Dusting and cleaning spills should be done daily, but to maintain a Cole-Parmer balance, be sure to set a schedule to deep clean the balance routinely for optimal use and product lifespan. Do not spray any cleaning agents or water into any crevices or mechanical areas.
Disassemble balance
Disassemble the balance weighing pan and other detachable components (the components differ depending on a balance type). To protect the balance mechanism, be careful while detaching the components.
- Use a handheld vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the weighing chamber.
- Use a dry flannel cloth to clean glass parts (mild cleanser may be applied if it does not contain any abrasive substances).
- Use a dry flannel cloth to clean disassembled components (mild cleanser may be applied if it does not contain any abrasive substances).
Draft shield panes
CAUTION! Cleaning the draft shield while it’s still installed may cause damage to the measuring system. See your balance manual for instructions on how to remove the draft shield panes. Can’t find your manual? Go to https://www.coleparmer.com/c/balances-and-scales and locate your balance. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the link to the balance manual. If your balance isn’t shown, call a Cole-Parmer technical specialist at 1-800-434-4340 or email [email protected]. Select a dissolvent depending on the type of substance that may need to be removed from the panes. Never soak the glass panes in alkaline solutions since it interacts with glass and may cause damage. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
- Organic substance: Use acetone first, next use water or detergent.
- Other type of substance: Use diluted acid solutions (soluble salts of hydrochloric or nitric acid) or base solutions (ammonium or sodium base).
- Acids: Use protophilic solvent (sodium carbonate)
- Bases: Use protogenic solvent (mineral acid of various concentration).
- Heavy contaminants: Use a brush or detergent and avoid detergents containing large and hard molecules which could potentially scratch glass panes. Only use a soft brush with wooden or plastic handle to avoid risk of scratches. Do not use a wire brush.
At the end of the cleaning process, rinse the pane using running water first, and then distilled. Rinsing is a necessary cleaning process, because it removes the remaining soap, detergents, and other cleansers from the panes prior their reinstallation. Avoid drying the panes either using paper towel or forced-air circulation since some fibers, grains, or other contaminants could permeate into the panes thus causing weighing errors. Do not use dryers when drying glassware. Leave glass components on a rack to dry.
ABS components
To clean dry surfaces and avoid smudges, use clean, non-colored cloths made of cellulose or cotton. A solution of water and detergent (soap, dishwashing detergent, glass cleaner) can be used if needed. Gently clean the intended surface and let it dry. Repeat cleaning process if needed. In the case when contamination is hard to remove, such as adhesive, rubber, resin, polyurethane foam residues, etc., a special cleaning agent based on a mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons that do not dissolve plastics can be used. Before using the cleanser for all surfaces, spot test a small area first. Do not use products containing abrasive substances.
Stainless steel components
Avoid using cleansers containing any corrosive chemicals, such as bleach (containing chlorine). Do not use abrasive substances. Always remove the dirt using microfiber cloth to avoid damage of the protective coating. Daily maintenance: 1. Remove the dirt using a cloth dipped in warm water. 2. For best results, add a little dishwashing detergent.
Aluminum components
While cleaning aluminum components, use products that are acidic by nature, such as spirit vinegar or lemon. Do not use abrasive substances. Avoid using a hard brush as this may cause scratches. It is recommended to use microfiber cloth. Use a clean, dry cloth to polish the surface. Use circular movements.
Once the balance is thoroughly cleaned, carefully reassemble the balance per your manual’s instructions.
