Is PH Meter electrode cleaning solution necessary to use on PH meters after each use?

Am I wasting money going through a $16.00 bottle of PH meter solution every 60 days? I'm a fanatic on keeping my PH meters accurate, I even have 2 PH meters to test them against each other to make sure they read the same.

I use Genesis Storage Solution when not in use, General Hydroponics 7.0 Reference Solution , General Hydroponics EC/PPM Reference Solution , and Hanna 7061m Electrode cleaning solution.

I'm always buying a 500 ml bottle of Hanna Electrode cleaning solution every 2 months. I have 3 meters, 2 PH meters and 1 PPM meter.

How often do I need to use the electrode solution, I just want to know if I'm going overkill on using the cleaning solution.

your doing overkill...

I believe the solution needs to be used when there is buildup on the probe tip.

You calibrate the unit to adjust for minor variations in the reading of the current.

Total overkill. I scrub the probe with warm water and an old toothbrush once a month and it works just fine.

you could also just dip the probe in some ph down solution (like a shot glass). The acid in the ph down will clean the probe..Makes it easy-peasy.

I use Milwaukee Martini PH and TDS meters. I keep some storage solution in the cap of the PH meter. That's it. Calibrate every 7-10 days. The cleaning solution I use on the TDS meter. Despite rinsing after every use, a film builds up on the probe. So I soak the tip in cleaning solution before calibrating it. I just remove the cap on the bottle, put the meter on top, with the probe submerged for a minute or two. Rinse then calibrate.

The PH probe is always kept wet with the storage solution (PH about 3.. The solution keeps the probes clean. The TDS meter is stored dry, which is why I need to soak in cleaning solution prior to calibration.