hello.

our lab doesn't have a kit to clean our probes. i have looked up the solutions required to remove oxide deposits from probe tips and found that NaOH and distilled water to rinse can be used, but I can not find the NaOH at any pharmacy (this is where I was told to look). Are products that contain NaOH, such as paint thinner or hair relaxers, appropriate substitutes?

I also found that isopropylalcohol can be used. Which solution does a better job?

In either case, should the solution be applied to the probe using a sponge-tipped swab, or can the be placed in something like a petri dish filled with the solution?

thanks.