Cleaning Inkbird Sensors

[hsp]

So, I have dirty sensors coraline, algae, spiros, etc. -- most of my ugly phase is over and I would like to clean the sensors for my Inkbird WiFi Temperature Controller 306A and my Inkbird ITC-308 WiFi Digital Temperature Controller.

So I ask Inkbird support
Dear Ink-Bird support team,
My probes are getting dirty from algae and coraline growth in my marine tank.
What is the best cleaning procedure? Vinegar, for how long, what strength? Or citric acid?
Thanks for advice!

Response
Could you please:
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After I tell them, I get
Please understand that in order to avoid corrosion of the probe, we recommend using a damp cloth for cleaning.
Please determine the cleaning time based on the degree of cleanliness.

Not really helpful.

How are you cleaning them? Citric acid? Anything else. Thanks for sharing!

 

[jezreef]

i usually just use a damp microfiber cloth, but that might not be enough for heavy buildup.

 

[joeoliver]

Following. I was planning to use citric acid because I see coraline so I'm assuming it won't come off easily.

 

[exnisstech]

I been using mine for years and have never thought of cleaning the sensors.

 

[Preston's_Waters]

I haven't had a chance to clean them, because they are clean, but I would go for citric acid and then wipe with a microfiber cloth and repeat a couple times, also if you could please put an image of how bad the sensors are, this will help decide how long to soak, let me know if this helped, I am not that firmilliar with cleaning the sensors, so good luck if this doesn't help!

 

[exnisstech]

These are not optical sensors so cleaning isn't necessary for them to function correctly. It won't hurt anything but isn't needed.

 

[hsp]

These are not optical sensors so cleaning isn't necessary for them to function correctly. It won't hurt anything but isn't needed.

Good point

 

[hsp]

Thanks, everyone, for advice! I truly appreciate the help and support. Here is what I did:

Picture of how dirty the sensors were (blue light):

After taking them out:

I have soaked them in a citric acid solution (50 g/ litre) for 15 minutes. You can see bubbles forming after ~10 minutes:

I carefully cleaned them with this heavy-duty scourer with a foam sponge.

This is how they looked afterwards:

And here in place and the cleaned back wall (blue light):

BTW, I did the same with the ReefWave (blue light):

Another thing: The Inkbird app allowed me to turn the ITC-306 V4.0 off, which was great as the cleaning solution was not at the same temperature as the DT water. But, I had to unplug the ITC-308 as the app doesn't provide an on/off, and the alarm drove the dog nuts. Strange design!

 

[gbroadbridge]

Thanks, everyone, for advice! I truly appreciate the help and support. Here is what I did:

Picture of how dirty the sensors were (blue light):

After taking them out:

I have soaked them in a citric acid solution (50 g/ litre) for 15 minutes. You can see bubbles forming after ~10 minutes:

I carefully cleaned them with this heavy-duty scourer with a foam sponge.

This is how they looked afterwards:

And here in place and the cleaned back wall (blue light):

BTW, I did the same with the ReefWave (blue light):

Another thing: The Inkbird app allowed me to turn the ITC-306 V4.0 off, which was great as the cleaning solution was not at the same temperature as the DT water. But, I had to unplug the ITC-308 as the app doesn't provide an on/off, and the alarm drove the dog nuts. Strange design!

Missed your original post, but yes I just use citric acid or vinegar.
Both are fine.