How To Clean Lab Equipment At Home Or In School | Comprehensive Guide 2023

INTRODUCTION

Lab equipment is a crucial part of any scientific research or experiment. It must be kept clean and properly maintained to ensure its accuracy and safety. Lab equipment can range from microscopes, to Bunsen burners, to beakers. Lab equipment can be tricky to clean at times depinding on how what type of equipment it is, but despite this, lab equipment needs to be cleaned properly for it not to become contaminated and spread diseases. Cleaning lab equipment

is an important step in ensuring that your lab experiments are successful and your results accurate. Without proper cleaning, your lab equipment may become contaminated. Contaminants in the beakers and flasks may impact the results of future experiments and increase the risk. Lab equipment is expensive, so you want to do everything that you can to make sure that the lab equipment lasts as long as possible. It is important to ensure that the lab environment remains

safe for both users and those working in it, as well as maintaining the integrity of the experiments being conducted. In this blog post, we will go through a comprehensive guide on how best to clean lab equipment at home or in school.

HOW DO YOU CLEAN A LAB?

The most important step in how to clean lab equipment is to identify the type of lab equipment you are cleaning. Different types of lab equipment require different methods for cleaning, and not all products can be cleaned with the same materials. For example, glassware requires special attention when it comes to cleaning as certain chemicals or detergents may cause damage. Once you have identified the type of equipment, it is time to

start cleaning. Before you begin cleaning your lab equipment, make sure that all electrical components are turned off and unplugged. This will prevent any accidents or damage occurring to the equipment due to electric shocks. Make sure that all safety gear such as goggles and gloves are worn before you begin. It is also important to clean the lab equipment with a gentle detergent or cleaning agent. Harsh chemicals should be avoided as they may damage the equipment and make it unsafe for use. If you are using a liquid

cleaner, apply it onto a cloth and not directly onto the equipment itself to avoid any liquids getting into the electrical components. After you have applied the cleaner, use a soft cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or dust from the equipment. Take care not to scratch the surface of your lab equipment and make sure that all crevices are cleaned properly. Once this is done, rinse off any detergent residue with clean water and dry the equipment with a clean cloth. Rinse each piece under running water and dry it with paper towels to ensure that no residue remains.

WHY SHOULD YOU CLEAN A LAB?

Cleaning a lab environment can be done in several ways. First and foremost, you should make sure that your lab is well ventilated as this will help reduce the risk of contamination. You should also ensure that all surfaces are regularly disinfected with an appropriate cleaning agent. Ensure to use only laboratory-grade cleaning agents when doing so and pay special attention to areas that are more likely to become

contaminated, such as door handles and light switches. It is also important to clean any lab equipment that is being used on a regular basis. This includes items such as Bunsen burners, microscopes, and beakers. Each type of equipment will have its own specific cleaning instructions that should be followed in order to ensure that it is cleaned properly. Additionally, any spills or messes should be wiped up quickly in order to reduce the risk of contamination. Finally, make sure to regularly replace any protective clothing such as lab coats and gloves when entering the lab environment. This will help keep you and those working with you safe from potential contaminants.

BENEFITS FROM HAVING A CLEAN LAB

A lab that is kept clean will have many benefits to the owner. First, you will be able to complete experiments easier with lab equipment that has been properly cleaned and maintained because it does not become contaminated or dusty which could impact results of your experiment. Lab equipment needs to be cleaned for its own sake as well so you do not spread viruses between lab equipment that could lead to contaminate experiments and your lab. If lab equipment is not

properly cleaned, the lab can become unsanitary which will impact future lab work by making it difficult for students to complete their work in a healthy environment. Cleaning Lab equipment provides multiple benefits such as:

• Cleaner lab space
• More accurate results
• Lab equipment that lasts longer

HOW tO CLEAN LAB EQUIPMENT?

Cleaning lab equipment is easier when you follow a routine. A routine can become a habit with enough repetition, decreasing the risk of forgetting a step. Here is the typical routine involved in keeping a lab clean and ready for the next experiment:

• Wear protective gear
• Remove loose items
• Clean glassware
• Clean and disinfect utensils
• Disinfect lab surfaces

WHY SHOULD YOU CLEAN LAB EQUIPMENT?

