Choosing the right parts washer comes down to three questions: what are you cleaning, how heavy is the soil, and how many parts you run in a day. Build-All manufactures parts washers in Milwaukee for shops of every size, so this guide walks through the main types and how to match a machine to your work.
First decision: aqueous or solvent?
Before you look at any specific model, decide on cleaning chemistry. Aqueous parts washers clean with heated, water-based detergent — safer to handle, non-flammable, and easy to dispose of. Solvent parts washers use petroleum or specialty solvents that cut heavy grease and oil fast and dry quickly. For a full side-by-side, read Comparing Aqueous and Solvent Parts Cleaning. If you choose aqueous, keep in mind the solution has to be heated to clean well — here is why an aqueous parts washer needs to be heated.
Match the washer type to your parts
Recirculating parts washers
The workhorse of most shops. A pump recirculates heated cleaning solution through a spout or brush so operators scrub parts by hand over a sink. Ideal for daily, mixed-part cleaning. Build-All builds these in 32, 40, and 60-gallon capacities.
Drum-mounted parts washers
A sink-on-drum unit mounts a wash sink directly on top of a standard drum, so solvent or cleaner drains back into the drum and waste collection is simple. A space-saving pick for smaller shops — see the sink-on-drum parts washer.
Base-mounted, heavy-duty washers
For larger or heavier components, a floor-standing base-mounted washer gives you a bigger work area and tank. The Super XL48 heavy-duty parts washer is built for high-volume industrial cleaning.
Brake washers
Brake and driveline work needs a dedicated washer that contains dust and flushes parts with recirculated solvent. Build-All offers bench and mobile options — see all brake washers.
Platform-agitation (immersion) washers
For batches of small parts or delicate components, an agitating immersion washer moves parts through heated solution hands-free. The 150-gallon aqueous platform washer handles high-volume batch cleaning.
Size and throughput
Match tank capacity to your largest part and your daily volume. A too-small washer forces you to clean in batches and wears out fluid faster; an oversized one wastes cleaner and energy. When in doubt, size up one step from your biggest recurring part.
Do not overlook filtration
Filtration keeps cleaning fluid working and cuts how often you change it. A simple parts washer filtration system traps dirt and metal fines so solution stays clean longer, lowering both chemical and disposal costs.
Still not sure? We build custom, too
Every shop is different. If none of the standard models fit, Build-All builds custom parts washers to spec. Contact us with your parts, soils, and volume and we will help you spec the right machine.