Frequently Asked Questions

Parts Washers

What should you consider before purchasing a parts washer?

Choosing the right parts washer requires evaluating several factors upfront to ensure the machine matches your process and budget. Key considerations include:

  • Types of soils to be removed - greases, oils, carbon, rust, paint, plating salts, etc.
  • Current cleaning method - what you're doing now and where it's falling short
  • Part materials - metal, plastic, painted surfaces, aluminum, cast iron, etc.
  • Part size, weight, configuration, and daily volume - determines tank size and capacity
  • Operations before and after cleaning - e.g., "machining before / painting after" affects the cleanliness standard required
  • Handling preference - Manual or Automatic/hands-off operation
  • Single or multi-stage cleaning - wash only, or wash + rinse + dry
  • Cleaning fluid type - Solvent-based or Water-based (Aqueous)
  • Budget - both upfront equipment cost and ongoing fluid and operating costs

Not sure where to start? Request a Quote or call 1.773.248.6825 - Graymills specialists will help you identify the right solution.

What are the benefits of adding an industrial parts washer to my facility?

  • A quality parts washer delivers measurable returns across safety, productivity, and equipment longevity:
  • Reduces labor time - automated or semi-automated cleaning frees up workers for higher-value tasks
  • Creates a safer work environment - reduces solvent exposure and manual handling of contaminated parts
  • Extends the life of equipment and parts - clean components perform better and last longer
  • Saves money - lower fluid disposal costs, reduced rework, and better throughput over time

What types of parts washers does Graymills offer?

Graymills manufactures one of the most complete lines of industrial parts washers available, covering every cleaning method and production volume. The full lineup includes:

View all parts washers

What's the difference between solvent-based and aqueous (water-based) parts washers?

Solvent-based cleaning is ideal for metals, plastics, and painted surfaces. It excels at removing grease, motor oil, cutting oil, and water-soluble oils. Graymills recommends the Agitene™ line of solvent products for solvent-based systems. Solvents do not require heat and do not require a separate rinse step.

Aqueous (water-based) cleaning is the more versatile option and can remove virtually any organic or inorganic soil - including greases, oils, soft carbons, epoxies, hard water residue, corrosion, oxides, paints, plating salts, rust, and smut. Graymills recommends Aquatene™ water-based cleaners for aqueous systems. Aquatene formulas work most effectively when heated and require only a water rinse afterward. Aqueous systems also offer lower regulated disposal burdens and bioremediation options that can dramatically extend fluid life.

What is the difference between a top-load and front-load spray cabinet washer?

Both are spray-cabinet style washers but differ in how parts are accessed and cleaned. Top-load cabinets place parts on a rotating turntable inside the enclosure. As the turntable spins, spray nozzles direct cleaning solution at the parts from all angles, making this style well-suited for most standard production applications. Front-load cabinets feature a door on the front of the enclosure, allowing operators to place larger or heavier parts inside on a shelf or rack. A wand or directional nozzle can be used to target specific areas of the part while the operator views it through a window. Front-load designs are best for oversized, heavy, or oddly shaped components that cannot be accommodated on a turntable.

What is a manual parts washer?

Manual parts washers are the most common and typically lowest-cost type of industrial washer. They are best suited for light to moderate, sporadic cleaning needs. Available in both solvent and aqueous configurations, manual washers may incorporate one or more of the following cleaning actions:

  • Soak - Parts are submerged in cleaning fluid; most effective with longer contact time and ideal for easily removed soils
  • Brush - Manual brushing is used to agitate and loosen stubborn soils, particularly in hard-to-reach areas
  • Directed Stream - A flexible hose directs a low-pressure stream of cleaning fluid at the part for flushing
  • Fluid Agitation - Circulating fluid maintains cleaning action without requiring manual effort from the operator
  • Heated Solution - Available on aqueous models to significantly improve cleaning performance

Graymills' manual washer product line includes the Handi-Kleen™, Clean-O-Matic™, Drum Mount, Soak & Safety Tanks, and the PH922-A Aqueous Washer.

What is a drum-mounted parts washer?

Drum-mounted parts washers are designed to mount directly onto a standard 55-gallon drum, which serves as both the fluid reservoir and the waste container. This design provides a compact, cost-effective solution for facilities that want to use drums of cleaning solvent directly without transferring fluid to a separate tank. Graymills offers several Drum Mount Parts Washer models featuring a directed stream cleaning action.

