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In this article, we explain how automotive components are cleaned, the washing methods commonly used and why we think industrial washing systems are so important for this industry.

Common Automotive Parts That Need Cleaning

At Unitech Washers, we work closely with businesses that rely on using clean, safe gastronorm equipment. In this article, we’ll walk through how gastronorm containers are cleaned, why it matters, and what methods work best.

What are GN Containers?

Gastronorm (often shortened to GN) containers are standard trays commonly found in commercial kitchens – available in a range of set sizes and depths. They are used for cooking, holding, and storing food in restaurants, hotels, and catering sites across the UK.

Most are made from stainless steel or food-grade plastic. So while they’re built to last, without proper cleaning, they can still collect grease, burnt food and bacteria.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about immersion parts washers.

What is an Immersion Parts Washer?

An immersion parts washer is a washing system that submerges parts fully in an agitated cleaning solution, contained in a wash tank.

This method is ideal for washing parts with complex shapes, small holes, or internal channels. Because the part is fully covered by the cleaning solution, every surface has contact with the detergent. This leads to a deeper and more even clean.

How Does an Immersion Parts Washer Work?

The process is straightforward but very effective. Parts are placed into a basket or directly into the tank. The tank contains heated water mixed with a cleaning detergent. Once the cycle starts, several actions take place at the same time.

• Heat softens oils and grease. Warm water allows the detergent to work faster and more effectively.
• Chemistry then plays its part. Specially formulated detergents break down contaminants so they can be lifted from the surface.
• Movement helps loosen dirt. This can be done through agitation, circulation pumps, or even ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves that create tiny bubbles. These bubbles collapse and release energy, which helps remove grime from tight spaces.
• The final factor is time. Leaving the parts submerged for the right amount of time allows the solution to reach every area.

What About Drying?

After washing, drying is the next step. Wet parts can develop rust or water marks if left untreated. Many immersion systems include built-in drying options, such as heated air blowers or drying chambers.

What Can You Clean with an Immersion Washer?

Immersion washers can handle a wide range of components. They are especially useful when parts have deep recesses, threads, or narrow channels.

Common applications include:

Choosing the Right Immersion Parts Washer

Selecting the right industrial parts washer starts with understanding your cleaning needs. Think about the size, material, and level of contamination of your parts. Remember, parts with fine details or internal passages benefit most from immersion cleaning.

You’ll need to consider:

• The size of your parts
• How dirty your parts get
• How many parts need cleaning each day
• Detergent choice
• Cycle time and temperature
• Rinsing and drying needs

At Unitech Washers, we can then help you find a solution that fits your workflow. Our systems are built for reliability, easy maintenance, and long service life.

If you have ever wondered how delicate parts come out perfectly clean without scrubbing or harsh chemicals, the answer is often ultrasonic cleaning. It may sound complex, but the idea is actually simple. Let’s find out.

What Happens Inside the Tank?

Sound Waves in Action

The object being cleaned sits in a tank filled with liquid.

Devices called ultrasonic transducers are fixed to the inside of the tank to create and send sound waves through the liquid at high speed, usually at 20 to 40 kHz.

These vibrations are what form the microscopic bubbles. The bubbles are invisible to the naked eye, but they are extremely powerful at a small scale. They can reach and clean places that brushes simply cannot.

The Role of the Cleaning Liquid

The liquid is usually water mixed with a mild detergent. The detergent helps break down oils and grease. It also helps the bubbles form more easily.

Different materials may need different cleaning fluids. For example, metal tools may use a stronger mix, while delicate items such as electronics need a gentler solution. The right liquid makes a big difference in results.

Why Businesses Choose Ultrasonic Washing Systems

For companies that deal with precision parts or high volumes of equipment, ultrasonic cleaning offers clear advantages. It reduces manual effort, lowers the risk of damage, and produces repeatable results.

It also supports better hygiene and quality control. Clean parts perform better and last longer. In industries where even tiny particles can cause problems, this level of cleaning is essential.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about aqueous parts washers.

What Is an Aqueous Parts Washer?

An aqueous parts washer uses water-based cleaning solutions instead of harsh solvents to remove oil, grease, and other contaminants from industrial parts. The word aqueous simply means ‘containing water’.

