flushing solution

[jakm4n]

I am looking for a solution to rinse out the really bad cross contaminated cartridges. I popped a few lids off and noticed the sponged a dried up ink particle build up that needs flushing. I'm looking for a cleaning solution that I can rinse throught the sponges without damaging the cartridge or damaging the sponge. (I tried water mixed with windex, but noticed it creates alot of foamy substance when I spueeze the sponge)

Is there any other solution out there that I can make or last resort buy a premade solution?

Jacob

 

[pharmacist]

You can use this solution:

-3 % glycerine or propylene glycol
-20 % isopropyl alcohol (pharmaceutical degree without any additives), if you can not obtain it: 96 % potable alcohol (very expensive !)
-distilled water up to 100 %

you can add 3 drops of concentrated ammonia per 100 ml if you want a greater cleaning power.

 

[jakm4n]

Is one of these better than the other .. glycerine or propylene glycol? Which do you prefer out of these two?

Do you can any proper measurements?

Thanks Jacob

 

[pharmacist]

I find propylene glycol slightly better, because it is less viscous. Isopropanol = isopropyl alcohol is superior to potable alcohol. But potable alcohol can be used as a second choice alternative.
You can make 1 liter of it. This much easier to measure than small amounts. The solution can be kept almost eternally if kept in a cool and dark place. It does not need any preservative since the amount of alcohol is above 18 %.

The above solution has the advantage that after drying the sponge (water + alcohol (+ ammonia) will evaporate) is slightly humected with propylene glycol: this will enhance the penetration degree of your ink into the sponges, without changing your ink significantly.

 

[Ron350]

What would be a good source for propylene glycol in the US?

Thanks Ron.

 

[pharmacist]

propylene glycol and glycerine can be obtained at your local drugstore. It is used as a humectant in creams and a additive in cough syrups. However I don't know the local legislation about buying these chemicals, since it is quite strict nowadays in the USA. It is quite harmless, since it is potable and not-toxic.

 

[Ron350]

Thanks for the help Pharmacist.

I did not know Propylene Glycol was used in so many things.

 

[zepat]

I bought today very easily 2 bottles of PropylenGlycol in German Pharmacy...
100ml for 8€.

I'm happy to be able to prepare "The Pharmacist" solution to clean up my Cartridge this week end.

 

[The Hat]

I have used @pharmacist solution on several of my cartridges that would not give consistent ink flow and it worked like a charm, it also works great when you let the sponge dry out completely..

 

[zepat]

Very happy about this...
I'm gonna lock myself in my "Dr Jekyll" labo this week end....hahaha
Very excited!!