 94. Most children (87%) were under 12 months of age. Urine cultures were positive in 16% of children in the povidone-iodine group and in 18% in the water group. There was no significant difference in signs and symptoms between the 2 groups. There was no significant association between solution preparation and cultures on univariate regression analysis. Conclusions. Cleaning the periurethral area of children with sterile water prior to catheterization is not inferior to cleaning with povidone-iodine.