These washers rely on a mix of heat, water, and detergents to do the job that older solvent-based systems once did.

How Does an Aqueous Parts Washer Work?

Most aqueous washers work on a similar principle. Dirty parts are loaded into a wash chamber or basket. Once the door is closed, jets of heated water mixed with detergent are sprayed or circulated around the parts.

The key to effective cleaning lies in four elements – often called the Sinner’s Circle:

• Time (how long the parts are washed)
• Temperature (how hot the water is)
• Chemistry (the type of detergent used)
• Mechanical Action (the pressure, agitation, or scrubbing involved)

By adjusting these four factors, you can achieve the right level of cleaning for almost any part.

What About Drying?

After the wash cycle, the parts need to be dried to prevent rust and water spots. Many aqueous systems include built-in drying options, such as hot air blowers or heated chambers.

For metal components, quick drying is important to stop corrosion. Some systems even use compressed air or vacuum drying for delicate or complex parts. The goal is to make sure the parts come out ready for the next stage – whether that’s inspection, assembly, or packaging.

What Can You Clean with an Aqueous Parts Washer?

Aqueous washers are very adaptable. They can handle everything from small engine parts to large industrial components. In fact, almost any material that can safely come into contact with water can be cleaned this way.

Common applications include:

Types of Aqueous Parts Washers

There isn’t just one type of aqueous washer. The right system depends on what you’re cleaning and how much throughput your process requires.

Spray Washers use high-pressure jets of hot water and detergent. They’re perfect for larger parts or batches that need strong cleaning power.

Immersion Washers submerge the parts completely in a tank of heated cleaning solution. Agitation or ultrasonic energy helps loosen and remove dirt. These are ideal for intricate parts with hidden surfaces.

Conveyor Washers are built for continuous production lines. Parts move through different cleaning and drying stages automatically – great for factories that need high output and consistent results.

Rotary Drum Washers clean small components in bulk. The drum rotates to expose all sides of the parts while they’re sprayed or immersed.

Cabinet Washers work like large dishwashers. Load the parts, close the door, and let the cycle run. They’re efficient and easy to operate, especially for medium-sized batches.

The right choice depends on your production needs, the size of your parts, and how clean they must be after washing.

Choosing the Right Aqueous Parts Washer

Selecting the right industrial parts washer starts with understanding your cleaning needs. Think about the size, material, and level of contamination of your parts. A small engineering workshop will need a very different setup from a large automotive plant.

Ask yourself:

• How many parts need cleaning each day?
• Are they large, small, or a mix?
• Do they have blind holes, threads, or complex shapes?
• What type of dirt or residue are you removing?

At Unitech Washers, we can then help you find a solution that fits your workflow. Our systems are built for reliability, easy maintenance, and long service life.

In the world of industrial and commercial washing, drying is just as important as cleaning. After items are washed, any leftover water can cause problems. That’s where an air knife drying system comes in. But what actually is it and what can be achieved? Let’s find out.

Understanding Air Knife Drying Systems

An air knife drying system uses high velocity air to remove water from items as they exit the wash cycle. The ‘air knife’ itself is a slim, elongated blade connected to a centrifugal blower or similar device. As products pass by, the knife directs a controlled stream of compressed air across the surface, pushing water away quickly and evenly.

This method works much faster than traditional drying techniques, making it ideal for high volume production lines where efficiency matters.

Does It Completely Dry the Item?

Not always. An air knife drying system removes most surface water by creating a strong ‘wiping’ effect over the product, similar to the final stage of a car wash. For situations where total dryness is essential, combining air knife systems with a heat tunnel is the most effective solution.

Why Are Air Knife Systems Used in Industrial and Commercial Washing?

In industries where items must be washed and dried quickly, an air knife drying system is the perfect solution. It removes water without contact, reducing the risk of contamination or damage. By removing surface water, it also prepares products for the next stage of production, whether that’s packing, coating, or assembly.

In Unitech’s washing systems, air knife blowers are positioned after the wash and rinse stages. This setup makes sure products pass through the airflow immediately after washing.

Many of our clients in food processing, manufacturing, and engineering choose this option because it saves both time and energy.

