Jan 07, 2020
Deep Cleaning Bacteria Incubator
- 1University of Arizona
- Yoon Lab
External link: https://www.marshallscientific.com//v/vspfiles/files/manuals/Fisher_Scientific_Isotemp600_Oven-manual.pdf
Protocol Citation: Kenneth Schackart 2020. Deep Cleaning Bacteria Incubator. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.ba2tigen
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: January 07, 2020
Last Modified: January 07, 2020
Protocol Integer ID: 31539
Abstract
This protocol details how to deep-clean the bacteria incubator (Fisher Scientific Isotemp 637F). This cleaning should be performed at least every 4 months during regular usage, more frequently under heavy usage. Full Owner's Manual is attached to this protocol as a link (I do not claim any credit in the development of that document; it is for reference only)
Guidelines
Gloves must be worn at all times.
Do not use bleach on stainless steel.
Materials
- VersaClean Laboratory Cleaner solution (Concentration of 30:1 in warm water)
- 70% Ethanol Solution (EtOH)
- Sponge
- Screwdriver
- Waste beaker
Safety warnings
Do not turn incubator back on or close door until the interior is completely dry -- 24 hours.
Disassemble
Disassemble
Before beginning any work on the incubator, turn off the power using the switch at the bottom.
Remove incubator door:
- Loosen the screws on the inside of the hinges (hold the door so it doesn't fall when released).
- Slide door out of the hinges by pulling outward.
- The hinge on the top will fall out when the door is removed, or come off with the door.
- Each hinge has a small plastic bushing the goes between the hinge and the incubator; do not lose these bushings.
- Set aside for now on lab bench.
You can see the white bushing directly on top of the right of the hinge.
Remove rack shelving by pulling straight outward. Set aside for now on lab bench.
Remove the shelf holders:
- Make note of the placement of each shelf at this time.
- Each horizontal shelf holder can be removed by lifting up, rotating the bottom up/out, then sliding the top downward and out.
- Set aside for now on lab bench.
Remove vertical mounts:
- Make note of the orientation of the mounts at this time.
- Remove the screws holding the mount in place; 2 screws per mount.
- Set aside for now on lab bench.
Remove the bottom tray:
- Undo the 2 screws holding the tray in place.
- Lift the tray straight up to remove (this may be assisted by inserting a small curved metal pick into the holes to help lift the back end up).
- Set aside for now on lab bench.
Wash
Wash
Using a sponge, wash all interior surfaces of the incubator with VersaClean solution (or other laboratory cleaner - do not use bleach on stainless steel).
- My recommendation is to dip the sponge in cleaner, and scrub one surface (e.g. the top) with VersaClean, then wring sponge into a waste container and rewipe surface. This should leave the surfaces only slightly damp, not wet.
- Work from the top-down: top, sides, then bottom last.
- Avoid the mechanical moving parts on the bottom, or be cautious in washing them.
Spray all interior surfaces with EtOH and wipe with paper towels, but avoid directly spraying the mechanical moving parts on the bottom.
Using a sponge with VersaClean, wash the door and all interior parts including the rack mounts, racks, and shelf holders. Spray with EtOH to disinfect just prior to reinstalling.
Reassemble
Reassemble
Reassemble the incubator by reversing the disassembly instructions.
Allow the incubator to completely dry before closing door or powering on, especially since ethanol vapor is flammable!