Cleaning and correct cleaning methods are important for maintaining analytical balances, as the residues left from previous usage can lead to inaccurate results and harm to operator safety. Incorrect cleaning may damage the weighing system and shorten the balance lifetime. It is recommended to clean the balance immediately after each weighing is completed or when the substance is changed during weighing.

Tips before Cleaning

1. Always check the cleanliness of the area surrounding the balance to avoid further contamination, keep the environment clean and tidy.

2. Disconnect the balance from the power supply before cleaning.

3. Protect your skin, nose, eyes and mouth well with coat, gloves, goggles and masks, especially if any potentially toxic substances were left on the balance.

4. Prepare suitable cleaning tools, eg mild cleaning agents, lint-free cloth/and non-abrasive microfiber towel. The choice of cleaning agents depends on the type and degree of contamination. Commonly, water, window-cleaning fluid, 70% isopropanol or ethanol is used. Do not use organic solvents or abrasive ingredients that may ultimately damage the balance.

Cleaning Steps

1. Switch off the balance display first.

2. Clean the balance housing.

3. Use a disposable tissue or a lint-free cloth moistened with mild detergents to clean and remove the powder, dust and sticky substances on the surface of the balance. Be careful not to leave any scratches.

4. Clean the draft shield

Draft shield is made of glass, it is easy to be cleaned by a damp cloth or soft paper tissue with a mild detergent or commercial glass cleaner.

5. Clean the removable parts

Take away all removable parts from the balances, such as the weighing pan, pan support and wind ring, and clean them with a damp cloth or tissue. Do not clean them on the balance. Only disassemble parts that are allowed to remove in the operating instructions. Once the removed parts are dry, put them back in place carefully.

6. Clean the weighing chamber

Be careful when you clean the weighing chamber, use a damp lint-free cloth to wipe away dust and powder first. Never blow, as it could transport dust or sample materials to the hole in the middle of weighing chamber inside which there are internal circuits and electromagnetic force cells. The dust or liquid may cause the circuits to misfunction and thus cause the reading to be unstable.

Please note that the following parts can't be cleaned with acetone or aggressive cleaning agents: control panel, power plug, data interface, labels or any other plastic parts like draft shield handles and frames.

Tips after Cleaning

1. Reassemble the balance and put all removed parts back to where they were.

2. Turn the balances on with enough warm-up time.

3. Complete the level adjustment and calibration of the balance.

4. Do a weight test and check the accuracy.

5. Protect the balance with a dust cover after cleaning to prevent dust and moisture from entering the weighing chamber.

In short, cleaning the analytical balance is easy and fast. In addition to the general tips mentioned above, be sure to consult the operating manual of your analytical balance, which offers more detailed guidance and precautions for cleaning the instrument.

Reference:

[1]https://www.mt.com/dam/non-indexed/po/labtec/12_Miscellaneous/reference-paper/GU_BalaBal_Cleaning_EN.pdf
[2]https://www.andweighing.com.au/weighing/clean-your-balance-in-8-easy-steps
[3]https://www.sartorius.com/shop/medias/?context=bWFzdGVyfGRvY3VtZW50c3wxNzk0MDU1MHxhcHBsaWNhdGlvbi9wZGZ8ZG9jdW1lbnRzL2gxMy9oNDQvOTAyMTYwNDU5MzY5NC5wZGZ8ODk5NWZiZmUyMGE2MjkwNTgzMGI4MTQzMjY4NTdjODEyNzEwYTRjMWY5OWU4MzFmZGU4YzNlYmNjNzljNTZiMQ