Lab equipment should be cleaned to remove contaminants. Lab equipment that is not properly cleaned can ruin an experiment and lead to incorrect results. For example, if you are conducting a chemical reaction in the lab, contamination may influence the outcome of your experiment or even prevent it from occurring at all. Contamination could also cause health risks for people working with the lab equipment. Lab work is not dangerous if you clean your lab regularly and follow a routine when it comes to cleaning the laboratory.

BENEFITS FROM HAVING CLEAN LAB EQUIPMENT

There are multiple benefits to clean lab equipment, including:

• Increased safety of Lab space: Clean Lab equipment reduces the risk for people working in the lab space which makes it safer by reducing accidents and increasing productivity.
• Accurate results from experiments conducted with Lab Equipment: If your Lab equipment has not been cleaned properly or if there are contaminants present, the Lab Equipment could provide inaccurate results. This will make it difficult to complete experiments or even cause them to fail all together if Lab equipment has not been cleaned.
• Longer lab equipment life: If lab equipment is not properly cleaned, it can become dirty and dusty which will reduce the lifespan of lab equipment.

Lab equipment needs to be cleaned and maintained for its own sake so lab work is completed in a timely manner and the lab remains safe.

LAB CLEANING SUPPLIES

If you are wondering what lab cleaning supplies are required, there are several items necessary for

how to clean Lab equipment at home or in school. Lab cleaning supplies include:

• Bleach Lab Cleaning Supplies: Lab equipment that is made of glass, plastic, or metal can be cleaned with bleach water (a mixture of one part chlorine bleach and nine parts tap water) to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Lab surfaces should be left to air dry after applying this mixture for at least 30 seconds;
• Lab Cleaning Wipes Lab Equipment: Lab surfaces that are made of plastic or glass can also be wiped down with wet wipes, Lab equipment should not have excess water running off the surface, so it would only take a single wipe to clean them completely. Lab surfaces and lab instruments like these should usually be left to air dry after being cleaned.
• Lab clothing that is made of plastic, rubber, or vinyl to protect the user from chemical burns. Lab clothing should be worn when working with corrosive chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and bleach solution. Lab safety goggles/face shields can also be worn to prevent accidental splash of corrosive chemicals into the eyes. Lab clothing should be changed after every use and not worn outside of the lab environment to prevent contact with harmful chemicals such as cleaning supplies or other hazardous materials.
• Lab coat, apron, gloves made from non-latex material (i.e.: nitrile), and shoe covers for personal protection. Lab coats and aprons can be worn with gloves to protect the skin from corrosive chemicals, irritants such as bleach solution and alcohol wipes used for cleaning lab surfaces or disinfection.
• Lab goggles/face shield: Lab goggles or face shields should be worn when working with hazardous chemicals that could splash into the eyes if not handled properly. Lab goggles and face shields should also be worn when using lab equipment such as a microscope.
• Lab safety shower/eyewash station: Lab safety showers or eyewash stations are used to rinse corrosive chemicals off your skin in case of an accident. These areas will need to be placed within five feet (one meter) from the work area. Lab safety showers/eyewash stations can also be used by other lab personnel when a spill has occurred in the area.
• Lab workbench/table: Lab benches or tables with a rubber mat and backsplash that is sloped to drain should be present for proper preparation of clean equipment, storage of chemical supplies, and disposal of hazardous waste or small spills. Lab benches should also have a fume hood to prevent the inhalation of chemical fumes and vapors.

LABORATORY CLEANING PROCESS

The first step in how to clean lab equipment involves wearing protective gear, such as gloves and goggles or safety glasses. You should also wear long sleeves, pants, closed-toe shoes, and a lab coat. Lab coats should be washed after each use, as these are the most exposed to contaminants in the lab. Remove loose items from your work areas such as paper notes or books before starting cleaning up. Lab equipment that is not kept

clean may become contaminated for extended periods of time and recontaminate other areas where it is moved. Lab equipment should be washed in hot, soapy water and rinsed with clean tap water after each use to avoid contamination. Glassware is best cleaned by hand washing it under running tap water with soap or detergent before leaving the lab for the day. If you are using glassware that may have been contaminated with chemicals, you may want to soak the glassware overnight in a detergent solution. Lab equipment that is made of plastic should be

washed with warm water and soap or diluted dishwashing liquid before each use as well. Some types of lab equipment can break easily, such as flasks. If you are cleaning delicate instruments like these, it is important not to clean them in the sink. Lab equipment like these should be cleaned by hand using a scrub brush and detergent solution before rinsing with clean tap water. You may also want to use a rag or paper towels to wipe down any sinks, windowsills, countertops, doorknobs/handles, faucets/taps, and light switches. Lab surfaces should be disinfected regularly with a disinfectant solution or bleach water to prevent the spread of

microorganisms and viruses that may cause illnesses such as the flu, food poisoning, pneumonia, and pink eye/conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Wearing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Lab

employees who handle hazardous chemicals or work in areas where there may be an increased risk of exposure to harmful pathogens require personal protection equipment. Lab protective gear includes:

