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How to Clean a 3D Printer Bed

Lawrence Bonk Profile image

Written by:

Lawrence Bonk
Updated January 13, 2023

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If you are new to the wacky world of physical printing, you may wonder how to clean a 3D printer bed. Some of the best printers, after all, are 3D printers, and these models use resin and various filaments that require cleaning. So why clean the best 3D printers, and why pay special attention to the printing bed? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Cleaning the various parts of a printer is extremely important, and the printing bed is so no exception.
  • Clean the bed with a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol, but read the manual first to find out any cleaning restrictions, as some printers don’t like paper towels, glue sticks, or warm water.
  • You can also place PEI sheets over the glass bed or use simple masking tape. This will protect the bed for future prints.

Why Clean the Printer Bed?

Learning how to clean a 3D printer is important for long-term maintenance, and the same holds true of the print bed. This is the surface area where the object rests as it is being created. After all, if you are wondering how to clean a glass 3D printer bed. If you are wondering how small you can 3D print, this is also determined by the bed, so a dirty or cluttered print bed decreases the size of available print jobs.

Insider Tip

Be sure to clean the rest of the printer while you are at it, including the nozzles and the enclosure.

Tips to Clean a 3D Printer Bed

Each printer is unique, as is each print bed. Here are some universal tips worth considering when cleaning these beds in lieu of specific step-by-step information.

Use Isopropyl Alcohol (Probably)

In the vast majority of cases, a soft microfiber cloth and some isopropyl alcohol is the appropriate method for cleaning a 3D print bed. So dab a bit of the liquid on the cloth and get going, leaving plenty of time to dry once finished cleaning. However, some printers do not do well with any liquids, so read the instructions to find out if you should avoid moisture when cleaning the print bed.

Attach a PEI Sheet

PEI sheets are protective elements placed as thin layers on top of the print bed. They help guard the bed against all kinds of damage from debris and grime. Consider applying one of these sheets, as they affix right on the top of the print bed. Think of them as a phone case. You will have to clean the actual PEI sheet with isopropyl alcohol, but that is a small price to pay.

STAT: PEI (polyetherimide) sheets are becoming popular for improving bed adhesion. They provide an excellent grip on a variety of materials, and they easily release most prints when cool. (source)

Use Adhesive Tape

Adhesive tape like masking or painter’s tape is a good DIY version of the aforementioned PEI sheet. Apply the tape to the bed and lift it off after the print, taking all the leftover resin and related gunk with it. This method is only for unheated beds, so check the instructions.

Cleaning Printing Bed FAQs

When should I clean it?

Clean your bed after every print job, especially if there is obvious leftover filament sitting on top of it.

Why clean the print bed?

Cleaning the print bed is important to protect it from adhesive residue and various contaminants. Use a dry cloth for the cleaning process, and check the instructions to see if you can use soapy water, window cleaner, hot water, or even a soft sponge.

Where can I find a high-quality 3D printer?

High-quality printers are everywhere to assist with the printing process. Check online for unique models, as some ship with glass print beds and others lack glass beds.
Lawrence Bonk Profile image
Lawrence Bonk
Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.