All glassware to be used in experiments must be CLEANED after use. It is the responsibility of each student to properly clean all glassware that s/he uses. The following cleaning procedures are recommended by the Department of Chemical Engineering

Cleaning protocol:

1. Glassware that has been used to transfer or contain substances dissolved in water may be cleaned as follows:
1. Rinse thoroughly with tap water
2. Remove excess water, place back in the glassware cabinet.
2. Glassware that has been used to transfer or contain organic solvents or solutions may be cleaned as follows:
1. If necessary, rinse with acetone to remove water-insoluble material
2. Rinse thoroughly with tap water
3. Remove excess water, place back in the glassware cabinet.
4. Extremely dirty or contaminated glassware may be cleaned as follows:
5. Place in a bath of Alconox solution overnight, you will find Alconox under the sink, making sure all dirty surfaces are contacted by the solution.
6. Rinse thoroughly with tap water
7. Remove excess water, place back in the glassware cabinet.
8. Glassware that does not respond to Alconox solution may be cleaned as follows:
9. Rinse the glassware with tap water
10. Pour a small volume of concentrated nitric acid into the glass vessel, or submerge the item in concentrated nitric acid; Swirl to clean. BE CAREFUL!
11. Dilute the used nitric acid by slowly pouring it into an equal volume of water.
12. Place used nitric acid in acid waste container.
13. Rinse the glassware thoroughly with tap water
14. Remove excess water, place back in the glassware cabinet.