Published: 11 Dec 2019(Updated: 05 Sep 2024)
6 min
6 min read
Tony Allman0

How clean is your incubator shaker?

Cleaning an incubator shaker sounds trivial, but it is critical for cultivation success. The good news is that doing the right thing is simple, effective, and can easily be integrated into the routine management of a laboratory.

Different levels of cleaning and decontamination

Sanitization is the most common solution for a routine clean. Disinfection should deal with most simple cases of contamination and sterilization is reserved for serious problems not solved by the two lesser categories, or to address the requirement for certification of decontamination 

  • Sanitization – surfaces cleaned and microbial load reduced  
  • Disinfection – microbes on surfaced killed, inactivated and made harmless  
  • Sterilization – total removal of any contamination so no viable microbes (or spores) remain 

levels_of_cleaning-1x1.png

What cleaning agents to use 

mild cleaning agent such as soap or household detergent will clean greasy surfaces but may have little antimicrobial activity. It can be applied with a soft, lint-free cloth such as microfibre, although unwanted residue may be created and an additional rinse may be requiredMany generic quaternary ammonium compounds’ (quats) have antimicrobial properties and are widely used as disinfectantsThe antimicrobial activity depends on the quats ability to disrupt cell walls. They are not good against some gram-negative bacteria and of little value against fungal spores and non-enveloped viruses. 

Quats can be very effective if used properly: 

  • Clean the area first. 
  • Use soft water, distilled or RO (reverse osmosis) water since hard water can make quats less microbicidal
  • Apply directly to the surface, allow a short time for the quats to take effect, then wipe off.

Quats work as surfactants (more like a wetting agent). They do not corrode metal or damage plastics, unlike oxidative disinfectants and cleaners such as peroxide or bleach. They can potentially cause staining and leave a residue. However, some residue is desirable to maximise the antimicrobial effectsThere are many commercial brands available which are cheap and effective hard surface cleaners for laboratory use.

When choosing a product, the following characteristics should be considered: 

  • A quaternary ammonium compound with the option of additives such as corrosion inhibitors 
  • Used for medical and general applications 
  • Does not stain or irritate the skin 
  • Has good materials compatibility with rubber, plastic, and metal without causing oxidation 
  • A bactericide, viricide and fungicide (Candida), effective within 5 minutes. 

A good example of a combined cleaning agent and disinfectant for incubator shakers is Fermacidal D2 from IC Products SA or Biocidal ZF™ from WAK-Chemie Medical GmbH. 

Alternatives to Quats:

  • Oxidative disinfectants such as bleaches: If these splash onto metal parts, especially bearings, they can cause corrosion. As a rule, do not use bleach in any device that contains metal components. It will damage everything from interior sheet metal to solenoid valves.
  • Use of ultra-violet radiation to decontaminate the interior (some manufacturer provide as option for their incubation shakers). 
  • Hydrogen peroxide: This can permanently damage humidification sensors. As this can be used to decontaminate an entire laboratory or cleanroom areas, care should be taken to prevent access to the incubator chamber if a humidification option has been fitted. If possible, the humidification sensor should be removed or covered.

safe-handling-1-1024x1024.png


Cleaning of hard surfaces inside and outside the shaker 

If a flask has broken or culture medium has escaped, clean the chamber immediately with a neutral household cleaner as a first step. Then clean with disinfectants e.g. quats, if necessary.  

Depending on your laboratory guidelines cleaning of the outside surface should be part of a general laboratory routine (SOP) 

Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to clean the touchscreen panel of the controller and the plexiglass cover protecting the lighting unit – do not apply liquid directly to the surfaces or use aggressive chemicals. Dry with a clean cloth.  

There is a risk of damage to the surfaces due to use of abrasive cleaners such as scouring pads and similar utensils. Only clean the glass door inside and outside with a soft cleaning cloth and mild detergent solution (diluted with de-ionised water). Make sure no residues are left behind by rinsing with clean water. 

Wipe the trays and their mounted parts regularly (rails, clips, adhesive matting, etc.) with a soft cloth and a mild household cleaner. If necessary, disinfect with a standard disinfectant e.g. quats.

uv-button-shaker.png

Cleaning under the tray  

If the area under the shaking table has a hygienic design, it will have a smooth base and is deep enough to hold spills from large flasks i.e. several hundred millilitres. Ideally, there is a drain, and this will lead to a nozzle for removing contaminated culture and cleaning fluids. After disconnecting main power, an operator should be able to reach inside to access all areas under the tray.   

Depending on the shaker the parts of drive system inside the chamber range from simple counterweight to complex bearings and cog assemblies. If there is only a counterweight you can easily clean it by yourself, otherwise you will need help from a service technician for proper cleaningAgain, bleach should never be used as some of these parts can be uncoated metal in the interior of an incubated shaker.

If you encounter pieces of broken glass remove them carefully while wearing protective gloves. The culture fluid can then be wiped up with a cloth soaked in disinfectant. It is then safe to proceed to the next step.      

A typical rinse:  

  • Carefully add hot water into the shaker ensuring it does not come in contact with the electrical system or fans, to avoid the risk of permanent damage 
  • Pour it carefully into the base of the chamber
  • Use a large beaker to pour it into the incubation chamber 
  • Do not use a pressurized water hose for cleaning  
  • Drain it away through a drain hole, if present. If the drain outlet nozzle is not connected to the in-house wastewater system, push a hose onto the drain nozzle and let the water run into an appropriately sized container.
  • Thoroughly dry the base area with paper towels

Cleaning Sticky Stuff adhesive matting

Trays with adhesive matting need additional care. The adhesiveness of the mats will decline over time due to dust and soiling. They can be regenerated as follows: 

  • Scrub the surfaces vigorously with a scouring pad and clean warm water or mild soapy water (washing-up liquid). 
  • Allow to dry overnight. Do not use paper towels to dry the adhesive, they will stick! 
  • Disinfect with quats. 

