Brushes
Tools consisting of bristles, hair, or wire set into a handle that are used to clean, scrub, or apply a liquid or powder to a surface; products are available in several sizes, and may be used for specific applications.
Some laboratory brushes are used for manual cleaning of laboratory glassware and plasticware. These typically have a handle with terminal, central or lateral bristles to effectively clean specific types of labware and vessels. Most laboratory brushes are autoclavable or washable for repeated use. They are sold individually or as sets with different dimensions to allow for effective cleaning of a wide range of vessel sizes. Brushes may be tapered or tipped with a cotton wad or fine bristle tuft for effective cleaning of tube bases.
Other brushes may be used to clean weighing pans of balances or for other specific tasks.
What are Laboratory Brushes Made of?
Brush handles can be made of wood, of durable plastics such as polypropylene, or of metals such as brass or stainless-steel wire. The bristles can be made from a range of materials depending on the brush type:
• Nylon bristles are tough, hard wearing, and resistant to aggressive chemicals
• Natural bristles (for example goat hair) are suitable for more delicate cleaning
• White silk bristles are suitable for general use
What Types of Laboratory Brushes are Available?
• General-purpose cleaning brushes
• Test tube brushes
• Beaker or bottle brushes
• Burette or pipette brushes
• Flask brushes, with a bent handle for easy access to awkward corners
• Measuring cylinder brushes
• Chromatography brushes for injector and detector ports
• Centrifuge brushes
• Sieve brushes
• Square tank brushes
MSC Weiler Spiral Flue Brush, 2-1/2 in Diameter, Steel Fill, 0.012 in Wire Diameter
This double spiral flue brush is designed for efficient internal cleaning of pipes and flues. Its robust construction features a double stem and double spiral design, making it suitable for rigorous maintenance tasks. It comes fitted with a 1/4 x 2 inch NPT pipe nipple for easy attachment.
- Fitted with 1/4 x 2 in NPT pipe nipple
- Ideal for internal cleaning of pipes and flues
- Double stem double spiral design
MSC PFERD Broom Head, Medium Sweep, 24 in, Black Synthetic Fill
PFERD broom heads are designed for general-purpose sweeping on rough or semi-smooth surfaces. This medium sweep broom head features a 24-inch foam plastic block with staple-set black synthetic bristles and a 3-inch trim. It is suitable for both wet and dry sweeping applications.
- Designed for general-purpose sweeping.
- Features a foam plastic block with threads.
- Black synthetic bristles are staple-set in the block.
- Suitable for wet or dry sweeping.
- Recommended for rough or semi-smooth surfaces.
- 24 inch broom width.
- 3 inch trim length.
MSC Vikan Tube Brush, Ø20 mm, 500 mm, Medium, Pink
This tube brush is designed for effective cleaning of bottles, tubes, and hard-to-reach surfaces, ideal for critical hygiene and food safety environments. The medium bristles are suitable for scrubbing and dislodging stubborn soils like fatty deposits, greases, and biofilms.
- Purpose-built for critical hygiene and food safety environments.
- Medium bristles are ideal for scrubbing stubborn soils.
- Effective for pipe, tube, and valve cleaning across multiple surface types.
- Twisted stainless steel shaft provides flexibility for curves and bends.
- Bristles twisted directly into brush reduce bristle loss.
- Lightweight design and durable construction.
- Easy to clean and maintain, with a drop-shaped hanging hole for storage.