PermaClone FAQ
Q: How do I sterilize my collars?
There are four proven methods for complete sterilization: microwave, dry heat (conventional oven), pressure cooker, or autoclave.
Q: How do I microwave sterilize my collars?
Place 6–180 collars in a loosely closed, microwave-safe container (turkey bags work great) with approximately 1 cup of water. Microwave at 900–1,000 watts for 15 minutes.
Q: How do I pressure cook my collars?
Following your pressure cooker’s safety guidelines, cook collars for 20–30 minutes at 15 psi. Start the timer once full pressure is reached. Allow pressure to drop slowly and naturally. DO NOT rapidly cool or release pressure while sterilizing.
Q: How do I sterilize my collars in the oven?
Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2 hours. Do not exceed 300°F. While the polymer handles higher temperatures, the food-grade dyes may slightly darken.
Q: What settings do I use for autoclave sterilization?
Following your autoclave’s safety guidelines, sterilize for 20 minutes at 15 psi and 121°C.
Q: Can roots grow into or through PermaClone® collars?
No. PermaClone® collars are molded with a non-porous surface that resists root penetration, unlike traditional foam or neoprene collars.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
Yes, and we ship at half the cost of standard international shipping rates for all order sizes. Our tariff codes are also structured so that many territories experience low or no tariffs.
Q: How long do the collars last?
We offer a 5-year warranty, but our polymer blend has been shown to last over 10 years under conditions far harsher than aeroponic cloning. We promise 5 years of productivity, or we’ll replace them free of charge.
Q: Can I chemically sterilize PermaClone® collars?
Absolutely. PermaClone®’s polymer blend and central gap allow safe, effective chemical sterilization with a simple soak in bleach, peroxide, hypochlorous acid, Physan 20, Zerotol, and similar oxidizers. The central gap gives your solution immediate access to all surfaces, so there’s no need to pry open each collar individually. Note: traditional neoprene collars degrade quickly with these same agents.
Q: What settings do I use at high altitudes?
Altitude affects boiling points, not temperatures, so oven sterilization at 300°F is 300°F anywhere. For pressure cookers and autoclaves, the pressure valve maintains the conditions needed to reach 250°F (121°C) regardless of elevation.
Q: My cuttings wilt right after placement. What should I do?
A few things to check: 1) For aeroponic cloners, run the sprayer pump continuously (no cycle timing) for the first 24 hours. 2) Add silicate additives to your mother plant nutrients at medium-to-full strength before taking cuttings. 3) Mist cuttings immediately after taking them with water plus a plant-safe dose of your preferred oxidizer (hypochlorous acid, peroxide, or peroxyacetic acid). Most product lines publish foliar-safe dosages.