Laboratory brushes are used regularly for the thorough, manual cleaning of lab glassware and plasticware. They typically have a handle with terminal bristles, set centrally or laterally, and come in a range of sizes and styles for the effective cleaning of most types of vessel without leaving scratches or other damage. Most laboratory brushes are autoclavable or washable so that they can be used time and time again. They are sold individually or as sets with different dimensions to allow for effective cleaning of a wide range of vessel sizes.

What are laboratory brushes made of?

Brush handles can be made of wood, of durable plastics such as polypropylene, or of metals such as brass or stainless-steel wire.

The bristles can be made from a range of materials depending on the brush type:

• Nylon bristles, which are tough and hard wearing and very resistant to aggressive chemicals
• Natural bristles (for example goat hair) are softer for more delicate cleaning
• White silk bristles for general use
• The brush may be tapered, or tipped with a cotton wad or fine bristle tuft for effective cleaning of tube bases

What types of laboratory brush are available?

Users can choose from a wide range of brush types:

• General purpose cleaning brush
• Test tube brush
• Beaker brush or bottle brush
• Burette brush or pipette brush
• Flask brush, with a bent handle for easy access to awkward corners
• Measuring cylinder brush
• Chromatography brush for injector and detector ports
• Centrifuge brush
• Sieve brush
• Square tank brush