What is an immersion parts washer?

Immersion cleaning is a process in which parts are fully submerged in the cleaning solution, exposing the entire surface - including blind holes, internal passages, and complex geometries - to the cleaning fluid simultaneously. It is the most thorough degreasing method available, particularly effective for heavily contaminated parts, components with intricate geometry, or applications that require long soak times to fully loosen soils.

Graymills immersion washer systems range from simple heated soak tanks to fully automated lift-platform agitation systems. View all immersion washers

What is a Liftkleen™ and how does it work?

The Liftkleen™ is Graymills' signature line of vertical lift immersion cleaning systems. An air-operated lift platform lowers parts into the cleaning solution and then agitates them with a controlled up-and-down motion, providing hands-off, full-immersion cleaning without requiring the operator to manually handle parts during the cleaning cycle. This platform agitation significantly improves cleaning performance compared to simple soak tanks by continuously sweeping fresh cleaning solution across all part surfaces.

Key advantages of the Liftkleen™ include:

  • Reaches all surfaces, including blind holes and crevices that spray washers miss
  • Hands-off operation reduces operator exposure and labor involvement
  • Adjustable agitation speed and stroke length for different part types and soil conditions
  • Optional Graymills Superflo™ pump jet action for even more intensive cleaning
  • Optional ultrasonic transducers available on TUSR-Series and SuperSonic models
  • Lift mechanism is entirely outside the tank for long service life

Graymills offers four Liftkleen™ series: the TR-Series, TL-Series, L-Series, and the TUSR-Series Sonic Liftkleen™.

What is the difference between the TR-Series, TL-Series, and L-Series Liftkleen™?

All three are vertical lift immersion cleaning systems that deliver hands-off, full-immersion cleaning with pneumatic lift-platform agitation and optional pump jet action. They differ primarily in size, capacity, and how much they can be customized to fit a specific application.

The TR-Series Liftkleen™ is designed for facilities that need reliable, hands-off immersion cleaning in a compact footprint. It is available in two tank sizes - the TR24 and TR36 - and supports modular, multi-stage configurations that can be added to or reconfigured as production needs change. It is a strong choice for operations that need a dependable, space-efficient system without sacrificing cleaning performance.

The TL-Series Liftkleen™ is a highly configurable, high-performance immersion system designed for demanding manufacturing, machining, and assembly environments. It is ideal for operations that require full-surface cleaning of complex components, and it supports custom tank sizing, agitation adjustments, heating options, and filtration design. Facilities can build a configuration matched to their specific throughput, cleanliness specifications, and workflow.

The L-Series Liftkleen™ is Graymills' largest immersion parts washer platform, available in six tank sizes to accommodate large castings, heavy assemblies, and oversized components. It is the workhorse system for heavy-duty production environments and maintenance and repair operations that handle the largest and most demanding parts.

Configure your TR-Series | Configure your TL-Series

What is an ultrasonic parts washer and how does it work?

Ultrasonic parts washers use high-frequency sound waves to generate millions of microscopic cavitation bubbles throughout the cleaning fluid. As these bubbles collapse, they release intense localized energy that scrubs contamination from part surfaces - including inside blind holes, threads, and fine features that brushes and spray nozzles cannot reach. This makes ultrasonic cleaning the preferred method for precision parts, delicate components, and applications with strict cleanliness standards.

Every Graymills ultrasonic system includes three core components:

  • A tank to hold the cleaning fluid and the parts being cleaned
  • A generator that converts line voltage into an ultrasonic electrical signal
  • Transducers bonded to the tank that convert the signal into mechanical energy, producing the cavitation action

Cleaning intensity is determined by ultrasonic frequency. Lower frequencies produce more aggressive cavitation for heavy soils, while higher frequencies deliver finer, gentler cleaning suited to delicate or highly polished components.

Graymills ultrasonic options include the BTU/BTV Benchtop Sonic, the TUSR-Series Sonic Liftkleen™, and the SuperSonic Liftkleen™. View all ultrasonic washers

What is the SuperSonic Liftkleen™?

