Wash bottle

Wash Bottle

A wash bottle is a laboratory apparatus used to rinse various pieces of laboratory glassware, such as test tubes and round bottom flasks. It is typically made of a flexible plastic, such as polyethylene, which allows the user to squeeze the bottle to force the liquid out through a narrow spout.

Wash bottles containing water and ethanol.

Design and Function

Wash bottles are designed with a narrow spout that can be directed into the container that needs to be rinsed. The spout is often angled to allow for easy access to the interior of glassware. The flexibility of the bottle allows for controlled dispensing of the liquid, which is typically a solvent such as water, ethanol, or other solvents used in the laboratory.

The bottles are usually labeled with the name of the liquid they contain to prevent cross-contamination and ensure safety in the laboratory. Some wash bottles are color-coded for easy identification.

Materials

Wash bottles are commonly made from polyethylene, which is resistant to many chemicals and provides the necessary flexibility. Other materials such as polypropylene or Teflon may be used for wash bottles that need to withstand more aggressive chemicals.

Nalgene bottles, often used as wash bottles.

Uses

Wash bottles are used in a variety of laboratory settings, including chemistry, biology, and biochemistry labs. They are essential for rinsing glassware to remove residues and ensure that experiments are not contaminated by previous substances.

In addition to rinsing, wash bottles can be used to dispense small amounts of liquid for experiments, clean surfaces, or add solvents to reactions.

Safety Considerations

When using wash bottles, it is important to ensure that they are properly labeled to avoid accidental mixing of chemicals. Users should also be aware of the chemical compatibility of the bottle material with the solvent it contains.

Related Pages

• Laboratory glassware
• Solvent
• Polyethylene
• Ethanol

See Also

• Squeeze bottle
• Laboratory equipment