This guide is designed to help you get the most from your Grant equipment by following straightforward care and maintenance routines. Regular maintenance helps to ensure your Grant equipment will continue to perform to specification, maintain warranty validity and maximise its lifespan.
Cleaning
External Surfaces
The appropriate cleaning method depends on the surface material. All cleaning should be performed with the unit switched off and unplugged. Allow the unit to cool (if necessary) before wiping down any surfaces.
Painted Surfaces
Wipe with a soft cloth dampened with water or a diluted mild detergent solution. Avoid abrasive cloths or pads, which can scratch or dull the paint finish. Ethanol-based wipes (70% IPA) are suitable for decontamination and are compatible with painted surfaces when used in moderation, however avoid prolonged saturation or pooling, which may cause discolouration over time.
Plastic Surfaces
Wipe with a soft cloth or lint-free wipe dampened with water or a mild detergent. 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes or sprays are suitable for routine decontamination and are widely used in laboratory environments. Avoid acetone, chlorinated solvents or aggressive oxidising agents, which can cause crazing, cracking, rusting or discolouration of plastics.
304 Stainless Steel Surfaces
304 stainless steel is well suited to laboratory cleaning protocols. Ethanol or 70% IPA wipes and sprays are fully compatible and are the recommended method for routine decontamination. Diluted neutral or mildly alkaline detergents can be used for general cleaning. Avoid prolonged contact with chloride-containing solutions (e.g. bleach/sodium hypochlorite) as these can pit or corrode the surface. If bleach is used for decontamination, rinse promptly with clean water and dry thoroughly. Do not use abrasive steel wool or scouring pads.
Heating Circulator and Bath Interior
To aid thorough cleaning, the heating circulator can be removed from the bath (including Ecocool, LTC4R and R52). Loosen the thumbscrew at the rear of the unit and lift the heating circulator and top plate clear of the bath.
Scale deposits on immersed metal parts can be removed using a proprietary descaling product suitable for metal equipment. Always follow the descaling product manufacturer's instructions, as some products may be toxic or require personal protective equipment.
Caring for Refrigeration Equipment
Condenser
The condenser fins found on the front of Grant refrigeration systems should be inspected monthly. If fins become clogged with dust, airflow is disrupted – reducing cooling performance and causing overheating.
To clean:
- Switch off and unplug the unit from the mains supply.
- Allow the unit to cool completely before proceeding.
- On the Ecocool, LTC4R and R52 models only, remove the condenser grille to access the fins.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment and a soft brush to gently remove dust. Take care not to bend or damage the fins.
- Refit the condenser grille on the Ecocool, LTC4R and R52 before resuming operation.
