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Hi all, thinking of getting a bench top parts washer to add to the workshop.
Any suggestions on biodegradable/environmentally friendly cleaning solutions?
And also how's the best way to dispose of the contaminated fluid - can I put it on a container and drop it off at the local tip like oil etc?
When I did my Cytech course they had one of the enzyme type cleaners - smelt nice and worked well, but looking at those they cost a fortune.
I think the default answer is to go for a paraffin washer, you can skim the scum off the top of it and reuse for ages, years maybe? When it's finally ready to be disposed of you can take it to your local tip I think with waste oil.
You can get sewer safe degreasers, but they're not reusable.
Unless you are aiming to process an industrial quantity of bike parts I'd not bother. I have one, but most of the time I just use car brake cleaner. I buy the brake cleaner in 5 litre cans and use a pump spryer designed for brake cleaner. Bit of shop towel, and a brush and you're good to go.
My parts washer is usually full of a paraffin/diesel/heating oil mix that I let settle and then use in my space heater. No disposal problems. I have the 'bio' stuff that you can dilute with water - I think that's what's in there now, but it is so long since I opened it up I can't remember!
can I put it on a container and drop it off at the local tip like oil etc?
I think you can, believe its just a general waste fluids bin and you pour it in.
I usually collect all my hydraulic/shock oil etc int he one container and take it to the local dump and theres only one tub to pour it in, just says oils, but i think it covers everything. Besides wherever it goes to, they have they facilites
Have a look at Rozone. We use one at work. No idea if the fluid will work in normal washers as it's warmed in their own units, but it uses little microbes to eat the oil and grease. As far as I know it's all environmentally friendly.
It's very effective though!
Rozone looks interesting but you have to keep the fluid between 37 degrees and 42 degrees or the bugs die. Probably not suitable for home use.
I presume that’s Fahrenheit?😳
I’ve got a bench top washer and bought 20 litres of environmentally friendly fluid - it’s complete rubbish. I just use tins of brake cleaner at the moment..