The SuperSonic Liftkleen™ is Graymills' most powerful immersion parts washer. It combines full-immersion cleaning, pneumatic lift-platform agitation, heated cleaning solution, and high-power ultrasonic transducers into a single integrated system - delivering the most intensive cleaning performance available in the Graymills lineup. It is the ideal solution for parts with baked-on or tenacious soils, highly complex geometries, or precision cleanliness requirements that standard soak or spray methods cannot consistently meet.

What is a heavy-duty spray wash cabinet?

Spray wash cabinets deliver fast, aggressive cleaning through a powerful spray of heated, water-based cleaning solution directed at parts inside a sealed enclosure. The continuous high-pressure spray - typically around 600 PSI - blasts away heavy contamination including grease, metal chips, scale, and oils without damaging precision parts. Spray cabinets are the right choice when throughput speed is the priority and the parts being cleaned have accessible, open surfaces that can be reached by directional spray.

The Tempest MHF Spray Washer is Graymills' flagship spray cabinet washer. View all spray washers

What is a bioremediation parts washer?

A bioremediation parts washer uses live, naturally occurring microorganisms in the cleaning fluid to break down and consume the oils and greases removed from parts, converting them into water and carbon dioxide. This biological process dramatically extends fluid life, significantly reduces disposal costs, and makes the solution safer for operators and the environment compared to conventional aqueous cleaners.

Graymills' bioremediation systems are engineered to sustain the microbial process through proper heat management and aeration, keeping the bacteria thriving and cleaning effectively. The BIO922 Bioremediation Parts Washer is ideal for shops looking to reduce their environmental footprint and minimize waste-disposal overhead.

View environmentally friendly washers

What is a heated parts washer, and do I need one?

A heated parts washer maintains the cleaning solution at an elevated temperature, which significantly improves cleaning performance for aqueous systems. Heat accelerates the chemical action of the detergent, reduces surface tension, and loosens stubborn soils faster than cold or room-temperature fluid alone.

A heated washer is recommended when you are cleaning heavy grease or oils with an aqueous cleaner, when faster cleaning cycle times are required, or when operating in cold environments where fluid temperature would otherwise drop and reduce cleaning effectiveness.

Graymills' GHS Heated Soak Tanks, all Liftkleen™ series, spray cabinets, and aqueous manual washers include heating as standard or optional equipment depending on the model.

What is an agitating parts washer?

An agitating parts washer introduces movement - of the cleaning fluid, the parts, or both - to increase the rate of soil removal beyond what simple soaking provides. Agitation continually brings fresh, active cleaning solution into contact with the part surface and helps dislodge loosened contamination more effectively.

Types of agitation used in Graymills washers include:

  • Fluid (pump jet) agitation - circulating fluid creates turbulence around the part in the tank
  • Lift platform agitation - the part is raised and lowered through the fluid on a pneumatic platform (Liftkleen™ series)
  • Ultrasonic agitation - cavitation energy scrubs the surface at a microscopic level without physical contact
  • Spray agitation - high-pressure directed spray jets blast contamination off accessible surfaces (spray cabinet washers)

When should I choose an immersion washer over a spray cabinet washer?

Immersion washers are the better choice when parts have complex shapes, blind holes, internal passages, or fine features that a directed spray cannot consistently reach. Full immersion surrounds the entire part with cleaning solution simultaneously, regardless of its geometry. Immersion systems are also preferred for processes that require long soak times or where consistent 360-degree cleaning contact is critical to meeting cleanliness specifications.

Spray cabinet washers are better suited for parts with open, accessible surfaces where high-pressure spray can make direct contact, and when throughput speed is the primary concern. Spray systems deliver faster per-part cycle times but may not adequately clean internal features or cavities that immersion cleaning handles with ease.
If you are unsure which method is right for your parts, contact Graymills at 1.773.248.6825 - specialists can review your parts and application to make a recommendation.

Does Graymills offer parts washers for aerospace or precision-critical applications?

Yes. Graymills' ultrasonic systems - including the TUSR-Series Sonic Liftkleen™ and SuperSonic Liftkleen™ - are well suited for aerospace and precision cleaning applications where strict cleanliness standards must be consistently met. Ultrasonic cavitation is capable of removing sub-micron contamination from complex geometries and delicate components that other cleaning methods cannot adequately address.

Contact Graymills to discuss your specific cleanliness requirements and application.

Custom Configuration

Can Graymills build a custom parts washer for my specific application?

