I am probably going to get a parts washer to clean my firearms. Harbor Freight has one that I am leaning towards. We have one here at work and it works well.

My question is what type of fluid to use for cleaning my firearms? I want something that is safe for aluminum and plastic.

Thanks for any help.

I just switched from Simple Green to Simple Green Extreme, even though I never had issues with "regular" SG on aluminum. Not sure I ever put plastic in the cleaner.

Edited to add: SG "Extreme" is meant to be used on aluminum.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Chris Orndorff,

I have had issues with SIMPLE GREEN on aluminum parts. Left in the solution to long degraded aluminum parts. Diligence and thorough rinse should mitigate that issue. The container warns about use of the product on aluminum.

Denatured alcohol MIGHT be an option. Relatively inexpensive in a gallon container. Caveat is flammability.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: az4783054,

I use original FORD type transmission fluid in my HF cleaner.

I use mineral spirits in mine. I can get it in 5 gal jugs pretty cheap and it lasts a while.

I don't soak plastic parts in it or anything. Just a wash and dry with compressed air.

If you have a McMillan oil dealer near you they have actual parts washer fluid. I use it in mine works great.

quote:

Originally posted by armored:
I use original FORD type transmission fluid in my HF cleaner.

How does the ATF work? Also, are you talking about the F-Type fluid?

quote:

Originally posted by dogmush:
I use mineral spirits in mine. I can get it in 5 gal jugs pretty cheap and it lasts a while.

I don't soak plastic parts in it or anything. Just a wash and dry with compressed air.

That's what we always used in our parts cleaner was mineral spirits. BUT, it was an automotive garage and we weren't cleaning gun parts.

OP, are you talking about a parts washer or an ultrasonic cleaner?

quote:

Originally posted by Depami:
OP, are you talking about a parts washer or an ultrasonic cleaner?

Parts Washer. This one specifically.

Harbor Freight Parts Washer

Figured it was for a sonic cleaner...mineral spirits for a washer.

Stoddard solvent, mineral spirits.

quote:

Originally posted by Fire Away:

quote:

Originally posted by armored:
I use original FORD type transmission fluid in my HF cleaner.

How does the ATF work? Also, are you talking about the F-Type fluid?

Yes. I top off with mineral spirts if the tank is low.
This is for a Ultra sonic cleaner.
Works good.

I had a boss back in the day who had a service garage. He got tired of the rather expensive fluid that the manufacturer insisted on in the parts washer. So one day he gets a wild hair and cleans out the parts washer and replaces the fluid with...
wait for it...
a 50/50 mix of water and LIQUID TIDE.
It worked GREAT!
That's all he uses to this day.