Replacing Sodium Hypochlorite Soak

Q. We need to replace a sodium hypochlorite soak solution that we use during the initial cleaning of glassware that was used for any biological fluids.

A. Use a freshly made 1% Tergazyme™ Enzyme-Active Powdered Detergent (1.25 oz/gal or 10 mL/L) in warm water (not exceeding 130 deg F/ 55 deg C).  The temperature must not be elevated over this amount as the enzymes and enzymatic activity will degrade.   The detergent contains powerful emulsifiers to remove organic/oily residues in concert with proteolytic enzymes to greatly assist in the removal of blood, tissue, and other proteinaceous or bodily fluids.  You want to be sure to follow a soak in a Tergazyme solution by a thorough warm water rinse at the same temperature as the soak.  This is to avoid breaking any emulsions that have formed which could redeposit the very residue you are hoping to remove.   The Tergazyme solution should be used within 8 hours of making up the solution.

This process of soaking in a Tergazyme detergent solution removes biological and protein contaminants, and thereby allows for a surface that is free of obstructing residues, films, etc.  It can now allow effective disinfection or sterilization according to what is appropriate to your application.

Learn more about Tergazyme by downloading its SDS sheet or Technical Bulletin. A Sample Request can be made HERE, at Get Sample.