1. Wash all glassware both before and after using.
2. Do initial rinsing with tap water, then wash glassware with a lab detergent, such as Alconox, that will not leave any residue. (Do not use regular dish detergent.)
3. Do final rinsing with either distilled or deionized water, not tap water. If you use glass lab ware frequently, it may be worthwhile to invest in a water deionizer.
        Note: Deionized water is less expensive than distilled water, but deionized water is NOT safe for drinking.
4. Glassware is clean when no water droplets bead on the inner surface.
5. Invert glassware on a drying rack to dry. Do not use a towel or air-blower.
6. Never place glassware directly on a heat source. Use a trivet or wire gauze between the glassware and the heat source.
7. Although glassware is highly resistant to heat, temperature changes, oxidizers, and other chemicals, it is still fragile. Know when to use glassware and when to use plastics.
8. Use the appropriate type of glassware.

Flint glass is a soda-lime glass used when either heat and shock resistance or chemical durability are not a major concern. Flint glass is most often used in glass tubing.

© 2004 Anne Wallingford. All rights reserved.