Cleaning Instructions

Cleaning of Laboratory Glassware

We recommend the washing of all laboratory glassware before it is used for the first time, because it cannot be completely excluded that it has been contaminated during transport.

Cleaning by hand

The common cleaning method is to wipe and rub the glassware with a cloth or sponge soaked in a cleaning solution. Abrasive cleaners and sponges should not be used because they can damage the surface of the glass.

Machine cleaning

The cleaning in a machine is more gentle for the glassware than soaking it. The glass only comes into contact with the dishwashing liquid for relatively short periods when it is being sprayed onto the surface of the glass.

Cleaning of Bottle Top Dispenser

To ensure proper operation and life of the OPTIFIX® dispensers, we recommend the following cleaning procedure to provide you with years of trouble free service.

• Prepare a standard cleaning solution and hot water.
• Remove the piston from the Cylinder via the volume setting knob. Remove discharge tube, intake tube and adapter.
• Put all parts into the cleaning solution for 2-4 hours or overnight to allow a good soaking.
• After soaking, use a clean glassware brush to remove any further dirtying if necessary.
• Rinse all dispenser parts with distilled water and air dry.
• Reassamble the unit and put the OPTIFIX dispenser back into service.

Disinfection

Laboratory equipment that has been in contact with infectious material should be disinfected before use for the protection of the laboratory workers. It can be washed by hand with a cleaner-disinfectant. Further it can be cleaned by using physical or thermal methods (for 10 minutes at 93°C as required by the BGA). If necessary the glassware can be steam sterilized.

Steam Sterilization

The steam sterilization refers to the DIN 58 900,Pt.1,1986 'the destruction or irreversible inactivation of all microorganisms of 120°C and 2 bar'. At a sterilization temperature of 121°C the glassware should be sterilized for 20 minutes minimum effective application time. Laboratory equipment should be always cleaned carefully before steam sterilization. Otherwise any soiling will bake on during the steam sterilization. If there are any chemicals on the surface of the glassware during the sterilization it can damage the glass due to the high temperatures. Containers should be opened during the sterilization to avoid a build-up of pressure. The steam has to have unrestricted access to all contamined points to ensure an effective steam sterilization.