Maintenance of your pH Tester or pH Electrode

 pH testers and electrodes will give better results and last longer if some simple precautions are followed.

• Calibrate the pH tester daily with appropriate buffers for more accurate results
• Rinse the electrode with deionized or distilled water after each use
• Moisten a cotton ball or small piece of sponge with 7.0 or 4.0 buffer solution (not distilled or di water) and place in the electrode cap to maximize electrode life

If you are using your pH tester or electrode in very hard water, or dirty samples, such as soil slurries, clean the electrode using the following procedure:

1. Soak the electrode for 1 hour in a 1% hydrochloric acid solution.
2. Rinse the electrode with distilled or deionized water.
3. Soak the electrode for 1 hour in a 1% sodium hydroxide solution.
4. Rinse the electrode with distilled or deionized water. Calibrate the pH tester according to the instructions, and return to service.

If you are using your pH tester or electrode in oils or proteins, the following precautions will help extend the electrode's life:

1. After each use, rinse the electrode with a 1% hydrochloric acid solution. Soak in a 1% hydrochloric acid solution over night.
2. If the oils or proteins build up on the electrode, soak the electrode in a degreasing detergent and warm water solution. If the build up is very heavy, let the electrode soak in the solution over night. Rinse the electrode in distilled or deionized water, and soak for one hour in a 1% hydrochloric acid solution. Rinse the electrode with distilled or deionized water. Calibrate the pH tester according to the instructions, and return to service.

Always wear the proper protective equipment and follow the instructions when maintaining and using your pH tester or electrode

This information provided by LaMotte Company.