The AntsCanada Ant Forum's

Hello everyone-

Does anyone have good tips on cleaning used test tubes? Also, is there an easier way to remove the cotton from the test tubes? Some of mine are pushed so far back into the tube that I can't remove them. Any help would be appreciated!!




Thanks!!


Jeff

Lol getting that cotton out when it gets pushed to the end is the worst. I use a metal meat thermometer to try and fish it out. Sometimes it’s so annoying it get out I just throw the test tube out.

That’s actually why I hate AC test tubes. For some reason they made the bottoms of the test tubes skinner than the ends. So first when you push the cotton in it gets jammed in way tighter than it needs to be when it hits the skinny part. Then trying to get the cotton out when it’s jammed in there in a tighter space than the opening is an absolute nightmare.

Break up a tooth pick or stick of some sort. Jam it onto the cotton and twist until it gets a good grip then pull it out.
I think I overkill when I wash test tubes but what I do is rinse the dirt out. I then wash them with dish soap and hot water. Then I let it sit in Milton sterilising liquid then one last good rinse with hot water to be safe just before I use that test tube again.

Cheap wood BBQ skewers from any big box store/dollar store. Stick the pointy end into the cotton, and twist the cotton out like a wine cork.

if the test tube is plastic try hitting it on the counter several times face down so the cotton will slowly slide down. If the the cotton is dry make sure it is at least a little wet before doing this.(to give it more mass.)

use a bbq skewer but break it so the jagged end is going into the tube. twist to remove. works great. after that is removed, i soak it in soapy water then use a new cotton ball, push it to the bottom of the tube and then use the bbq skewer again to get it out. this cleans the tube.