The structure and adhesive properties of the adhesive matting can be destroyed by solvent-based cleaners. This leads to a risk of flasks becoming detached from the adhesive matting during operation of the shaker. If the adhesiveness of the matting cannot be regenerated by cleaningit must be replaced.  

Cleaning the fans and electronics

Dust, fluff and loose items of detritus such as bits of aluminum foil from flask caps can all pose a problem. This applies to: 

  • Air vents, especially those for cooling the electronics 
  • Fans and associated heaters  
  • Cooling systems integrated with the incubator shaker   


The cleaning method below should be applied: 

  • Disconnect from mains power. 
  • Carefully use a vacuum cleaner with fine nozzle attachment to remove any accumulated dust and debris. This should be a gentle process to prevent physical damage.   
  • External air vents can also be cleaned in the same way.  




Cleaning the area around the shaker

Dust and debris can accumulate around the shaker, flasks can be dropped in front of the shaker and liquid can spill under the unit. Good laboratory practice should deal with these situations, but a shaker in a corner of a crowded area may potentially become neglected.   

Contract services may cover the cleaning of floors and work areas but will not include direct interference with laboratory equipment, especially if it’s in use.  It is also very common for routine cleaning to be overlooked by research staff. 


A best practice routine can be added to any SOPs for general cleaning and maintenance to risk manage these situations: 

  • Cleaning surrounding areas should be designated to a person, group or contractor  
  • A schedule should be agreed regarding frequency and thoroughness of the cleaning process  
  • A log should be kept detailing results of earlier untreated spillages 
  • If aggressive floor cleaners are used, it is made clear that splashes onto the equipment should be avoided or wiped off immediately



Please note: This overview is not intended to replace advice included in the operating manuals of specific incubator shakers from individual manufacturers, and company standards should supersede recommendations provided here. Basic methods and definitions have been provided which should be applicable in almost all cases. Any relevant comments, ideas for new posts and constructive criticism are always welcome. 

Did you like this article?Leave us a rating!

1
2
3
4
5
Average: 0/5

Comments(0)

Related articles

Blog
13 Apr 20244 min read4,30
Enhancing plasmid DNA (pDNA) production: Innovations in process, manufacturing, and purification techniques

A plasmid DNA production process was performed comparing conventional Erlenmeyer flasks with LB medium and the Thomson’s Ultra Yield® system. E. coli cells were cultivated in both systems in the INFORS HT Multitron incubator shaker, bacterial growth was monitored, and the plasmids were purified at the end of cultivation. Subsequently, the quality of the isolated plasmids was analyzed by HPLC. The combination of the Ultra Yield® flasks with the enriched Plasmid+® medium and the AirOtop® enhanced seal led to higher cell densities and a 21-fold higher amount of plasmid than in Erlenmeyer shake flasks with LB medium.

13 Feb 20245 min read10
The most loved Multitron features

The Multitron incubator shaker remains uniquely popular since its launch in 1991. The original concept was to offer maximum shake flask capacity whilst occupying minimum space within the laboratory. A number of other new features were launched alongside the Multitron, and since have become firm favourites with users. Some of the best loved capabilities of the Multitron are listed below.

27 Nov 20236 min read40
INFORS HT partners with FairJourney Biologics to deliver excellence in antibody discovery and production

At INFORS HT, our mission is to provide superior products and services that improve bioprocess workflows and enable our customers to focus on their core mission. We believe in the power of partnerships that drive innovation, foster growth and deliver exceptional results. Hence we are thrilled to share the success story of FairJourney Biologics, an innovative Contract Research Organization specialized in Antibody Discovery and Production.

13 Apr 20244 min read4,30
Enhancing plasmid DNA (pDNA) production: Innovations in process, manufacturing, and purification techniques

A plasmid DNA production process was performed comparing conventional Erlenmeyer flasks with LB medium and the Thomson’s Ultra Yield® system. E. coli cells were cultivated in both systems in the INFORS HT Multitron incubator shaker, bacterial growth was monitored, and the plasmids were purified at the end of cultivation. Subsequently, the quality of the isolated plasmids was analyzed by HPLC. The combination of the Ultra Yield® flasks with the enriched Plasmid+® medium and the AirOtop® enhanced seal led to higher cell densities and a 21-fold higher amount of plasmid than in Erlenmeyer shake flasks with LB medium.

13 Feb 20245 min read10
The most loved Multitron features

The Multitron incubator shaker remains uniquely popular since its launch in 1991. The original concept was to offer maximum shake flask capacity whilst occupying minimum space within the laboratory. A number of other new features were launched alongside the Multitron, and since have become firm favourites with users. Some of the best loved capabilities of the Multitron are listed below.

27 Nov 20236 min read40
INFORS HT partners with FairJourney Biologics to deliver excellence in antibody discovery and production

At INFORS HT, our mission is to provide superior products and services that improve bioprocess workflows and enable our customers to focus on their core mission. We believe in the power of partnerships that drive innovation, foster growth and deliver exceptional results. Hence we are thrilled to share the success story of FairJourney Biologics, an innovative Contract Research Organization specialized in Antibody Discovery and Production.

We care about your privacy

We use cookies to improve user experience. We analyse our traffic, we personalise content and ads on our website, and we provide social media features. Certain cookies are necessary for our website to work properly and to enable you to use its features. With your consent, we also use analytics cookies to improve our website and marketing cookies to display advertisements and content on our website. 
Cookie settings