How to clean an incubator

Instruction for cleaning and regular maintenance of incubators to prevent contamination.

Materials Needed:

• Commercial Bleach (Concentrated sodium Hypochlorite solution >6%)

• Distilled water

Personal protective equipment (PPE):

• Gloves

• Safety goggles

• Lab coat or apron

Safety Precautions:

• All laboratory safety protocols should be followed while cleaning the incubator.

• Gloves and safety goggles should be worn to prevent contact with bleach.

• Ensure proper ventilation when working with bleach.

• Do not mix bleach with other chemicals, especially ammonia-based ones or alcohol, as it can produce harmful gases.

• Keep the incubator unplugged and cool before cleaning.

Procedure:

1. Preparation:

   1. Use appropriate PPE, including gloves, safety goggles, and lab coat or apron, to protect yourself from potential splashes or spills.

   2. Ensure the incubator is unplugged and has cooled down before starting the cleaning process.

2. Preparation of bleach solution:

   1. In a well-ventilated area, prepare a bleach solution by diluting bleach with water at a ratio of 1:10 (1 part bleach to 9 parts water).

   2. For example, mix 100 mL of bleach with 900 mL of distilled water to make 1 liter of the solution.

3. Empty the incubator:

   1. Remove any materials or plates present in the incubator.

   2. Plates of actively growing pathogen cultures should be placed in an airtight container during the cleaning process

4. Clean inside of incubator, should be done weekly

   1. Moisten a clean cloth or sponge with the prepared bleach solution.

   2. Gently wipe down the interior of the incubator, focusing on areas with visible residue, stains, or debris. Make sure to clean all surfaces, corners, and the inside of the incubator door. 

   3. Let the bleach solution sit for about 10 minutes to disinfect.

5. Rinsing

   1. Following disinfection, moisten a clean cloth or sponge with water and wipe down the incubator again to remove any remaining bleach or salt residue.

6. Outer disinfection, should be done daily

   1. Moisten a clean cloth or sponge with 10% bleach and wipe down the outside of the incubator.  Allow the bleach to sit for 10 minutes. 

   2. Remove residual bleach/salt with a clean cloth moistened with water.

7. Drying

   1. Ensure that the incubator, table, and floor around the incubator are completely dry before connecting the incubator to its power source. 

8. Verification

   1. Before using the incubator again, visually inspect it to ensure that it is clean, free of any residue and dry.

9. Documentation

   1. Keep a log of the cleaning procedure, including the date, name of the person who performed the cleaning, and any observations about the condition of the incubator.