Cleaning procedure for spectrophotometers

The spectrophotometer is a very sophisticated instrument and it is very important to keep it clean condition. These instructions will help you properly clean your instrument.

• Daily check your white calibration disk for any contamination. It must be shiny and clean of finger prints and other particles. If it is dirty, use a clean, lint-free, soft cloth and wipe the white calibration disk with it gently, in circular motions, making sure you do not scratch it. You may use denatured alcohol only if there is excessive dirt.

• Locate canned air (the type that is used to clean computer keyboards). Only use canned air for this operation. Air from a compressor, can contain moisture and/or oil which will contaminate your instrument.  Do not shake the can and do not turn it upside down.  Attach tube extension to the nose and gently insert it into the center of the opening called the aperture. It is very important to insert the tube horizontally, about one inch forward.  Make short bursts (about two seconds) of air by pressing on the button on the top of the air can about three times. Gently pull tube out of the aperture.