Keeping Your Laboratory Glassware Well-Maintained

Posted by Ainsley Aiken on June 22nd, 2019

Using dirty glassware in laboratory can give erroneous results and ruin the entire experiment. If the glassware used in measuring compounds is contaminated with impurities, the results will not be accurate. Similarly, glassware used to measure liquids may not be uniformly wetted if contaminated. Conclusively, science lab experiments will never give correct results if the glassware used contains impurities or contamination. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to keep laboratory glassware physically neat and clean, free of contamination and dirt.

Here’s what you can do to keep the apparatus clean and suitable for experiments:

1. In order to keep the glassware clean, you should always wash it thoroughly after each use. if, for some reason, you cannot clean it immediately put it in clean water to prevent the residues from sticking to the labware. Doing so will allow you to clean the apparatus without any difficulty.
2. Using detergent, soap or cleaning powder for washing is recommended. Better if you use a detergent that is free of abrasives to prevent the glass from scratches. Detergent containing mild abrasives may be used for better cleaning if the glassware is too dirty. A soft brush for scrubbing is good for effective cleaning. Some chemicals may also be used for lab glassware cleaning.
3. After thorough cleaning, rinse the lab apparatuses with tap water. After filling each one with enough water, clean it with soft brush, shake well and empty them. Then, run water over the apparatuses to clean the outer surface. Repeat the process at least 5-6 times to rid of contamination. If the experiments require, you should also sterilize the glassware.
4. Laboratory glassware should always be placed in the basket meant for them. Place in downward direction to allow them to dry completely. Alternatively, you can dry the glassware like flasks, test tubes, or other labware by hanging them on wooden pegs. Burets and pipets are better dried on a towel.
5. Place clean glassware securely to protect it from contamination. Using cork, cotton, or taping the mouth of the glassware can prevent dirt and dust from entering the glassware. It is safe to create a separate space to store clean and dry glassware to avoid breakage. 

Any apparatus or equipment such as lab glassware or laboratory evaporators used in science experiments or lab testing must be kept clean for accurate results. It is also crucial for maintaining lab safety.