How To Clean A Fume Hood: Discover The Best Materials For Each Surface

Polyglass Liner: Mild soap and water.

Sash Glass: Commercial glass cleaner.

Painted Steel Surfaces: Mild soap and water, ethyl alcohol or commercial glass cleaner.

Epoxy Liner and Worktops: Mild soap and water, solvent, or commercial glass cleaner.

Plumbing Fixtures: Fixtures have a corrosive resistant coating. Mild soap or detergent only. Do not use an abrasive cleanser.

Most hood surfaces are stainless steel. Use wire wool to scrub these clean with mild soap and water, ethyl alcohol or glass cleaner. If you use acids (or emit acidic vapors) in a fume hood, then even stainless steel will rust or corrode. A layer of wax can help to prevent this, but is also stripped by solvents and can make a steel surface slippery.

For wood or plastic bench tops, a thin veneer of silicone oil or wax keeps them shiny and easier to clean. Organic solvent spills can strip the oil or wax off, so it’s a good idea to apply it after a significant spill.

Clean sashes, hood surfaces, and the light panel on a regular basis. If a spill or splash occurs, wipe the glass clean right away.  Clean spills with deionized water, then wipe down with mild soap and water.

Also, lab personnel should always wear the appropriate PPE when cleaning a fume hood. This will protect them from the chemicals.

Whether you’re building a new lab or upgrading your existing one, you’ll find a remarkable selection of casework, workstations, fume hoods, and related lab products at National Laboratory Sales.