• Lab Clothing: lab coat, apron, gloves made from non-latex material (i.e.: nitrile), and shoe covers for personal protection. Lab coats and aprons can be purchased from the University bookstore or departmental stores. Lab coats can be purchased for less than $100, while lab aprons are around the same price range. Lab gloves come in different thicknesses/durometers and should be used based on what type of chemicals you will be working with to prevent skin irritation. Gloves also have a limited life span and should be disposed of once they are worn out or start to break down. Lab shoe covers are disposable, while the other types of PPE can be washed and reused repeatedly until they become too dirty/stained.
• Safety goggles: eye protection. Lab goggles should have a splash guard that protects your eyes from chemicals in case any spills occur on the table or floor. Safety goggles also come in different shapes to fit your face and should be purchased based on the size of your face – not by age, as this can result in a poor seal around the eyes that reduces protection from chemicals splashing into them during use. Lab safety glasses are much cheaper than lab goggles ($0-$20) and can be purchased online or at your local hardware store.
• Lab Aprons: Lab aprons are also disposable and can be purchased from the university bookstore or departmental stores. Lab aprons come in different sizes to fit your body shape, but should not be worn for extended periods of time as they have been known to cause skin irritation due to prolonged contact with latex lab gloves.

Having Proper Airflow In Your Lab

Lab equipment may be covered in residue after it has been used to stir, mix, or heat chemical compounds. This can result in hazardous gases being released into the air and away from the point of origin if there is not proper airflow throughout the lab space. Lab ventilation systems should always be operating at full capacity when chemicals are mixed as part of the lab process. Lab ventilation systems should also be working when heat is applied to chemical compounds or

biological specimens, as this can result in dangerous off-gassing if proper precautions are not taken. The best way to prevent harmful chemicals from entering your airways at home or school is by properly ventilating instruments after they have been used for lab work. Lab ventilation systems should always be working at full capacity when chemicals are mixed together as part of the lab process, and also when heat is applied to chemical compounds or biological specimens.

Cleaning Lab Surfaces

Lab surfaces should be disinfected regularly with a disinfectant solution or bleach water to prevent the spread of microorganisms and viruses that may cause illnesses. There are several ways to clean Lab surfaces, including:

• Bleach solution: Lab equipment that is made of plastic or metal can be cleaned with a bleach and water solution. You should use one part bleach and nine parts water in the mixture. Lab worktops and benches should be wiped down with this mixture at least once per day even if lab equipment is cleaned before each use. Lab surfaces should be left to air-dry after the bleach solution has been applied and allowed to sit for at least 30 seconds.
• Disinfectant solutions: Lab equipment that is made of glass, plastic, or metal can also be cleaned with disinfectants such as ethanol (ethyl alcohol), iodine tincture (povidone-iodine), or hydrogen peroxide. Lab surfaces should be cleaned with these solutions at least once per week to prevent the spread of germs and viruses that cause illnesses such as the flu, food poisoning, pneumonia, and pink eye/conjunctivitis (pink eye).
• Wet wipes: Lab equipment that is made of plastic or glass can also be wiped down with wet wipes. Lab surfaces should not have excess water running off the surface, so it would only take a single wipe to clean them completely. Wet wipes are typically used when cleaning up after experiments in which chemicals may have been spilled on lab worktops and benches. Lab surfaces should be left to air-dry after wet wipes have been applied. Lab equipment that is made of metal should not be cleaned with wet wipes as these can damage the surface.

Disinfect Lab Surfaces

Disinfecting lab surfaces is an important part of keeping a clean laboratory. Lab surfaces should be cleaned first to remove loose material, followed by disinfection with either alcohol wipes or bleach solution on work areas and countertops after leaving the lab for the day. You may also want to use paper towels dipped in diluted dishwashing liquid mixed with water (a 0.25% solution of dishwashing liquid) to wipe down work surfaces and door handles/handles before leaving the lab for the day.

