Air compressors are great for quickly finishing up projects around the house, but they can also be a pain when it comes to maintenance. Air compressors must be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt and grime from building up inside of them. Cleaning air compressor tanks helps to keep it running efficiently and safely, which is why we’ve compiled this guide on how you should clean an air compressor.
Disconnect Power to Air Compressor
Before beginning any cleaning air compressor tanks, it’s important to disconnect the electricity to your compressor. Simply unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet, and then remove the plug from the outlet itself. Doing this will prevent you from being electrocuted while cleaning your compressor.
When cleaning an air compressor, it’s also important to keep in mind that a compressor can generate dangerous, high-voltage sparks if the blades are kicked while they are spinning. If you are cleaning a compressor, be sure to wear protective gear, including rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a face shield.
How to Cleaning Air Compressor Tanks Properly
Now, it’s time to start cleaning your air compressor tank. Air compressor tanks can be cleaned with a mixture of water and a cleaning agent. The best way to clean your air compressor tank is to fill a bucket with water, then add in a few drops of cleaning agent. Swish the bucket around a bit to make sure the solution is mixed, and then place the bucket inside the air compressor tank. The bucket can be placed inside the tank in one of two ways:
– If the tank has an inlet valve, it can be placed inside the tank by lifting it up and over the valve.
– If the tank doesn’t have an inlet valve, a hose can be used to siphon water into the tank.
Best Way to Clean Air Compressor Tank Inside
If you are planning to clean your compressor tank with a mixture of water and a cleaning agent, it’s important to first make sure the tank is empty. If the tank is full of dirty air, it will contaminate the water and make cleaning more difficult. You can determine if the tank is full by emptying the tank, and then placing your hand inside. If your hand prints remain inside the tank, then the tank is full.
Before cleaning the tank, it’s important to remember to clean the tank’s inlet valve. Simply unscrew the valve and rinse it out with water. Dirty valves can cause your compressor to overheat, and can also cause the tank to leak. Clean your tank’s valve regularly to prevent this from happening.
Checklist: What you need to do before cleaning your compressor
- Check the tank’s pressure gauge to make sure the tank isn’t at dangerous levels.
- Make sure the tank valve is free of debris and that the seal is intact.
- Unplug the power cord from the outlet and remove the power cord from the outlet.
- Disconnect the tank from the shut-off valve.
- Empty the tank as much as possible.
- Clean the tank’s inlet valve.
Final Word about Cleaning Air Compressor Tanks
Now that you know how to clean your air compressor, it’s important to remember the cleaning process and how to clean your air compressor tank. A contaminated tank will make cleaning your compressor much more difficult, so it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of contamination, such as leaking valves.
If you notice anything unusual, such as a leak or a dirty valve, be sure to clean your tank right away. Cleaning your tank regularly will help to extend the life of your compressor, and will also help to prevent the risk of an accident, such as a fire, while cleaning.
Air compressors are great for quickly finishing up projects around the house, but they can also be a pain when it comes to maintenance. Air compressors must be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt and grime from building up inside of them.
