Why Clean? – Simple answer, so we can grow mushrooms! Here’s the boring answer, skip if you want….
Labs, even home labs should be as clean and sterile as possible. If a lab is dealing with biosafety ratings, it’s even more important. By keeping your laminar flow hood clean, you’ll limit the chances of microbial growth and contamination. This will help keep your samples and work clean. Also, you can reduce the potential for cross-contamination from build up in your HEPA filters A clean flow hood brings peace of mind. You should clean your flow hood often…Unless you’re a neat freak then feel free to live a little fast and loose, its your call.
Cleaning the Flow Hood – Don’t be lazy on this part – Yes, I’m talking to you.
First, power the flow hood on for thirty minutes before cleaning. Use a cloth and wet it down with a 70% isopropyl alcohol. (Make sure to use protective equipment like rubber gloves, goggles and ventilator if needed – sissy 🙂
Start at the top of your flow hood, wipe back to front.
Use common sense, if you’ve got it…Don’t let your cloth get too dirty, keep flipping it and folding it so you don’t spread the dirt you’re collecting across the rest of the surfaces you’re trying to clean. Replace the cloth as often as needed, hopefully you didn’t just bring one.
Now clean the sides, again work from the back to the front starting at the top. (Starting to see a pattern yet?)
Now wipe off corners and start cleaning the grill of your filter. Be very carful not to damage the grill, it’s usually very soft and easy to bend. Start at the top left and work to the top right and continue down to the bottom. Try not to spray the grill directly, it can damage the HEPA filter behind it. Take the cloth, get ‘er moist and be gentle, same advice as high school prom.
Another option for cleaning the grill is using small foam paint brush (available at walmart or home depot) dip it in your cleaning solution and gently wipe down…yes, from left to right and top to bottom. Unless you lefty’s are going to switch hit. I’m not judging just providing commentary. As you were.
The hard part is done, now clean your work surface. Start on the L….You get it.
Wrap up: If you are using your flow hood to grow mushrooms and are just providing enough for yourself and your friends and family, then you can expect 5-10 years of good service from your flow hood. In an industrial setting you should get 2-5 years of use if you take care of your equipment.
We sell easy to clean flow hoods here for only $199.99 You won’t find better price for beginners. Tell your friends that can’t afford the fancy one you bought!
