June 24, 2025 / Pro-Tuff Decals

🧼 How to Clean Screen Printing Equipment: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Spotless Studio

Screen printing is both an art and a science—and like any good craft, it demands clean tools. Neglecting your screens, squeegees, and presses can lead to ghosting, ink contamination, and poor print quality. Whether you're printing tees in your garage or managing a full-scale shop, regular equipment cleaning is essential.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through best practices for cleaning screen printing equipment to keep your setup running smoothly and your prints looking crisp.

🧽 Why Cleaning Matters

Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why proper cleaning is so important:

Improved print quality: Dried ink and emulsion residue can ruin prints.
Extended equipment life: Regular maintenance prevents corrosion and buildup.
Faster setup times: Clean gear means fewer issues with registration or ink flow.
Health & safety: Some inks and chemicals can be hazardous if left exposed.

🛠️ Essential Supplies

To get started, gather these basic cleaning tools:

Ink remover (specific to plastisol, water-based, or discharge ink)
Emulsion remover
Degreaser
Pressure washer or spray nozzle
Scrub pads or brushes
Gloves and safety goggles
Disposable rags
Screen rack or drying stand

🧼 How to Clean Key Screen Printing Components

1. Screens (After Printing)

Step 1: Remove excess ink

Use a spatula or scoop coater to scrape unused ink back into the container.
Wipe the screen with a rag to get off as much ink as possible.

Step 2: Apply ink remover

Spray ink remover on both sides of the screen.
Scrub gently with a soft brush or scrub pad.

Step 3: Rinse thoroughly

Use a pressure washer or garden hose with a strong nozzle.
Avoid spraying too close to the screen mesh to prevent damage.

Step 4: Degrease

Apply degreaser and scrub again.
Rinse completely and let dry in a dust-free environment.

2. Screens (When Reclaiming)

Step 1: Remove ink as above

Step 2: Apply emulsion remover

Once ink is gone, spray emulsion remover evenly on both sides.
Let it sit for 30–60 seconds.

Step 3: Scrub and pressure wash

Use a stiff brush to scrub the emulsion loose.
Pressure wash until the screen is fully clear.

3. Squeegees & Flood Bars

Step 1: Wipe excess ink immediately

Don't let ink sit—plastisol in particular can be tough once dried.

Step 2: Use ink remover and a rag

For dried-on ink, soak in ink remover and scrub with a non-abrasive pad.

Pro Tip: Store squeegees upright and clean to prevent ink buildup on edges.

4. Printing Press

Step 1: Clean platens

Use a mild cleaner to wipe down the press platens (especially if you use spray tack).

Step 2: Clean arms and knobs

Ink tends to migrate—clean the knobs, levers, and clamps regularly to prevent sticky surprises.

Step 3: Lubricate moving parts

Occasionally add machine oil to joints and pivot points as part of general maintenance.

🔄 Cleaning Tips & Habits

Clean as you go: Don’t wait until the ink dries.
Ventilate your space: Use proper exhaust or wear masks when working with chemicals.
Label your chemicals: Keep emulsion remover, degreaser, and ink remover clearly marked.
Keep a cleaning schedule: Weekly deep cleans keep everything in shape.

🧴 Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Want to reduce your environmental impact? Look for:

Citrus-based ink removers
Biodegradable degreasers
Water-based systems with reclaim tanks

They’re safer for you and the planet—especially in smaller or home setups.

🧼 Final Thoughts

Keeping your screen printing equipment clean isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about professionalism, efficiency, and pride in your work. A clean shop is a productive shop, and the effort you put into maintenance will show in every print you pull.