Yes. Graymills offers custom design and engineering services for facilities with unique part sizes, production volumes, cleanliness standards, or process constraints that standard models cannot accommodate. Custom options include non-standard tank dimensions and capacities, custom agitation, heating, and filtration configurations, multi-stage wash, rinse, and dry systems, specialty materials of construction such as stainless steel, and integration with existing conveyor or automation systems. If a standard product does not fit your needs, Graymills will design and build one that does.
Learn more about Custom Design Services or call 1.773.248.6825.

Can the TR-Series or TL-Series Liftkleen™ be configured for multi-stage cleaning?

Yes. Both the TR-Series and TL-Series Liftkleen™ support modular, multi-stage configurations - allowing you to combine a wash stage, rinse stage, and optional drying stage into a connected system. A cascade feature manages fluid flow between stages to maintain solution quality across the process. Stages can be added or reconfigured as production needs change over time, making both systems a long-term investment that can grow with your operation.

Configure your TR-Series | Configure your TL-Series

What if I need a parts washer for very large or heavy parts?

The L-Series Liftkleen™ is Graymills' largest immersion system, available in six tank sizes to accommodate large castings, heavy assemblies, and oversized components that smaller systems cannot handle. For applications that fall outside even the L-Series standard dimensions, Graymills' custom design team can engineer a system sized to your exact requirements. Contact us to discuss your application in detail.

Can I automate my parts cleaning process?

Yes. Graymills offers automated and hands-off operation across several product lines. The Liftkleen™ series - including the TR-Series, TL-Series, L-Series, TUSR-Series Sonic, and SuperSonic - all feature pneumatic lift-platform operation with one-touch cycle control, eliminating the need for operator intervention during the cleaning cycle. Cycle timers, heater controls, and agitation settings can be pre-programmed to match specific part types and soil conditions. For fully integrated conveyor-based or in-line automation, contact Graymills about custom system design options.

Cleaning Chemistry & Fluids

What cleaning fluid does Graymills recommend for solvent-based parts washers?

Graymills recommends the Agitene™ line of solvent-based cleaners for use in solvent parts washers. Agitene solvents are specifically formulated to remove grease, motor oil, cutting oil, and water-soluble oils from metal, plastic, and painted surfaces effectively. No heat or separate rinse step is required.

What cleaning fluid does Graymills recommend for aqueous parts washers?

Graymills recommends Aquatene™ water-based cleaners for use in aqueous parts washer systems. Aquatene formulas are effective at removing virtually any organic or inorganic soil - including greases, oils, soft carbons, epoxies, hard water residue, corrosion, oxides, paints, plating salts, rust, and smut. They perform most effectively when heated and require only a water rinse after cleaning.

How do I extend the life of my parts washer cleaning fluid?

Fluid life can be extended significantly through proper filtration and ongoing maintenance practices:

  • Use a filter bag or Superflo™ cartridge filter to continuously remove particulate and solid contamination from circulating fluid
  • Maintain proper fluid temperature to support the active cleaning chemistry
  • Use a tramp oil separator to remove floating oils before they degrade the cleaning solution
  • Consider a bioremediation system, in which live microbes continuously consume oils removed from parts, extending fluid life far beyond standard aqueous systems
  • Monitor fluid concentration regularly using a refractometer to ensure the solution remains at effective strength

Graymills offers a full line of fluid conditioning systems and accessories designed to support fluid management across all washer types.

Accessories, Parts & Maintenance

Does Graymills offer replacement parts and accessories for its parts washers?

Yes. Graymills stocks replacement parts and accessories for its full line of parts washers, including pumps, motors, heating elements, thermostats, filters, filter bags, baskets, and more.

Visit the Graymills parts store or call 1.866.330.8392 to speak with a customer service representative about specific parts needs.

What kinds of parts washer baskets does Graymills offer?

Graymills offers a variety of baskets and racks sized to fit its immersion parts washer product line. Baskets allow multiple parts to be loaded and cleaned simultaneously and are designed to allow maximum fluid flow and agitation contact with all part surfaces during the cleaning cycle. Custom basket configurations are available for non-standard parts or production requirements. Contact us for sizing specifications.

What filtration options are available for Graymills parts washers?

