When is the best time to clean glassware during lab work?

Cleaning glassware as soon as practical after use is important for several reasons. First, residues from previous experiments can adhere strongly to the glass if allowed to dry, making them much more difficult to remove later. By cleaning immediately, you ensure that any chemicals or compounds are removed while they are still wet, preventing contamination and potential cross-reactivity in future experiments.

Additionally, maintaining clean glassware is crucial for accurate experimental results. Contaminants left in glassware can alter reactions and yield erroneous data, which can lead to misinterpretations of results. By implementing a routine of immediate cleaning, you foster a safer laboratory environment and uphold the integrity of your work.

Cleaning at the end of the day, right before starting a new experiment, or only when visibly dirty can lead to a buildup of residues and affect the safety and accuracy of ongoing work, making immediate cleaning the best practice in this context.