Having a clean 3d print bed is imperative before starting a new print. A dirty 3d print bed will contribute to issues with adhesion, possibly resulting in a bad first layer. As we know, the first layer will usually determine the overall quality of the entire print.
The best way to clean a 3d print bed is a hotly debated topic within the 3d print community. Some swear by dish soap, while others swear by isopropyl alcohol. I’ll discuss the pros and cons of both, and leave you with the best way to clean your 3d print bed.
TL;DR: The best way to clean your 3d print bed depends on what kind of bed you have. Textured PEI it is best to use warm water, Dawn dish soap, and a small nylon brush. For smooth PEI, 99% isopropyl alcohol with a cloth or paper towel will work well. For a glass bed, 99% isopropyl alcohol or acetone will work with a glass scraper. If you are cleaning mostly oils (e.g. fingerprints) then Dawn dish soap will be most suitable, regardless of bed type. Use gloves when handling any smooth surface bed.
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What to Clean 3D Print Bed With
When cleaning your 3d print bed, you will want to use either 99% isopropyl alcohol or Dawn dish soap. On glass beds, some people also use acetone. It is widely debated whether isopropyl or Dawn is a better cleaning agent. The truth is it depends on the print surface, what needs to be cleaned off (e.g. grease, PLA, dust, etc.), and how often you clean your print bed.
Best Way to Clean 3D Printer Bed
The best way to clean your 3D print bed is with Dawn dish soap and a small nylon scrubber brush. Do this often, after every print and you shouldn’t need anything more abrasive.
This will ensure the life of your print bed and keep your prints well adhered to the print surface.
I would also suggest using disposable gloves if your print bed surface is smooth. This will ensure you aren’t getting your bed dirty with finger oils while cleaning.
Note: While it is good practice to use gloves when cleaning textured PEI beds, you can get away without using them due to the textured nature of the bed.
How to Clean PEI Sheet
The best way to clean a textured PEI sheet is with a small nylon scrubber brush and Dawn dish soap. I do this often and have never needed to use more abrasive agents, like isopropyl or acetone.
Acetone should never be used on coated PEI sheets. It can dissolve the print bed surface and ultimately ruin the print bed’s surface.
Cleaning your print surface often with just some Dawn dish soap and a small nylon scrubber is the easiest. This is the best way to make sure your print bed stays in good condition.
You may also try 99% isopropyl alcohol. The downside to using isopropyl is that it can leave an evaporative residue on the surface once evaporated. Doing a final clean with Dawn dish soap will remove this residue.
If cleaning a smooth PEI sheet, be sure to wear gloves. Gloves ensure you don’t risk contamination with the oils on your hand. This would result in the print failing to adhere to the print surface.
How to Clean a Glass 3D Print Bed
The best way to clean a glass 3d print bed is with Dawn dish soap and a sponge. If you do this often, then you should not need to use more abrasive agents.
You should use gloves when cleaning your glass bed, that way you don’t risk getting it even more dirty with oils from your hands while cleaning.
If you aren’t able to get the bed completely clean using soap, you can use acetone or 99% isopropyl alcohol and a glass scraper.
How to Clean an Adhesive Tape 3D Print Bed
Adhesive tape is used to increase bed adhesion, usually with non-heated 3d print beds.
The most effective way to clean a 3d print bed with adhesive tape is to replace the tape and add new adhesive tape to the bed.
If the tape is just a little dirty you could try spot cleaning it using a metal spatula. Gently and evenly scrape the surface that needs cleaning taking care not to rip the tape.
If the tape does get damaged, make sure to replace the tape completely to make sure your next print comes out well.
Tips and Tricks to Clean Your 3D Print Bed
- To make cleaning easier and ensure the longevity of your print bed, clean often with a non-abrasive solution like Dawn dish soap and warm water.
- For difficult jobs, try warming your print bed before cleaning.
- Try to avoid using anything abrasive that will scratch your print bed, try these nylon brushes instead.
- When using chemicals like isopropyl, be sure to clean in a well-ventilated room
- Avoid using acetone on coated print beds.
- Check to see if there are recommended cleaning methods for your specific print bed provided by the manufacturer.
- Try to avoid touching the bed as much as you can with bare hands, the oils from your fingers will make you have to clean the bed more.
When to Clean Your 3D Printer Bed
How often you need to clean your print bed varies between individuals and the type of print bed. Things such as materials used on the print bed (e.g. type of filaments, adhesives), the type of print bed, settings used, whether or not you have an enclosure, how often you print, and print settings, can all factor into how often you need to clean your print bed.
How often to clean textured PEI sheet: Although you don’t need to clean your textured PEI print bed after every print, I would be sure to clean it before every long print. You don’t want to risk your print coming off the bed halfway through a 36-hour print. Textured PEI sheets can go a couple of prints between cleaning because of their textured property. If one spot where you are printing is dirty, it can likely adhere to another groove or divot nearby.
How often to clean glass beds and smooth PEI: Clean smooth PEI sheets and glass beds before every print.
How often to clean adhesive tape: Replace the tape whenever it becomes damaged or worn down. If your prints are small, be sure to print on a different spot on the print bed than previously used. If you take your prints off carefully, you may be able to get away with using the tape for a couple of prints before replacing them. Spot clean with a metal spatula or scraper if only a little debris needs cleaning.
Bottom line: In order to figure out how often or when to clean your print bed you should examine it thoroughly before every print. Look for any streaks, adhesive residues, grease, fingerprints, dust, pet hair, etc. Once you notice any of these things, it is a good sign that you should clean your print bed.
How Do You Clean PLA Off a Print Bed?
Again, this answer depends on what type of print bed you have. If you have a glass bed, you can use acetone to dissolve the filament from the bed. Just be sure to use gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. If the glass is coated with anything, avoid this method.
If you have a coated PEI bed, do not use acetone because it can dissolve and ruin the bed. Getting the filament off might be a little more challenging than simply cleaning the bed.
Aside from using Dawn dish soap, warm water, and a scrubber brush you can try a few things for difficult-to-remove filament. (1) If you have a flexible plate, bending it a little while cleaning will help. (2) Warming the bed a little before removal will also make the filament easier to remove. (3) You can try soaking the bed in hot water, and Dawn dish soap, while scrubbing at the same time (take care not to burn yourself).
Not sure what to print next? Check out these guides on how to print some cool new items: – klasdjflkas
- Make your own action figures
- Make your own lithophane (these make great gifts!)
- Print your own custom keycaps
Conclusion
You can easily keep your 3d printer bed clean and free of oil or debris by simply washing it often with warm water and dish soap. Regardless of the type of print bed you have, this is the best method to ensure the life of your print bed and produce good quality prints that adhere to the print surface.