New Electrochemistry Bench Meters Simplify pH, Conductivity and DO Measu...

Find your Science and Technology Solution this September

WITec Jubilee Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation

Chromatography Column Packs Support Protein Purification Workflows

Smart Laboratories - The Future of the Lab

Expanded Range of OES Analysis Tools

From flasks and beakers to test tubes and pipettes, glassware is a staple in most scientific laboratories. Purpose-built to cope with the demands of scientific research and experiments, lab glassware boasts exceptional strength, clarity, thermal stability and resistance to toxins, chemicals and corrosive substances.

In most cases, cleaning laboratory glassware calls for a specialised approach. This not only protects laboratory personnel but helps to improve the accuracy of results, avoid cross-contamination and extend the longevity of glassware.  

Different glassware types generally demand different cleaning methods. However, the tips below can be applied to most glassware in the lab.

Selecting the right solvent is an important part of the glassware cleaning process. The type of solvent used will depend on the materials the glassware was used to store or transport. For example, solvents such as acetone or ethanol should be used to remove organic matter from glassware. Acid solutions such as hydrochloric acid blended with nitric acid are best for glassware being used for chemical reaction testing. Chromic acid cleaning solutions are useful for removing glassware that’s become cloudy or caked with organic matter.

Ideally, glassware should be cleaned as soon as it’s no longer being used. This prevents the formation of solid residues that can be difficult to remove.

Autoclaves take the hassle out of cleaning glassware with a high-pressure steam system that kills bacteria, viruses, spores and other microorganisms. Guidelines published by Princeton University in New Jersey stress that to effectively kill contaminants, “the autoclave must reach and maintain a temperature of 121° C for at least 30 minutes by using saturated steam under at least 15 psi of pressure.” Depending on the volume and contents of the load, cycle time may need to be increased.

Laboratories handling potentially harmful specimens such as spore-bearing bacteria, viruses and blood should sterilise glassware before cleaning. Autoclaves are generally an easy and effective solution. Glassware can also be sterilised using a steam oven or by boiling in detergent for 30 minutes.  

Many laboratory glassware cleaning guidelines call for deionised water rinses. Also called DI water, this form of H2O is purified to remove minerals such as potassium and sodium. Rinsing glassware with deionised water offers two major benefits. First, the purity of the water makes it more efficient at attracting contaminants. This results in a more thorough clean. Secondly, deionised water doesn’t leave a residue on glassware. This reduces the risk of glassware taking on contaminants, which could compromise the accuracy of future experiments.

Find out more about best-practice laboratory cleaning methods, including tips on how to clean hot plates, mortar and pestles and surfaces in ‘Laboratory Hygiene - A Comprehensive Guide’.

Easy to use, reliable and compact, bringing versatility to academic and water quality laboratories Thermo Fisher Scientific have launched a new line of el...

Between purchasing equipment, stocking up on supplies and paying staff salaries, setting up a laboratory is an expensive endeavour. Laboratory startup packag...

Does everyone in your lab follow the most basic and important biosafety rules? Well, now there’s no excuse for them not to. Integra Biosciences has produce...

Fast, easy, safe and precise filtration for your lab Wiggens vacuum filtration systems allow easier, faster, safer and more precise through the use in su...

In This Edition Chromatography - Automated Sample Preparation:The Missing Hyphen to Hypernation - New Low Volume Air Sampler for PFAS Analysis - Analytical Intelligence Starts with the Samp...

International Labmate Limited Oak Court Business Centre Sandridge Park, Porters Wood St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 6PH United Kingdom

T +44 (0)1727 858 840 F +44 (0)1727 840 310 E info@labmate-online.com

Copyright © 2022 Labmate Online. All rights reserved.