A machine for washing industrial parts uses a variety of cleaning solutions, depending on what type of product you are cleaning. Some types of washing machine for industrial parts use water and detergents, while others use mineral spirits to break up oily residues.

As you look at a parts washing machine for your shop, you should consider what kinds of parts you will need to clean. That should help you figure out what size machine you need. You should also consider the style of machine you want. There are three basic styles:

1. Turntable washing machines for industrial parts rotate the parts under cleaning jets.

2. Conveyor machines for washing industrial parts pull the parts from one end of the parts washing machine to the other through various cleaning phases.

3. Tumbling parts washing machines put the pieces into baskets that rotate to expose parts to the cleaning process.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select spray industrial parts washing machines

To operate spray industrial parts washing machines, you put the parts on the turntable, conveyor belt or in the tumbling basket. The washing machine uses high-pressure spray to clean the industrial parts of any oil or other debris.

I recommend: Better Engineering has a large selection of industrial parts washing machines for sale, including tumbling parts washing machines that have a spray cycle as well as an immersion and ultrasonic cycles to get parts pristinely clean. RG Hanson not only has new spray washing machines for industrial parts with turntables, they also offer a selection of used products.

Pick immersion industrial parts washing machines

Immersion washing machines actually put the parts into a liquid of some sort. The machine may soak the debris from the parts, or it may have a spray feature as well for pressure cleaning. The cleaning liquids in this type of machine are either water-based or solvent-based, depending on the type of cleaning necessary.

I recommend: Graymills offers custom designed parts washing machine options for immersion style washers. You can choose machinery washing equipment that allows you to immerse your parts in water based cleaners or other solvents. You can also purchase immersion machinery washing machines from Service Line.

Use ultrasonic machines for washing industrial parts

Ultrasonic machines use high frequency sound waves in a liquid to clean. The waves produced in an ultrasonic washing machine are so strong dirt dissolves. In some machines, tiny bubbles form in the liquid that produces the cleaning action. This type of parts cleaning machine is a good choice for parts with small crevices that are hard to clean.

I recommend: SharperTek offers ultrasonic immersion machines for washing industrial parts. Its machinery cleaning machines come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs, plus they can custom design a parts washing machine for you if you prefer. Suppliers of parts washing machines, Blackstone-Ney Ultrasonics, also have a selection of ultrasonic machines for cleaning industrial parts.

When washing machines break down, your potential profits go down the drain, making finding discount washing machine parts in a hurry a top priority. But first you must do some investigating as to what exactly is wrong with the washing unit and how to go about fixing it.

The old adage "When all else fails, read the directions," may work well in this situation. It may be best to first consult the washing machine repair manuals available. More than parts, you may find a do-it-yourself approach requires some knowledge as well as patience. In some instances, professional repair may be necessary.

After you get your machines repaired, consider the following maintenance tips to prevent future problems:

1. When it comes to industrial parts, washer hoses can sometimes leak or burst. Check these hoses periodically for signs of deterioration and replace them about every five years.

2. Investigate the different wash machine parts and how lint is collected during the wash cycle. Make sure to clean out this area from time to time.

3. Among other industrial parts, washing machine legs are important. If the machine isn't level, it can cause many problems. Some machines have all adjustable legs while others just have self-adjusting rear legs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider a do-it-yourself washing machine repair approach

Once you figure out what the problem is, most washing machine repairs can be done in-house. Many resources exist online to help you diagnose the problem and learn how to fix it.

I recommend: Gain access to a free washing machine repair guide from PartSelect.com. From your washer not filling to not starting entirely, find the answers to a variety of problems at Do-it-yourself-washing-machine-and-dryer-repair-help.com.

Search for washing machine parts

If you have the washing unit model number or the part serial number, you can easily plug that information in to a part search system, find and order the exact part you need.

I recommend: Search for parts for a variety of different brands at RepairClinic.com. Browse Maytag washing machine parts available at Appliance Parts Pros.com.

Call a professional for washing machine repair

Washing machine systems can be complicated, with the different timed cycles that direct motors and valves, the spinning, draining cycles and temperature setting. It may be best to have a professional repair the unit for you, especially if you aren't confident in your own repair abilities.

I recommend: Call the manufacturer. To schedule service on a Whirpool, go through the schedule wizard. Schedule an appointment, find service locations or gain access to laundry accessories at Maytag.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before any type of washing machine repair, make sure to unplug it from its power source and make sure the outlet itself is well grounded. Read and follow safety guidelines and warnings posted on the washer being repaired.