How to clean & re-use product bottles & sprayers safely??

addysdaddy

addysdaddy

Member
Generally I try and match "type of product" before reloading an empty container. Different brands of APC won't matter if I reload an empty bottle but is there a way that I could take a spray bottle that had for example wheel cleaner in it originally and clean it sufficiently to reload with detail spray? I've not done this because I cannot be certain that the original container has been thoroughly cleaned of any residue. I was thinking of rinsing with soap & water and then a final rinse with IPA solution - both for the bottle and the spritzer. Any thoughts?
 
addysdaddy said:
Generally I try and match "type of product" before reloading an empty container. Different brands of APC won't matter if I reload an empty bottle but is there a way that I could take a spray bottle that had for example wheel cleaner in it originally and clean it sufficiently to reload with detail spray? I've not done this because I cannot be certain that the original container has been thoroughly cleaned of any residue. I was thinking of rinsing with soap & water and then a final rinse with IPA solution - both for the bottle and the spritzer. Any thoughts?
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I bet there is a way but I just keep like product in like containers becasue the time in cleaning the bottle is not worth it. If it was a Kwazar that might be another story.
 
I'm guessing that's the net of it all. However if you easily & quickly rinse with say an IPA solution and be sure it's completely clean - might be worthwhile and be a little environmentally friendly.
 
addysdaddy said:
I'm guessing that's the net of it all. However if you easily & quickly rinse with say an IPA solution and be sure it's completely clean - might be worthwhile and be a little environmentally friendly.
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No Doubt...........I am an avid "environmental" guy, however the thought of Quick Detailing my car with a bottle that had wheel cleaning just rubs me the wring way......just my 2 cents

I have no trouble putting another brand of wheel cleaning in the bottle, but to me there is a difference.
 
Yep - I hear ya loud and clear. Probably just not worth the trouble or possibility of a disaster. Shame though, seems like a real waste to me.
 
addysdaddy said:
Generally I try and match "type of product" before reloading an empty container. Different brands of APC won't matter if I reload an empty bottle but is there a way that I could take a spray bottle that had for example wheel cleaner in it originally and clean it sufficiently to reload with detail spray? I've not done this because I cannot be certain that the original container has been thoroughly cleaned of any residue. I was thinking of rinsing with soap & water and then a final rinse with IPA solution - both for the bottle and the spritzer. Any thoughts?
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You can clean out spray bottles a number of ways. The goal is to make sure that all of the product has been removed, and all the residues from the cleaner have been removed as well. Flushing with a lot of water and running it through the spray is going be your best bet, until it is completely clean and there is no scent from the previous product.

I would tend to go with Jeff though and recommend just picking up another spray for peace of mind.
 
I only use like products in the spray bottles. I can't imagine using wheel cleaner in one and then putting quick detail or clay lube in the bottle. So many products can leave a residue that could react with the new product or mix with the new product.
 
I have used other products and put different products in them when done. I just clean out with an APC solution that is pretty strong..prump the sprayer to flush it out a good bit..then rinse it out really well till the bottle is actually squeaky clean feeling on inside. I have never had any issues what so ever. From tire dressings in them to making them a QD bottle next time around. do you really think .01mL of old product is going to have any real impact on 4-32oz of new product your putting into that bottle next?
 
VaderGT said:
I have used other products and put different products in them when done. I just clean out with an APC solution that is pretty strong..prump the sprayer to flush it out a good bit..then rinse it out really well till the bottle is actually squeaky clean feeling on inside. I have never had any issues what so ever. From tire dressings in them to making them a QD bottle next time around. do you really think .01mL of old product is going to have any real impact on 4-32oz of new product your putting into that bottle next?
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If it works for you, that is all that matters my friend. This is not rocket science by any strech of the imagination, I have just reached the point in life that I am trying to uncomplicate things by trying to avoid issues before they arise :)

Have a good weekend.
 
From a forum member whose a chemical engineer...I'm assuming the IPA is NOT diluted.

"To clean the applicator bottles, pour in some Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), replace the cap and shake for about 60 seconds, then rinse with lots of hot water."
 
addysdaddy said:
From a forum member whose a chemical engineer...I'm assuming the IPA is NOT diluted.

"To clean the applicator bottles, pour in some Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), replace the cap and shake for about 60 seconds, then rinse with lots of hot water."
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Exactly how I do it.
 
And I'm assuming Pats300zx that u haven't had issues following this method? Prior to the IPA rinse, do you flush with soap & water or KISS w/ the IPA rinse?
 
Recycled several spray bottles today while do a cabinet cleanup. Didn't rinse with soap and water yet but figured I would do that just prior to reloading the container. Can't imagine any traces of "whatever" remaining after the IPA flush. I used 70% IPA straight up and I'm pretty sure that's going to be just fine. Thanks again for sharing your experience - it really does help!
 
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