Laboratory

Q: How do you know when to use an enzymatic detergent as opposed to a non-enzymatic detergent?

A: This is an excellent question, and the answer hinges on the specific type of soil you are trying to remove and the nature of the surface being cleaned. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step response to guide you through the decision-making process.

Q: What is the recommended detergent for cleaning tissue culture flasks?

A: When it comes to maintaining a sterile and contamination-free environment in tissue culture labs, proper cleaning of tissue culture flasks is paramount. The task is not just about cleanliness; it’s about ensuring that there’s no residue left behind that could potentially impact the growth and health of cell cultures.

Q: We need to remove diatomaceous earth from filter screens. What detergent do you recommend?

A: Diatomaceous earth, also known as filter aid, diatomite, celite, and other names, has a wide range of uses, including pest control, abrasives, and of course filtration.  As it is composed of both organic and inorganic matter, knowing which detergent to use is a very valid question. 

Q: Does Alconox detergent remove endotoxin? 

A: Detergents like Alconox® Powdered Precision Cleaner and Liquinox® Critical Cleaning Liquid Detergent, and others, have been used for decades around the globe to create surfaces devoid of residues.  A detergent cleaning is a vital part of a depyrogenation program.

Q: You recently recommended hot water for cleaning cosmetics grade silicone that we were having a big problem with.  That seemed to be the missing peace.  We have the same struggles with Vitamin E Acetate.  Should we use hot there?

A: Vitamin E acetate, or alpha-Tocopherol acetate, can definitely be a cleaning challenge.  And indeed heat would be my initial recommendation.