How To Keep Your Refrigerated Incubator Sanitized And Clean With Frequent Use
Posted on: 24 April 2020
If you have a refrigerated incubator in your laboratory or place of business, keeping it clean and sanitary is a major point of importance. A contaminated incubator puts whatever product you place inside at risk of being ruined. However, the ongoing use of the unit can mean that it can get rather dirty pretty quickly without implementing the best cleaning plan. With a little guidance, you can make sure your incubator is not soiled or contaminated in spite of the frequent use. Here is a look at a few good steps to remember to help you maintain a sanitary refrigerated incubator.
1. Keep the incubator closed when not in use.
You may be tempted to leave the door to the incubator open when the rare occasion comes up and you are not using it. However, there can be a lot of dust and contaminants floating in the air within a space, and these contaminants can get inside of the incubator. Simply make a point to keep the door closed when the unit is not being used.
2. Get rid of unused containers regularly.
One thing to always keep in mind if your incubator is usually stuffed with items is to check it weekly to get rid of anything that is no longer needed. One forgotten container with cultures or products inside could easily develop mold or fungus and start to contaminate everything else inside the unit. On the same note, make sure all pieces placed in the incubator are properly labeled before they go inside with the date and time.
3. Sanitize the interior periodically.
Maybe about once a week, pull everything out of the incubator and use a sanitizing solution to wipe down the interior. Be careful not to get anything on any internal sensors to avoid damaging them, but thoroughly wipe down the walls, interior of the door, the shelves, any water baths inside, and every other component. Using an ethanol-based solution should help to eradicate any bacteria.
4. Make sure you are using only clean water in the water bath.
If your chilling incubator is equipped with a water bath, make sure you are using only the cleanest and purest water when you fill it up. Using something like tap water that has a lot of chemical contaminants and free-floating bacteria can contaminate the interior of the incubator when it is in use and closed up for long periods.
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