McClean: Washing Glassware

Read the following:

• http://csmedia2.corning.com/LifeSciences/Media/pdf/cls_an_112_cleaningglassware.pdf
• https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/sigma-aldrich/docs/Aldrich/Bulletin/al_techbull_al228.pdf
• http://www.pharmaguideline.com/2009/02/sop-for-cleaning-of-glassware-for.html
• http://labprotocolsonline.blogspot.com/2011/06/caring-and-cleaning-lab-glassware.html

Cleaning glassware:

• Immediately when you are done using glassware rinse it and place on the glassware cart next to the sink to be cleaned. Take appropriate measures if you have used a toxic or hazardous substance (if you don't know what those are, you shouldn't be using that particular chemical)

• Soak glassware in a plastic tub of hot water and Alconox for about 1 hour. You can also plug the sink and fill it with hot soapy water.
• Use a scrub brush to wash out glassware. Make sure that the scrub brush is not worn out so that the spine hits the glass. This will scratch the glass. New scrub brushes are available in the chemistry stock room or can be ordered.
• Once the glassware is done soaking rinse with tap water to get rid of the detergent. This step is VERY important. Detergent residue will ruin your experiments. Rinse glassware at least five times. Make sure that all detergent is removed by agitating the glassware and making sure there are no bubbles.
• Once you have rinsed with tap water, rinse with Mili-Q water at least three times. To conserve Mili-Q water you can use a squeeze bottle.
• Dry glassware on the drying rack. Glassware should be dried at least overnight.
• Dry glassware can be prepared for autoclaving as follows:
  • Bottles--put cap on loosely, and place a small piece of autoclave tape on top of the cap
  • Test tubes--rack the test tubes, and put a piece of autoclave tape on the rack
  • Beakers, graduated cylinders, and other items without lids--cover with foil and place a piece of autoclave tape on the foil
• Glassware that is ready to be autoclaved should be placed in the autoclave bins on the grey cart
• Once the autoclave bins are full, take them to the autoclave in the BME Shared Lab (2046) and use the setting labelled for glassware (someone please replace this with more details ASAP--what is the actual setting, temperatures, etc).