cleaning crucibles

sues · Post by **sues** » 27 Mar 2007, 12:50

Does anyone know of a method to clean crucibles of burnt metal (magnesium) from metal oxide experiments???

thanks sue

sharonm · Post by **sharonm** » 27 Mar 2007, 13:58

I have just been told that nitric acid will clean off magnesium ribbon from crucibles

sues · Post by **sues** » 29 Mar 2007, 11:00

thanks have tried nitric acid, moves some of the "gunk" but still not clean!

rae · Post by **rae** » 29 Mar 2007, 11:22

Hi Sues

The nitric acid react with any left over magnesium but i think you will find that the crucibles will be permanently stained.
Just give them a wash in hot soapy water and use a green scratchy, then use them for magnesium next time.
As someone once told me they can be considered disposable items so is it really worth all your time and effort to get them really clean.

Good luck
Lorrae

laurena · Post by **laurena** » 29 Mar 2007, 12:39

I use Sprite Powerful cream cleanser (available from Guardian Chemicals) on my crucibles and then use a scourer to scrub, and remove the soot and grime.
Works Well.

Laurena
Waikerie High School

sues · Post by **sues** » 30 Mar 2007, 10:50

Thanks all...have noticed in past forums, this topic keeps coming up!
perhaps at 99c each crucibles ARE disposible?

see ya