Purchasing Guide: Glassware Washers
This equipment cleans glassware more effectively than handwashing and limits your lab workers’ exposure to potentially harmful substances
Washing glassware by hand in your lab is not the best or easiest way to keep your glassware clean. Instead, the right glassware washing device can help improve the efficiency of your lab, reduce your lab’s energy and water consumption, and save your lab money. This equipment cleans glassware more effectively than handwashing and limits your lab workers’ exposure to potentially harmful substances. For a list of glassware washer manufacturers, see our online directory: LabManager.com/glassware-washer-manufacturers
6 Questions to Ask When Buying a Glassware Washer:
- How much glassware does your lab use in a day and what capacity will you require?
- Is the glassware used for sensitive analyses?
- What applications are you using the glassware for, and what washing conditions are required (e.g., high temperatures or forced-air drying using HEPA filters)?
- How long does it take to run a full wash cycle?
- What temperature and wash cycle options are available?
- How energy efficient is the unit and how much water does it require?
Glassware Washer Resource Guide
Glassware washers can use a lot of energy. To optimize power usage, only run the washer when it is completely full. Additionally, running it at night when electricity rates are lower can help cut the cost. Learn more about glassware washer purchasing, usage, and maintenance in our Resource Guide at LabManager.com/glassware-resource-guide
Glassware for Sensitive Analyses
If the glassware you’re cleaning will be used in sensitive analytical equipment, such as mass spectrometers, then additional steps may need to be taken to guard against contamination. Some washers are designed to accommodate such glassware, featuring high purity water, high temperatures, and HEPA filters incorporated into the dryers to prevent airborne particulates from reaching the glassware.