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Usually antimony electrodes which are mechanically intact with no broken parts can often be restored to normal performance by one of the following procedures:

General Cleaning: If the electrode surface becomes contaminated, its function can usually be restored by light grinding with a fine grade of abrasive paper until a bright surface is obtained. If no abrasive paper is available, soak the electrode in 1:10 dilution of household laundry bleach in a 0.1-0.5% liquid detergent solution in hot water with vigorous stirring for 15 minutes. Place junction under warm, running tap water for 15 seconds. Drain/refill the reference chamber. Soak the electrode in storage solution for at least 10 minutes.

Salt Deposits: Dissolve the deposit by immersing the electrode in 0.1 M HCl for five minutes, followed by immersion in 0.1M NaOH for five minutes, and thorough rinsing with distilled water.

Oil/Grease Films: Wash electrode pH area in a little detergent and water. Rinse electrode tip with distilled water.

Clogged Reference Junction: Heat a diluted KCl solution to 60-80oC. Place the reference portion of the pH electrode into the heated KCl solution for approximately 10 minutes. Allow the electrode to cool while immersed in some unheated KCl solution.

Protein Deposits: Dissolve the deposit by immersing the electrode in a 1% pepsin solution with a background of 0.1M HC1 for five minutes, followed by thorough rinsing with distilled water.

After any of these special cleaning procedures, remember to drain/refill the reference chamber, if refillable. Soak the electrode in storage solution for at least 10 minutes. If these steps fail to restore normal electrode response, replace the electrode.

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