Cleaning Lab Equipment

Lab equipment should be cleaned with soapy water or a disinfectant solution after each use. Lab surfaces that are made of plastic, glass, or metal can also be wiped down with bleach-water (a mixture of one part chlorine bleach and nine parts tap water) to prevent the spread of germs and viruses that cause illnesses such as the flu, food poisoning, pneumonia, and pink eye/conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Disinfect Lab Equipment

Glassware and lab equipment made of metal should be washed with hot water and soap before disinfection. Lab equipment like these items will need to soak for at least one hour in a bleach solution or alcohol wipes after they have been cleaned. After this, make sure all surfaces of the lab instrument are dry before using it again. Lab instruments that cannot be immersed in a bleach solution or alcohol wipes can be disinfected with an ultraviolet (UV) lamp. Lab equipment like centrifuges should never come into contact with bleach because it will damage the rotor and other internal components of the machine.

STEPS fOR CLEANING LABORATORY GLASSWARE

If your lab work involves hazardous chemicals, wear protective gear such as latex gloves and goggles. Start by cleaning the loose items, including test tubes, pipettes, and beakers. Loose glassware is more likely to break if knocked over, making it the first group of equipment that you should clean. After cleaning loose items, clean any remaining glassware, such as flasks. Clean and disinfect utensils and other equipment before disinfecting all surfaces. When you finish cleaning, dispose of your Lab work often involves the use of glassware, as glass is more resistant to chemicals. Glass can also be molded into a variety of shapes to control the flow of fluid. If the glass is not cleaned after each use, you may get inaccurate results during your lab work.

Use the following steps to thoroughly clean laboratory glassware:

• Remove residue
• Clean with a cleaning solution
• Rinse with deionized water
• Allow glassware to dry

You can use these steps to clean most types of lab glassware, including beakers, flasks, test tubes, graduated cylinders, and pipettes. If your project involves culture media, petri dishes, or other contaminated glass, you should sterilize the equipment before cleaning. Sterilize equipment in a pot of boiling water containing 1% dish soap. Boil for 30 minutes and rinse with tap water before cleaning using the following steps.

1. Use Acetone or Ethanol to Remove Residues

Remove the residue before cleaning the glassware. You may need to use a brush to get rid of sticky or hard residue on the glass. Use acetone or ethanol to rinse the glassware and wash away the residue. You may need to use a brush to get rid of sticky or hard residue on the glass. Use acetone or ethanol to rinse the glassware and wash away the residue. Acetone is a common choice due to its effectiveness at removing water-soluble material from surfaces, including paint. While acetone is not a volatile organic compound (VOC), you should still wear Remove

the residue before cleaning the glassware. You may need to use a brush to get rid of sticky or hard residue on the glass. Acetone is a common choice due to its effectiveness at removing water-soluble material from surfaces, including paint. While acetone is not a volatile organic compound (VOC), you should still wear gloves and eye protection when using it to clean glassware. Ethanol is also suitable for eliminating residue from glassware. It does not contain any minerals and evaporates quickly without leaving any additional residue. If you do not have acetone

or ethanol, thoroughly rinse the glassware under running tap water. Fill the glassware, shake it, and empty it at least half a dozen times. You may not need to use acetone or ethanol to clean every piece of glassware. You can typically clean pipettes, burets, stirring rods, and other small items with just soapy water and tap water.

2. Wash or Scrub Glassware with a Solution

After removing residue, wash the glassware with a cleaning solution or soapy water. A commercial cleaning solution includes compounds that can neutralize a wide range of contaminants. Household dish soaps and cleaning powders designed for Use brushes designed for cleaning bottles and glassware. Consider getting a set of food-grade bottle brushes. Having a set of brushes of varying sizes and lengths ensures that you can find the right brush for each flask or pipette. Do not use severely worn brushes. The spine of the brush may scratch the interior of the glass. Scratches

decrease the strength of the glass, increasing the risk of it breaking during cleaning or an experiment. Use warm tap water and a small amount of the cleaning solution or soap that you choose. Brush the inside of the glassware. Thoroughly scrub around the bottom, neck, and lip of the glass, as the residue is more likely to collect around the curves. If you notice residue that you cannot reach with the brush, you may need to soak the glassware. Soak one piece at a time to avoid cracking the glass. Place the glass in a tub with a solvent, such as acetone. Allow the glassware to sit for at least 30 minutes before attempting to rinse clean with warm water.

