The type of coating on the electrode's pH/ORP sensitive surface will determine the type of cleaning to use.

Soft Coatings

Soft coatings can be removed by vigorous stirring, by use of a soaker bottle, or, very carefully, by gentle wiping with a soft, clean non-abrasive cloth.

Hard Coatings

Hard coatings should be chemically removed. The chemical used to remove the coating should be the least harsh chemical that dissolves the coating within 2 minutes and does not attack the electrode's materials of construction. For example, a calcium carbonate coating can be removed with 5% HCl (muriatic acid).

Oily or Organic Coating

Oily or organic coatings are best removed with detergents or an appropriate solvent that does not attack the electrode's materials of construction. For example, isopropyl alcohol can be used to clean organic coatings, but acetone will damage a CPVC electrode.

Protein Coatings

Protein coatings are best removed with an enzymatic detergent such as Terg-A-Zyme from Alconox or other enzymatic detergents. Check with your chemical supplier for details.

Abrading or Sanding

Abrading or sanding a pH electrode should never be done. However, the measuring surface of an ORP/REDOX electrode can be gently abraded by use of 600 grade wet silicone carbide paper, jewelers rouge or very fine steel wool. It is recommended that one of the previous cleaning methods be tried before the ORP electrode is cleaned with sanding.

NOTE: WHEN USING CHEMICALS OR SOLVENTS, CARE MUST BE TAKEN AND APPROPRIATE EYE, FACE, HAND, BODY, AND/OR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED.