Cleaning pipettes properly is essential to maintain their accuracy and avoid cross-contamination. To clean a pipette, first, detach the pipette tip if applicable and discard it. If the pipette is a manual or mechanical type, use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe the outside of the pipette. For internal cleaning, fill the pipette with distilled water or a mild cleaning solution, then aspirate and dispense it several times to remove any residue. For more thorough cleaning, especially if the pipette has been exposed to hazardous materials, soak the pipette in an appropriate cleaning solution (e.g., ethanol or specialized pipette cleaning solution) and then rinse with distilled water. After cleaning, allow the pipette to air dry in a clean environment. If the pipette is reusable, make sure it is properly calibrated after cleaning. Regular cleaning ensures the pipette remains functional and free from contaminants.
