Solution to clean copier machine.

**CRISTIAN MULLER** · 01-09-2015

Hello guys, I had some machines MP C2551 with exterior covers yellow in some parts, In brazil this covers cost like 300,00 R$, something like 120 US$, i've heard about a solution that includes some hydrogen peroxide mixed with ammonia.anyone know about it?how amount I use of each one?.

thanks.

**allan** · 01-09-2015

Handy-Andy lookup on google and 3m scotch brite. Back in the day we even spray painted them only ricoh don't expose to the sun! It is surface oxidation almost like rust for plastic.

**bigwul** · 01-09-2015

You can try immersing in a mild bleach solution (try a part first)

You can lightly sand off the top layers.....

You can clean the parts and paint them...

Some have used Hydrogen Peroxides and UV (either a lamp or the sun)

A lot of the solution depends on the colour of the plastic to begin with.

The plastics are basically discolouring due to lack of anti UV ageing chemicals in the plastic - usually as a cost reduction exercise...and the prescence of Bromine based Flame Retardents.

One thing - be VERY careful what you mix to make a home brewed cleaning product - you might be unpleasantly surprised with what you end up with.

**blackcat4866** · 01-10-2015

Originally Posted by bigwul

... One thing - be VERY careful what you mix to make a home brewed cleaning product - you might be unpleasantly surprised with what you end up with.

I'll confirm that. I was working with this smart gentleman that mixed up a concoction of bleach and ammonia, and provided it to me to use as a wax floor stripper. Like an idiot I went along with his plan. The fumes burned my lungs, and I couldn't breath very well for two weeks. The mixture was strong enough that it melted all the pattern off my brand new Converse All-Stars.

As a result of that event, I have a really bad physical reaction to anything that smells remotely like ammonia. =^..^=

**NeoMatrix** · 01-10-2015

Re. Remove sun bleached plastic layer:
Ajax dry powder mixed into a paste with water. Use a scrotch brite scour pad(soft plastic type) and lots of elbow grease(hard work) Scrub in small circular motions. Use Mr Sheen wax to polish the cover like new. You could try a fibreglass boat wax an cutting compound to polish with.
Test on a small area first...

Re. Home brew chemicals.
I could show you how to mix up a cheap simple mixture of acetone using existing hydrocarbon chemicals. Good for removing wet fiberglass/car bog/chem-set, and also two pack paint and semi dry silcone sealants. It's far cheaper than buying acetone by the container, and you can make it in bulk at any time.

FYI,I wouldn't use acetone on copier covers as it can melt the finish.

You'll have to PM me if you want the acetone formula as I won't post the info on any public forum.

**Iowatech** · 01-11-2015

Originally Posted by blackcat4866

I'll confirm that. I was working with this smart gentleman that mixed up a concoction of bleach and ammonia, and provided it to me to use as a wax floor stripper. Like an idiot I went along with his plan. The fumes burned my lungs, and I couldn't breath very well for two weeks. The mixture was strong enough that it melted all the pattern off my brand new Converse All-Stars.

As a result of that event, I have a really bad physical reaction to anything that smells remotely like ammonia. =^..^=

Bleach mixed with ammonia makes chlorine gas, something like that was used as a chemical weapon in WW1 if I remember correctly. Don't do that.
As a matter of fact, if you wish to use an aromatic substance like bleach or ammonia for this, make sure you have really efficient ventilation. Concentrated bleach fumes will hurt your eyes from what I've experienced.
For what it is worth, I've only had a couple of times where the op panel was discolored to the point I thought it needed to be replaced. Still, I found that it was more efficient to harvest an op panel from a machine the mothership got back from trade ins to replace it. The discoloration is far deeper in the plastic than what topical cleaning solutions can deal with.

**CRISTIAN MULLER** · 01-12-2015

After all advises, i prefere to import some covers from EUA, mutch better then try a lot of things and end with my hands burned.lol.

**NeoMatrix** · 01-30-2015

A Freindly WARNING to those people who wish to clean copier covers with Acetone or heavy solvents.
We had a way-would Tech who cleaned copier covers,with what we believe was acetone, it melted the covers beyond repair.

"DO NOT USE ACETONE ON PLASTIC COVERS, IT CAN MELT PLASTIC AN DAMAGE IT PERMANENTLY "

**allan** · 01-30-2015

Originally Posted by NeoMatrix

A Freindly WARNING to those people who wish to clean copier covers with Acetone or heavy solvents.
We had a way-would Tech who cleaned copier covers,with what we believe was acetone, it melted the covers beyond repair.

"DO NOT USE ACETONE ON PLASTIC COVERS, IT CAN MELT PLASTIC AN DAMAGE IT PERMANENTLY "

I was cleaning a fuser cleaning roller on a AF3025 with paint thinners, got distracted by someone requesting something and left the rag on the document feeder. I could not believe the damage that would cause, received a warning for that.

Ammonium based scouring liquid works the best and does not mess up your hands.

**slimslob** · 01-31-2015

Originally Posted by blackcat4866

I'll confirm that. I was working with this smart gentleman that mixed up a concoction of bleach and ammonia, and provided it to me to use as a wax floor stripper. Like an idiot I went along with his plan. The fumes burned my lungs, and I couldn't breath very well for two weeks. The mixture was strong enough that it melted all the pattern off my brand new Converse All-Stars.

As a result of that event, I have a really bad physical reaction to anything that smells remotely like ammonia. =^..^=

He is lucky to still be alive and so are you. Ammonium chloride, which is highly toxic, is formed when fumes from ammonia and chlorine bleach react.