7 Steps To Maintain Your Industrial Brushes Properly
Industrial brushes are used in many industries, including woodworking, metalworking, and product manufacturing. They perform tasks like cleaning and polishing.
These brushes are essential tools to ensure the quality of the final product. As such, you must maintain them regularly for optimum results, as it ensures your brushes are efficient and prolongs their lifespan.
In this blog, we share 7 steps for effective brush maintenance.
1. Cleaning Supplies
You will need supplies to clean your brushes.
- Cleaning solution
- Warm water
- Containers (buckets or pails)
- Brushes, preferably with soft bristles
- Sponges and towels
- Protective gloves and eyewear for safety against debris and dirt.
2. Cleaning Solutions
The cleaning solution you use depends on the brush type and material. A commercial-grade detergent or dishwashing liquid can be used to clean most industrial brushes.
For more thorough cleaning, consider specialized cleaning solutions:
- Metal bristles: Use solvents, such as mineral spirits. They can dissolve grease, oil-based stains and residue.
- Soft bristles like nylon and other synthetic materials: Use mild soap or detergent. Dilute with warm water to form a gentler cleaning solution.
Consider disinfecting chemicals if you need to sterilize your brushes. Sterilization is mandatory for brushes used to handle food and hygiene products.
You can use baking soda, white vinegar, Borax, or soap for household scrub brushes.
3. Soaking Brushes
Before soaking the brushes, you may blow dust off the bristles with a blowdryer. It makes washing easier.
Next, allow the brushes to soak in cleaning solutions for some time. This helps loosen clotted debris and residue on the bristles. To speed up the soaking process, swish the brushes through the solution and use a towel or sponge to wipe the bristles.
Additionally, you can use an old comb or toothbrush to remove tangled hair and fibers on the bristles of household scrub brushes.
4. Scrubbing Brushes
After soaking the brushes, begin scrubbing them. We recommend using an iron brush with flexible nylon bristles. Avoid using abrasive metal brushes as they could damage your brush.
Scrub the brushes gently to prevent the bristles from wearing out. You can use a sponge to remove fine particles and stains and clean trapped grime from crevices between the bristles. Remember to scrub the brush handle too!
For daily brush maintenance, you can clean mounted brushes by installing dusters, beater bars, vacuums, and water flow. It helps remove chunks of debris and dust that hinder the brush’s effectiveness.
5. Rinsing Brushes
After scrubbing the brushes:
- Rinse them under running water.
- Ensure you thoroughly remove all the cleaning solution from the bristles.
- Wash them a few times if required, to ensure they are clean.
For industrial brushes that are permanently mounted onto machinery, consider using a water jet, hose, or spray to rinse them. Avoid using high-pressure washers directly on the brush, as the force may bend or break the bristles.
6. Drying Brushes
After rinsing, dry your brushes before storing them. Wipe off any excess water before drying the brushes on cloth or racks.
7. Storing Brushes
Once your brushes are dry, store them in a clean and dry place. You can use protective covers to prevent damage to the bristles.
Hang household scrub brushes on wall-mounted pegs to prevent the bristles from getting deformed.
Conclusion
Regular brush maintenance is essential for the longevity and functionality of your industrial brushes. These 7 simple steps can keep your brushes clean and efficient. Proper care prevents dirt and abrasive residue from wearing the brushes out and hindering your cleaning process.
Remember that this blog offers general advice for brush maintenance and cleaning. Specific cleaning methods differ for each brush and industrial application, so these steps can vary depending on your industrial brush type. If in doubt, you should consult your brush supplier for advice.
Contact us if you need more information on how to care for your industrial brushes!