The Benefits of Using Air Knife Drying

Air knife systems offer several key advantages for industrial washing applications:

• Faster drying – High-speed air removes water almost instantly.
• Energy savings – Air knives use less energy than heated drying alone.
• Improved hygiene – Less moisture means fewer risks of contamination.
• Better production flow – Reduces delays between washing and the next processing step.

Air Knife Drying vs Traditional Drying Methods

Traditional drying often relies on heated air, fans, or absorbent materials. While these methods can still work, they are usually slower and less efficient. Air knife systems, on the other hand, use focused streams of air to remove water instantly without relying on high temperatures.

This makes them ideal for sensitive items or products where heat could cause damage.

See One in Action

Why Choose Unitech Washers for Air Knife Solutions

Unitech Washers has years of experience designing industrial washing systems that meet the needs of modern production lines. We offer air knife blowers as an optional feature to make your washing process faster and more efficient.

Our engineers design each system with precision, tailoring the solution to your products, production space, and speed requirements. Whether you need a compact washer or a large scale automated line, we integrate air knife drying technology where it delivers the most value.

If you own a food processing business, the chances are you’ll be dealing with food trays and plastic food crates on a daily basis. But what happens to them once the contents are emptied? They need to be washed! We take a look at the importance of crate washers in the food industry and how they can help your business meet hygiene standards, maintain the quality of your products and more.

How Do Food Industry Crate Washers Work?

Crate washers can be built to handle a variety of crates used in different stages of food processing and handling. Here are some common types of crates that can be washed:

At Unitech Washers, we know a thing or two about keeping working environments sterile and safe. It’s the core of our business. So if you need to manage how dirt enters and exits your food production areas – you’re in the right place. Without throwing too much information at you, we’ll explain the key benefits of boot washers and why we think they’re a great investment.

3. Protect Your Brand Reputation

So what are the consequences if a boot washer isn’t installed?

Above all, it can impact people’s health. Additionally, there could be serious legal repercussions for the business too.

A boot washing station will ensure that your facility keeps a strong barrier against these risks, safeguarding your products, your brand reputation, and ultimately, public health.

4. Compliance with Industry Regulations

In the UK and Europe, food safety regulations are rigorous and designed to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and safety in food processing environments. This includes the management of personal hygiene and the use of appropriate cleaning and disinfecting equipment, such as boot washers, to prevent the introduction of contaminants into critical areas.

5. Increased Productivity

Finally, by opting to choose an automated boot washer, you can significantly reduce the time employees spend on manual boot cleaning. This allows workers to move quickly and safely into production areas, boosting overall operational efficiency.

Our customers report noticeable improvements in workflow and reduced downtime related to hygiene maintenance.

Manually cleaning parts is often tedious and time consuming. Here at Unitech, we’ve seen first hand how the shift from manual to automated washing processes can transform operations. Automatic parts washers are no different, helping to eliminate various contaminants including oil, grime, dirt, paint, and other residues with little to no supervision required.

We take a look at all of the benefits of automated washers and how they can help your business.

Clean Any Size Part

Automated parts washers can clean any size part, from small engine components to large aerospace parts. These systems are able to clean even the most complex parts quickly and accurately, ensuring a thorough clean every time.

What Are the Different Types of Automated Parts Washers?

As the demand for precision cleaning grows, so does the variety of automated parts washers. Here’s a brief overview of the types of washing systems you might want to consider for your business:

Cabinet Parts Washers

Ideal for smaller parts, cabinet washers are compact and efficient, using high pressure jets to blast away dirt and grease.

Ultrasonic Parts Washers

Using high frequency sound waves, ultrasonic washers can clean intricate parts to a microscopic level, perfect for delicate or complex components.

Conveyorised Parts Washers

Designed for high volume cleaning, conveyorised washers move parts through different cleaning stages, offering a continuous cleaning solution.

Immersion Parts Washers

These washers submerge parts in a cleaning solution, using agitation, rotation, or ultrasonic waves to dislodge contaminants.

Aqueous Parts Washers

Using water based solutions, aqueous washers are an environmentally friendly option that can efficiently remove a wide range of substances.

Rotary Basket Parts Washer

Rotary basket washers use a spinning basket filled with cleaning agents to remove heavy contamination from components. Great for uniformly cleaning small to medium parts, spinning them through cleaning and rinse cycles.