3. Use Deionized Water to Rinse Glassware

After washing with a cleaning solution or soapy water, rinse the glassware under tap water. Rinse most of the soapsuds away before rinsing with deionized water. Deionized water helps eliminate water stains or buildup from hard water. Rinsing with deionized water also allows you to determine whether the glassware is thoroughly clean. When you pour deionized water on clean glass, the water should run evenly down the side in a smooth sheet. Small breaks in the sheet indicate that the glassware still contains residue or debris. Repeat the previous steps and try rinsing with deionized water again.

4. Allow Glassware to Dry

Drying glassware with paper towels or cloth towels introduces impurities, such as dust and fibers from the towel. Either allow the glassware to air dry or use a small amount of acetone to speed the drying process. Pour several millimeters of acetone into the glassware, swirl, and dump. Set clean glassware on a shelf to dry before storing it in an enclosed space.

HOW tO REMOVE GREASY RESIDUE fROM LAB GLASSWARE

If your experiment leaves a greasy residue on the glassware, attempt to remove it in an acetone solution. Soak the glassware in a bin with acetone and hot water. After soaking the glassware, clean it with soapy water and a brush. Rinse with acetone and deionized water. If the deionized water does not run smoothly along the surface of the glass, try soaking in acetone a second time. You can also remove grease by soaking the glassware in a weak solution of water and

sodium carbonate. Bring the solution to a boil and add the glassware. Allow the water to boil for 5 to 10 minutes before removing the glass. Rinse the glass under warm water until you can safely handle it. Rinse it with water and a brush. Rinse with acetone and deionized water. If the deionized water does not run smoothly along the surface of the glass, try soaking in acetone a second time. You can also remove grease by soaking the glassware in a weak solution of water and sodium carbonate. Bring the solution to a boil and add the glassware. Allow the water to boil for 5 to 10 minutes

before removing the glass. Rinse the glass under warm water until you can safely handle it. Rinse it with acetone and allow it to dry.

STEPS fOR CLEANING STAINLESS STEEL LAB EQUIPMENT

While most of your lab equipment may include various types of glassware, you also likely have stainless steel equipment. Cleaning stainless steel involves slightly different steps:

• Rinse equipment with tap water
• Clean with soapy water and a brush
• Rinse equipment with distilled water
• Rinse with acetone and ethanol

If you need to clean glass and stainless steel equipment, clean the glass first. Cleaning stuck-on residue from glass is more difficult compared to removing debris from stainless-steel equipment. You could also place the stainless steel utensils in a bin with soapy water to soak while you clean the glassware.

1. Rinse Equipment with Tap Water

Rinse stainless steel equipment with hot tap water to remove debris and residue from your lab projects. Use caution when handling sharp instruments.

2. Clean with Soapy Water and a Brush

Clean your equipment with soapy water. You can use regular dish soap. To avoid wasting water, you can fill a sink or bin with hot water and add dish soap. Place the utensils in the water. Remove the items one at a time and scrub with a brush. Use a soft bristle brush to avoid scratching the stainless steel.

3. Rinse Equipment with Distilled Water

Clean your equipment with soapy water. You can use regular dish soap. To avoid wasting water, you can fill a sink or bin with hot water and add dish soap. Place the utensils in the water. Remove the items one at a time and scrub with a brush. Use a soft bristle brush to avoid scratching the stainless steel.

4. Rinse with Acetone and Ethanol

Rinse the equipment with acetone. Pour a small amount of acetone into a bin and add the stainless-steel utensils and tools. Swish the water around and dump it. The acetone helps remove any remaining traces of organic residue, including soap residue. You can also rinse the equipment with ethanol. Ethanol sterilizes the equipment and kills bacteria.

CONCLUSION

Maintaining clean lab equipment is a safety requirement when working with chemicals and hazardous substances. Dirty lab glassware and utensils can interfere with your experiment and create health risks. Residue from previous experiments may lead to dangerous chemical processes and weaken your equipment. Always try to rinse and clean glassware as soon as possible. Allow the glassware to air dry while you clean up loose items in your work area.  Clean and disinfect stainless steel equipment before wiping down your lab surfaces and bench. Keeping up with this cleaning routine ensures that your lab equipment is always ready for use.