Air compressors are an integral tool of many professionals that work on repairing and fabrication. Mechanics use it to clean out engine residue and parts. Tire companies use it to inflate the new tires they install. Engineers use it to dislodge particles that they deem undesirable from the stuff they are building and fabricating. These nifty tools are pretty much practical and easy to use. They are not that expensive as well. However, these tools, like any other powered and non-powered tools, need to be maintained and cleaned once in awhile. Cleaning your air compressor is not a tough job either with these easy and simple steps guiding you through it.
- Turn it off. Obviously, the initial step you will need to employ in cleaning your air compressor will be by simply turning it off. Most air compressor models are electric powered. This being the case, turn the contraption off and disconnect it from the electrical socket. Never ever start cleaning the compressor while it is connected to the electric current unless, of course you want to feel the heavy sting of high-powered voltage entering your system.
- Wipe it down. Once the contraption is free from electric current, dampen a cloth in water and wipe it down to remove dirt and particles visible on its exterior. Make sure to wipe the air vents of the air compressor as well. These vents will accumulate the most dust through use and they need to be cleaned regularly.
- Clean the air filter. Consult your air compressor’s user’s manual to know how to remove the air filter. You will need to clean this part thoroughly in order to keep your air compressor working like a charm for years to come. Some air compressors may have air filters locked in by bolts or screws. If so, use the right tool—a screwdriver or wrench, to loosen the locks in order to remove the filter. Once you successfully remove the filter, rinse it well with water. Hosing it down would be the most advisable thing to do at this point. After clearing the dust and dirt from the filter, let it dry naturally. If you have another air compressor, then you can consider drying the filter with compressed air as well.
- Reinstall the filter. As soon as the filter is dry, set it back and lock it in once more with the bolts or screws you removed earlier. Make sure that everything is set before testing your contraption if it still works.
- Clean the gas tank. If your air compressor is gas powered, then consider removing the gas tanks and cleaning it as well. Remove the tank as instructed by the user’s manual. This may be locked in by bolts or screws as well. There will be a hose connecting it to the main body; disconnect it as well. Once that is done, pour the contents of the tank in a clean can and start washing the tank with water and liquid detergent. Rinse the detergent off and allow the tank to dry naturally. Once completely dry, reinstall the tank and fill it up with gas.
The air filter of your air compressor should be cleaned once every two weeks depending on how often you use it. Once in awhile, you should encounter air filters that are pretty worn down. If this were the case, then you would do well in replacing the filter instead of reusing it.
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