How to Choose the Right Industrial Parts Washer
Summary
Before choosing a parts washer, it’s important to understand what it does and how the right system can transform your facility. This article covers:
- Why Parts Washers Are Important: How clean equipment supports safety, efficiency, and longer equipment life.
- How to Choose the Right System for Your Business: Key factors like capacity, cleaning method, and cost efficiency.
- Technology: Zep’s engineering innovations that drive performance, reliability, and safety.
- Industry Applications: How different industries, from automotive to manufacturing, can benefit from the right cleaning system.
Why Parts Washing Matters
Parts washers remove dirt, carbon, oil, grease, metal chips, ink, paint, and corrosion from work equipment, helping keep machinery running efficiently. This process helps to support safe working environments, reduced liability, and superior cleaning while extending the life of equipment.
Choosing the Right Parts Washer for Your Needs
Selecting the right industrial parts washer can impact not only cleaning performance but long-term operational cost. Here are four key factors to consider:
- Volume and Capacity: Are you cleaning small hand tools or large engine components? Consider the size of the parts that need cleaning and choose a unit that matches your workload.
- Safety and Durability: Look for built-in safety features like heavy-duty construction to prevent tipping and spring-loaded lids that close at 160°F to suppress fires. These features will protect both your employees and your equipment.
- Cleaning Method: Solvent-based systems are ideal for tackling heavy-duty grease and oil, while water-based systems are better suited for light-duty operations. Zep offers both options to fit your business's needs.
- Maintenance and Cost Efficiency: Leased parts washers require frequent solvent replacement and service contracts. Zep’s triple-filtration technology continuously cleans the solvent, extending its life while reducing disposal fees and downtime.
Performance-Driven Technology
Every Zep industrial parts washer is engineered for performance, safety, and reliability. Key design features include:
- Heavy 16-gauge steel construction with a durable baked-on enamel finish
- Recessed front design for operator comfort
- Full interior shelving and removable parts basket for versatility
- UL-approved submersible electric pump delivering up to 3 GPM of solvent
- Automatic safety lid closure with fusible link at 160°F
Industry Applications
Parts washers are essential for keeping tools and machinery in top condition across a wide range of industries. Any workspace that regularly deals with grease, oil, or debris buildup can save time and labor by using the right cleaning system.
Automotive & Transportation
Auto shops, dealerships, and fleet maintenance centers use solvent-based washers to clean grease and oil from engines, brake components, and cylinders.
Product Recommendation: Zep Dyna 143 is safe for all metals and an effective degreaser for metallic parts like fuel pumps or valve covers. Plus, its higher flash point helps improve safety in busy shop environments.
Manufacturing & Fabrication
Equipment manufacturing facilities rely on parts washers to remove oils, coolants, and metal shavings from production parts.
Product Recommendation: Zep Parts Washer Solvent with Citrus removes tough buildup and grease from metal surfaces in both commercial and industrial settings.
Aviation & Heavy Equipment
Airlines, maintenance hangars, and construction companies use washers to clean mechanical parts and reduce downtime.
Product Recommendation: Zep Dyna 680-T2 quickly dissolves grease, oil, and other soils from metal parts while offering an environmentally preferred, high-flash-point formula that enhances safety and minimizes solvent loss.
The right industrial parts washer should help you maintain a clean, safe, and more efficient operation, while lowering long-term costs. Zep’s durable systems and high-performing cleaners work together to deliver reliable cleaning with minimal maintenance.
Explore our full catalog online or connect with a Zep representative to find the best solution for your needs.
- Zep Inc.
