Washing Beads

Protocol for washing the plating beads used for bacterial distribution

Step 1

Place used beads in a large beaker (depending on amount of beads) and soak for 30 minutes in dishwashing soap and hot water, stirring occasionally.

Step 2

Rinse beads after 30 minutes in a sieve (or strainer) with cold water.

Step 3

Dry beaker, then take beads from sieve and place in the beaker with 95% EtOH. Soak 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Place in sieve for 5 minutes.

Step 5

Let dry by placing in a warm autoclave for 1 hour (WARNING: DO NOT RUN AUTOCLAVE)

Step 6

Place dry beads in bottles or smaller beakers with a funnel, then autoclave with the caps loosened (if using beakers, just place aluminum foil over the top).