1. Label EVERYTHING – but smartly
Use colour-coded stickers for chemicals, tools, and samples.
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Red = flammable
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Blue = water-based
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Green = safe/non-hazardous
This cuts down searching time and prevents mistakes.
2. Use clear tape to seal reagent bottle labels
Chemicals often spill down bottles and erase labels.
A quick strip of tape keeps them readable for years.
3. Rubber bands = instant lab helpers
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Wrap a rubber band around a stuck flask stopper for extra grip.
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Put one on a beaker to mark the fill line.
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Use several to keep wires neatly bundled.
4. Warm a glass stopper with your hands
If a glass stopper is stuck, warm it with your palm for 10–15 seconds.
The slight expansion helps it pop off without breaking anything.
5. Use a plastic weighing boat on top of the scale
Don’t place powders directly on the metal balance surface—using a weighing boat or even a small piece of wax paper keeps things clean and accurate.
6. Never mix up pipettes again
Assign each pipette colour-coded tape or marker—but wrap the tape around the top, not the body so it doesn’t interfere with suction.
7. Ice bath hack
If you don’t have crushed ice:
Put normal ice cubes in a beaker and add salt.
Instant super-cold bath ❄️.
8. Quick thermometer safety
Place a plastic test-tube rack under your thermometer when heating something.
If it slips, it won’t roll off the table and break.
9. Keep goggles from fogging up
Rub a little hand soap, wipe it off gently—goggles stay clear for hours.
10. Hydrogen peroxide tester
If you’re unsure whether an old H₂O₂ bottle is still active, drop a tiny piece of yeast or potato in it.
If it bubbles → still good.
If not → it’s done.
11. Stop beakers from sliding
Place a damp paper towel under glassware. Suddenly everything becomes stable.
12. Always keep a spare lighter in your lab coat
Because someone always hides the Bunsen burner lighter.
13. Use a binder clip on your beaker
Clip it on the rim so you can rest your thermometer or glass rod without it sliding in.
14. Homemade fume extractor (for non-toxic fumes only!)
Tape a small computer fan behind activated charcoal (from filters or fish tanks).
Instant mini extractor for smelly experiments.
15. Keep your lab coat fresh
Spray with a 50/50 water + vinegar mix and let it dry.
Odours disappear without damaging the fabric.