[Shop-talk] Parts Washers

[pethier at comcast.net]

From: "Randall" <tr3driver at ca.rr.com>
> > If you can keep a tank 
> > at 120F or so, plain old dishwasher detergent (the powered 
> > stuff you put in the machine) and water do a fine job, better 
> > than room-temperature mineral spirits.
> 
> Maybe I use the wrong detergent then.  I tried sticking some parts in the
> dishwasher (which heats the water to around 165F) along with a triple dose
> of Cascade, and they still didn't get very clean.

I think I used Cascade back about 15 years ago when I had a spare dishwasher (bad seal, so I parked it over a floor drain to use).  Made parts so clean they flash-rusted.

I use kerosene in the parts washer these days.   Too cheap and lazy to change.