Yes, you can wash many types of reusable plastic labware, such as polycarbonate or polypropylene sample containers, bottles, and cages. However, you must ensure that the plastic is compatible with the wash temperatures and detergents being used. It is also recommended to place lightweight plastics on the top rack, or use specialized baskets to keep them from moving during the cycle.

FlaskScrubber models include a Lower Spindle Rack for injection washing and drying in narrow neck glassware, ensuring all items are properly cleaned and dried for storage or use in your next experiment. SteamScrubber models include Upper and Lower Standard Racks and rely on rotating wash bars to disperse water and detergent, along with forced air drying within the chamber. SteamScrubber models can support additional Spindle Racks for injection washing, but they do not support spindle drying like the FlaskScrubber models.

Both models support injection washing and drying through spindle racks, but the FlaskScrubber Vantage incorporates advanced features perfect for contamination-sensitive research or manufacturing. CleanPoint™ Technology measures conductivity and bypasses unnecessary pure water rinses, while HEPA-filtered drying ensures particulate-free forced air drying for your glassware. FlaskScrubber Vantage models also feature an integrated side cabinet and automatic detergent and rinse aid dispensing for your wash cycles.

For general washing, regular tap water is used for pre-wash, wash, and rinse cycles. However, for the final rinse, Labconco Glassware Washers also support pure water connection perfect for preventing spots, films, contaminants, and mineral deposits on your glassware.

You must use a low-foaming or non-foaming laboratory grade detergent specifically designed for automatic laboratory glassware washers. Standard dishwashing detergents for home use produce too many suds, which can interfere with the wash action and damage the machine. Labconco recommends using detergents from trusted laboratory suppliers, and offers an in-house range of LabSolutions powder detergent, liquid detergent, and rinse aid.

Labconco offers a comprehensive selection of racks and inserts to accommodate virtually any type of labware. Options include baskets, pin racks for beakers and flasks, test tube racks, pipette inserts, and specialty racks for items like vials and graduated cylinders. This modular system allows you to customize the washer for your specific needs.

Cycle times vary depending on the selected program and options. A basic wash cycle can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, but more advanced cleaning needs will lead to longer cycle times. Adding extra rinse cycles or extended drying times will increase the total cycle length. Labconco washers offer programmable cycles to allow you to optimize time and performance.

A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtered drying system, available on FlaskScrubber Vantage models, ensures that the air being drawn into the chamber during the drying cycle is free of particulate contaminants. This prevents recontamination of your clean glassware from airborne dust and particulates, which is critical for sensitive analytical work.

Spots are typically caused by mineral deposits from tap water or buildup. Ensure you are using a Neutralizing Acid Rinse and pure water for the final rinse. A hazy film can also be a sign of using the wrong detergent, detergent buildup, or hard water scale. Try using less detergent, a different detergent, or running a cleaning cycle with acetic acid to remove the buildup.

Labconco maintains a comprehensive inventory of replacement parts and racks for many of its legacy glassware washer models. You can find these parts by searching on the Labconco website or by contacting your Labconco Sales Representative directly with your washer's model and serial number.