Table of Contents
Introduction
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 of safety
hazards. The following guide covers the steps
needed to thoroughly clean laboratory equipment
at home or school.
How Do You Clean A Lab?
The first step is to disassemble the lab
equipment. Lab equipment needs to be
cleaned one piece at a time so that you can
ensure that each surface has been scrubbed and
thoroughly cleaned. Lab equipment needs to be
cleaned in a chemical or detergent solution so
that all of the lab equipment is sanitized. Rinse
each piece under running water and dry it with
paper towels to ensure that no residue remains.
Why Should You Clean A Lab?
There are multiple reasons why lab equipment
needs to be cleaned. Lab equipment can collect
dirt, dust and grime over time that is difficult to
remove when the lab equipment is in use. This
debris may impact future experiments by
contaminating them or becoming a breeding
ground for bacteria which could lead to
contamination of your experiment with viruses or
other contaminants. Lab equipment that is not
kept clean can also become more difficult to use.
Lab equipment that becomes dirty or dusty will require additional steps to ensure the accuracy of your
experiment which could make it harder for you to complete experiments. Lab equipment needs to be
cleaned properly so that you do not contaminate future experiments by spreading viruses or bacteria
through any residue on lab equipment.
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
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 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: 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 Protection: 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.
More Lab Protection: 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 Stations: 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 Worksations: 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
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:
1. Remove residue
2. Clean with a cleaning solution
3. Rinse with deionized water
4. 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
removing water-soluble material from surfaces, including paint. While acetone is not a volatile organic
compound (VOC), you should still wear gloves when removing 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. 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 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:
1. Rinse equipment with tap water
2. Clean with soapy water and a brush
3. Rinse equipment with distilled water
4. 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.
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