Views: 0 Author: Kevin Publish Time: 2025-12-29 Origin: Jinan Chensheng Medical Technology Co., Ltd.
Silicone tubing is prized for its durability. It resists extreme temperatures, ozone, and many chemicals. However, like any industrial component, it is not invincible. Improper handling, harsh cleaning agents, or neglecting signs of wear can lead to premature failure—potentially causing leaks or contamination.
Whether you are using medical grade silicone tubing in a lab or food grade silicone tubing in a brewery, proper maintenance is key to safety and cost-efficiency.
In this guide, we share expert tips on how to clean, store, and inspect your silicone hoses to maximize their lifespan.
Cleaning methods depend heavily on the application. A hose used for water transfer requires different care than one used for biological fluids.
Soap and Water: For basic cleaning, warm water mixed with a mild, non-oil-based soap is sufficient.
Avoid Harsh Solvents: Never use ketones (like Acetone) or concentrated acids to clean silicone. These can cause the rubber to swell and degrade.
Air Dry: Hang the tubing vertically to allow gravity to drain all moisture, preventing mold growth inside the bore.
Hygiene is critical here. Since silicone is heat-resistant, it supports robust sterilization methods:
Autoclaving (Steam): This is the standard for medical grade silicone tubing. Silicone can typically withstand standard autoclave cycles (121°C/15 psi) without losing flexibility.
CIP (Clean-in-Place): For food processing, silicone is compatible with most CIP alkaline and acid solutions. Ensure thorough rinsing to remove any chemical residue.
Gamma Irradiation: Often used for sterilizing custom silicone tubing assemblies before they reach the end-user.
Even with high-quality materials, issues can arise. Here is how to diagnose them:
Cause: Over time, peroxide-cured silicone may naturally yellow due to by-products. Exposure to high heat can accelerate this.
Solution: While slight yellowing often doesn't affect mechanical properties, for high-purity needs, switch to Platinum-Cured Silicone, which offers superior long-term clarity.
Cause: If the tube feels sticky or "gummy," it has likely been exposed to a chemical that is incompatible (like certain oils or solvents), causing the polymer chains to break down.
Solution: Replace the tubing immediately. It is chemically compromised and may leach into your fluid.
Cause: The bend radius is too tight for the tube's wall thickness.
Solution: Re-route the tubing or upgrade to a reinforced silicone hose or a tube with a thicker wall.
If you buy silicone tubing in bulk, proper storage is essential to maintain its shelf life.
Keep it Cool and Dry: Store in a temperature-controlled environment (below 25°C is ideal).
Avoid UV Exposure: Although silicone is UV resistant, long-term direct sunlight can eventually degrade the material. Keep it in opaque boxes or dark rooms.
Relaxed State: Do not store tubing with heavy objects on top of it or in tight coils that exceed its natural curvature. This prevents "compression set" (permanent deformation).
Seal the Ends: Keep the ends of the tubing capped or bagged to prevent dust and insects from entering the bore.
Using tubing beyond its lifespan is a safety risk. Look for these "End of Life" indicators:
Cracking or Crazing: Inspect the outer surface. Small "spider web" cracks indicate dry rot or ozone damage.
Loss of Elasticity: If you squeeze the tube and it doesn't immediately bounce back to its round shape, it has lost its resilience (high compression set).
Discoloration: Significant color changes (browning or dark spots) suggest thermal degradation or contamination.
Spallation (in Pumps): If used in peristaltic pumps, check for particles inside the tube. This means the inner wall is breaking down.
Time for a replacement?Browse our extensive inventory of Silicone Tubing Products to find the exact size and grade you need.
Silicone tubing is a robust material, but it requires respect. By following a regular cleaning schedule and knowing the signs of wear, you can ensure the safety of your medical devices or food products.
Remember, when in doubt, swap it out. The cost of a new piece of tubing is minimal compared to the cost of a system failure.
Q: How long does silicone tubing last?
A: It depends on the application. In a static environment (just sitting there), it can last 10+ years. In a peristaltic pump (constant moving), it might last anywhere from 50 to 1000 hours depending on the speed and pressure.
Q: Can I use bleach to clean silicone tubing?
A: Diluted bleach is generally safe for silicone, but it must be rinsed thoroughly. However, prolonged exposure to high concentrations can degrade the material over time.
Q: Why did my silicone tube turn white when I bent it?
A: This is called "stress whitening." It often happens with lower-quality or filled silicone. High-quality custom silicone tubing (especially platinum-cured) usually does not show this effect.
Q: Is silicone tubing biodegradable?
A: No, silicone is not biodegradable. However, it is recyclable at specialized facilities. Do not throw it in standard plastic recycling bins.