Graymills offers several filtration solutions to keep cleaning fluid clean and extend its useful life, including:

  • Filter bags - capture particulate and chips in immersion and soak systems
  • Superflo™ cartridge filters - available in multiple micron ratings for finer, more precise filtration
  • Paper bed filters - designed for high-volume chip and particulate removal
  • Tramp oil separators - remove floating oils from aqueous cleaning solutions before they degrade fluid quality
  • Magnetic separators - capture ferrous fines generated by grinding and machining operations

View all filtration and fluid conditioning accessories

Ink Pumps & Tank Systems

What kinds of ink pumps does Graymills offer for the printing industry?

Graymills offers the widest range of ink pumps in the industry, including centrifugal, peristaltic, and double diaphragm designs. Whether your application is wide-web, mid-web, narrow-web, envelope, or corrugated printing, Graymills has a pump or total ink system to fit your needs. Container configurations are available for 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 55-gallon containers, and metric lengths, lids, and containers are also available. 

View ink pumps 

How do I select the right Superflo™ filter cartridge for my printing application?

Stainless Steel Superflo™ cartridges are available in four mesh sizes matched to specific printing application types:

  • Corrugated printing: 30 mesh (590 micron)
  • Line printing: 60 mesh (250 micron) or 100 mesh (149 micron)
  • Process printing: 60 mesh (250 micron) or 100 mesh (149 micron)
  • Varnishes, coatings, and adhesives: 150 mesh (99 micron) or 250 mesh (58 micron)

Does Graymills offer a parts washer designed specifically for HP Indigo digital presses?

Yes. The PrintClean HP Indigo Parts Washer was developed in collaboration with HP Indigo experts specifically to clean HP Indigo digital press components - including ink pumps, ink tanks, ink mixers, press cleaning stations, and ink developers. It operates with HP's imaging oil and is constructed from rugged 16-gauge powder-coated steel for long service life in a press room environment.

Industrial Pumps

What types of industrial pumps does Graymills manufacture?

Graymills manufactures and supplies a full range of industrial pump types, including:

View all industrial pumps 

How do I select the right industrial pump for my application?

The more specific your data, the faster and more precisely the right pump can be specified. Key factors to identify include:

  • Maximum flow rate required (GPM)
  • Maximum pressure required (PSI)
  • Piping installation details - pipe diameter, height to which liquid will be pumped, number of fittings, and total piping length
  • Type of liquid being pumped - water, coolant, acid, slurry, ink, oil, etc.
  • Mounting and installation requirements
  • Electrical specifications - voltage, hertz, and phase

Call 1.773.248.6825 or request a quote to speak with a Graymills pump specialist who can help identify the right model for your application.

How do I choose the right motor for my Graymills industrial pump?

Graymills pump motors are available in all standard electrical configurations. All motors are rated for 60 Hz operation and will run continuously within ±5% of rated voltage. Air motors are available for many models as an alternative to electric motors. When ordering, add the appropriate suffix letter to the base model number and specify voltage, hertz, and phase. Non-standard motor configurations will be quoted upon request - contact customer service at 1.866.330.8392 to discuss your specific electrical requirements.

General - Ordering & Account

How do I place an order with Graymills?

Call our Customer Service Department at 1.866.330.8392. Representatives are available Monday through Friday during business hours to assist with product selection, configuration, and order placement.

How do I set up an account with Graymills?

Request a credit application by emailing sales@graymills.com or by calling 1.866.330.8392. Net-30 and Net-60 terms are available upon credit approval.

Does Graymills accept credit cards?

Yes - Graymills accepts Visa and MasterCard, as well as cash, checks, ACH transfers, and approved Net-30 or Net-60 payment terms.

Is freight included in Graymills pricing?

No. All prices are quoted FOB Broadview, Illinois and do not include freight. Freight costs will be determined at the time of shipment based on destination and carrier selection.

How do I get an order expedited?

When placing your order, you will be provided with the standard lead time. If you need an earlier ship date, advise your customer service representative at the time of ordering. The production team will work to accommodate the request as quickly as possible. In some cases, an expediting fee may apply.

Can I get a custom quote for a non-standard parts washer configuration?

Yes. Graymills welcomes custom configuration and engineering inquiries. Submit a quote request online or call 1.773.248.6825 to discuss your specific application, part dimensions, soil types, throughput requirements, and cleanliness specifications. If no standard model exists that meets your needs, Graymills will work with you to find the best solution.

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