Keeping your incubator clean is important to prevent cross-contamination between patients. The exterior of the TLC-30, 40 & 50 incubators may be cleaned with a damp cloth, for the interior, we recommend using Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant – it’s is formulated to be used for sanitising incubators, brooders and intensive care units. It comes in a concentrated form and needs diluting, one bottle lasts for many, many cleans! Please make sure that the disinfectant is thoroughly rinsed off plastic parts after cleaning and avoid alcohol based solutions to avoid gradual embrittlement of plastic parts.
The TLC-40 and 50 incubators are fitted with a water reservoir which humidifies air as it is drawn into the heater enclosure. Use a solution of Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant (1 part concentrate to 100 parts water) in the reservoir (pan) to inhibit bacteria build-up. It is recommended that the reservoir is topped up with solution daily to prevent dehydration.
Our handy YouTube video shows how easy it is to clean to the fan and heating element of a TLC-40 or 50, it should take about 45 minutes in total.
Animals release dust and fluff into the incubators and in order for the units to work at their best they need to be regularly serviced. If the fan, the heating element and the sensors are allowed to accumulate dust and grime it will effect the performance of the incubator. Regular cleaning will prolong the life of the parts and, ultimately, the incubator itself. It also saves the carriage and labour costs associated with returning the machine to Brinsea.
Assuming filters are being regularly cleaned, the TLC will need the kind of clean in this video at least once per year. If filters are not present or not being regularly cleaned, the fans, sensors and heating element will accumulate dust more quickly and this kind of clean will be required more often.
Your TLC-40 or 50 comes supplied with evaporating blocks and filters. To ensure your incubator works efficiently it is important to carry out regular maintenance. Filters should be inspected on a weekly basis and be cleaned if necessary. Remove all three filters and gently hand wash in warm water then allow them to dry before use. Filters need replacing approximately every six months, depending on use.
Evaporating blocks need replacing more regularly. We listened to your concerns about the fact that we only sold complete sets of filters and evaporating blocks and to help you to keep costs down we now sell packs of 6 evaporating blocks without the filters – saving you money as you don’t need to replace the filters as often.
