Best Practices for Washing Lab Pipettes and Burettes

Q: Can the dishwasher in our lab effectively wash pipettes and burettes, or is there an additional rack or accessory required? Also, how can I reach out to Alconox for further guidance on dishwasher reagents and residue testing?

A: Washing pipettes and burettes in a lab dishwasher presents unique challenges, due to their fragile nature and narrow geometry. We recommend using a specifically designed pipette washer, which can be attached to a water source. This setup ensures thorough cleaning and rinsing.

For optimal results, begin by immersing pipettes and burettes in a pre-soak solution. A 1-2% solution of Alconox® Powdered Precision Cleaner or Liquinox® Critical Cleaning Liquid Detergent can prevent residues from drying before they enter the washer. When ready for the pipette washer, place two Alcotabs® Tablet Pipet Detergent at the bottom of the washer. These effervescent tablets dissolve slowly, releasing detergent as water circulates, effectively cleaning the pipettes as it cycles through.

For any machine washing of labware, including automated washers, Alcojet® Low Foaming Powdered Detergent is the preferred choice. It’s a low-foaming detergent suitable for small, under-the-counter washers. Refer to our for further details.

Regarding accessory requirements, some lab washers might need specific racks to secure pipettes and burettes properly, preventing damage and ensuring effective cleaning. This typically involves positioning them in holders designed to keep openings facing the spray nozzles, which augments the reach of detergents and water during cycles.

For questions about detergent usage or residue testing, we encourage you to reach out directly via our contact options at Alconox, LLC. We offer guidance and resources such as our Labware Washer Guide for more detailed information.

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

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