What should be cleaned and how?
Periodically clean the weighing pan, drip tray, housing and the terminal of your balance using a disposable tissue. (Be sure to take the necessary safety precautions if working with potentially dangerous substances). The weighing pan, drip tray and draft shield panels can be cleaned with a damp cloth or soft paper tissue and a mild detergent. Or they can be simply placed in the dishwasher (with the exception of microbalances). (*Learn more).
What chemicals can be used?
Your balance is made from high quality, resistant materials and can therefore be cleaned with a commercially available, mild cleaning agent.
- Use common cleaning agents such as 70% ethanol or isopropanol, or mild detergents.
- Draft shield panes are made of glass and can be cleaned with a mild detergent or commercial glass cleaner (*Learn more).
- The weighing pan and bottom plate are made of stainless steel which is robust and are chemically resistant, with the exception that it is not compatible with strong acids.
- Acetone should not be used, even for highly sticky substances, as it is not compatible with plastic handles, glued parts and the terminal screen.
How often?
In many labs, a daily inspection of the balance is recommended. If it is obviously dirty, the balance should be cleaned before use. Where toxic samples are being weighed, the balance should be cleaned immediately after each weighing. Otherwise, it is recommended to clean the balance at least weekly or monthly, depending on use. Whatever interval is decided upon, the frequency should be specified in the written standard operating procedure (SOP).