PermaClone was designed as an almost infinitely reusable cloning collar that guarantees sterilization with minimal effort by the user. And our methods are being reliably scaled to commercial production internationally.
Below are several methods for sterilizing PermaClone collars. They all ensure sterilization or sanitization, but the best method will depend on your grow's current design, size, and equipment.
Microwave Sterilization
Microwave sterilization is one of several improvements made by PermaClone's collar design. The heat sterilizable function is GREAT. It is the most convenient, fastest, and lowest-cost method for working with PermaCLone collars. 15 minutes to (2 x 7.5 minute cycles) in a microwave costs $0.03 (assuming the highest Kw pricing we searched) while eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals. This improves environmental safety and ecology. Here is the recommended protocol:
- Unload a single cloner’s worth (up to 130 - 180 collars) into a microwave-safe container. We recommend turkey bags.
- Quickly rinse and pour off excess water to wash away any bulk debris. Aesthetics is not the goal here! ...the focus is process flow and ease of use!
- Next, add approximately 1 cup of water to the turkey bag (or container) and microwave for 7.5 minutes at 1000 watts, then repeat this step for a total of 15 minutes.
- Once finished, seal the bag for future use or start your next cloning cycle.
For commercial-scale operations, I recommend this approach. Large microwaves can hold batches of 120 to 180 collars, depending on the size of the collars. With this method, 500 - 600 collars are effectively sterilized in just over one hour, at a total cost of $0.12 in electricity, and the time during sterilization can be used to prep the cloning machine or take cuttings.
Dunk-Based Sterilization (Scalable)
An often overlooked, but very meaningful design feature is PermaClone's central gap. This is 100% engineered for function. The gap serves two roles, but in this case, its role is effective sanitization.
- Whatever size cloner(s) you run, fill 5-gallon buckets with a few small holes drilled in the bottom, then place PermaClone collars on them.
- Place the collars in second 5 bucket containing 1 - 3 gallons of your oxidizer of choice. We recommend 5 mL/gal Bleach or 5 mL/gal 30% Peroxide. Alternatively, you can utilize Oxidate 2.0 or Zerotol at their recommended dosage for sanitizing surfaces.
- Exposure times are best overnight 8 - 12 hour soak in 5 - 55 gallon drums. Low doses and prolonged exposure are the secret to success.
- After 12 - 24 hours, pull the buckets. Do not rinse. Leave residual oxidizer on the collars. Store in sterile bins for future use or immediately install into a sterilized cloner for the next round.
Dry-Heat Sterilization (Moderately Scalable)
- Unload single cloners worth of collars in turkey bags.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C)--no more, no less--for 2 hours. The polymer can handle higher temperatures, but the food-grade dyes cannot. Place the collars central in the oven and avoid direct contact with heat source.
- Withdrawal bags and store them in a bin until the next cloning cycle. Or let cool to room temperature and install into a sanitized cloner.
Pressure Cooking (Small Scale)
Pressure cook at 15 psi for 30 minutes following your pressure cooker’s guidelines. IMPORTANT: DO NOT start your timer until the pressure cooker reaches full pressure (about 15 min, generally speaking). DO NOT rapidly cool or depressurize the system; this may cause the collars to shrink.
AutoClave Sterilization
Autoclave at 15 psi, 121°C, 30 min following your system’s manual.
And Always Remember to Get Sterile and Start Cloning - Buy PermaClone Collars Now - Click Here!