Parts Washers & Cleaners

Parts Washers and Cleaners

A parts washer is the workshop tool that separates parts cleaning from manual scrubbing — a tank or sink that holds cleaning fluid, a brush or spray for application, and a recirculating pump that keeps fluid flowing across the workpiece. For automotive, industrial, and maintenance workshops, a proper parts washer is the difference between thorough cleaning and a half-job that comes back to the bench. AIMS Industrial supplies parts washers and parts cleaning chemistry for trade workshops.

The parts washer types we stock

• Manual parts washers — sink-and-pump style with a flexible nozzle and brush, the everyday workshop tool
• Recirculating parts washers — larger units with built-in pumps, filters, and parts baskets for higher-volume work
• Heated parts washers — temperature-controlled units for tougher cleaning where warmer fluid speeds the work
• Aqueous (water-based) parts washers — newer designs using detergent-based cleaning chemistry instead of solvents
• Mobile parts washers — wheeled units that move between bays

Cleaning chemistry — what to use

• Solvent-based degreasers — fast-cutting, well-suited to oil and grease removal, but flammable and environmentally controlled
• Aqueous degreasers — water-based, less flammable, better environmental profile, but slower-cutting on heavy contamination
• Alkaline cleaners — strong detergent action, suit baked-on contamination and process residues
• Specialty cleaners — for specific applications (carbon removal, paint stripping, rust dissolving)

Brands stocked at AIMS

Septone is the core Australian-made brand for parts cleaning chemistry — degreasers, citrus-based cleaners, and specialist parts washing fluids well-supported across Australian workshops. CRC stocks complementary degreasers and cleaners. We can source parts washer equipment through our distribution channels — from compact bench units to floor-standing recirculating washers.

Sizing and selection

Match the washer to the parts being cleaned. A small bench washer suits hand-held parts (carburettors, small brackets, fasteners). A floor-standing washer suits larger components (gearbox housings, engine parts). For very large or heavy parts, an open-top recirculating washer with a parts basket and lifting access is the right choice. Capacity ratings (volume in litres, max parts size) drive the spec.

Operating practice

Replace cleaning fluid before it becomes saturated — washer fluid that's already loaded with contamination cleans much less effectively than fresh fluid. Filter or settle out swarf and large debris regularly. Rinse cleaned parts after washing if the fluid is one that leaves residue (some aqueous cleaners need rinse, most solvents flash off cleanly).

Disposal

Used cleaning fluids are regulated waste in most Australian jurisdictions. Don't pour to drains or general waste — most workshops contract a chemical waste collection service for solvent and contaminated fluid disposal. Aqueous cleaners with appropriate filtration may be reusable with periodic make-up; solvent-based fluids generally need replacement when contamination is high.

Need help speccing a parts washer or selecting cleaning chemistry? contact our team — we'll match equipment and chemistry to your work type.