Laboratory Cleaning: Dishwasher Leaving Residue

Q. We have been using your Detojet detergent in our lab dishwasher all year long. However, recently, we have been having issues with our dishware not getting clean. Have there been any changes made to the Detojet formula? Any ideas why this is occurring?

A. Detojet® Low Foaming Liquid Detergent has not had any formation or formulation changes, so we can remove that out of the equation in solving for the source of your new problem. There are, however, many other aspects to consider — all of which assist in cleaning with a lab washer or dishwasher. They include handling prior to cleaning, the residue on the glass, orientation of parts, time and post cleaning handling.  Learn more at our TechNotes ‘BathOCard‘ article!

Often times, in lab applications, we find new and different residues come into play and change typical cleaning results. Once you’ve isolated all the variables and determined what, if anything, may have changed, consider this if you’re still having issues… Detojet detergent is excellent at removing organic residues, but less good an inorganic, acid labile residues like salts and oxides. In these cases, you may need to follow with an acidic rinse like Citrajet® Low-Foam Liquid Acid Cleaner/Rinse.

This concept will apply to other dishwasher detergents we manufacture including: Alcojet® Low Foaming Powdered Detergent and Solujet® Low-Foaming Phosphate-Free Liquid.

Finally, the Labware Washer Guide is an excellent resource for all your lab washer needs.

We are happy to discuss this further at any time!

To request these or any Alconox, Inc. detergents for free, please complete the questionnaire at Get Sample. For more information about any one of our Alconox, Inc. detergents, consult the technical bulletin for each product. Or click here to access each of our detergent’s  Safety Data Sheets.

Do you have a critical cleaning question for the experts at Alconox, Inc.?  Search TechNotes to see if it’s been answered before or Ask Alconox.