cleaning the cylinder

I just got a cylinder from LA pumps and was curious to know the best way to clean it? I already searched and I read that most recommended soap and water (along with a bottle brush). Can you submerge the whole tube in water? Is it possible for the “female adapter” at the top of the cylinder to rust (I think I see some metal and a spring)?

Thanks

The QR at the top just screws out: don’t damage the washer, though, or you’ll never get a good seal again.

I doubt that the fitting will rust: the metal bits look like stainless steel, and I’ve had mine for around ten years now with no rust at all. I’ve always cleaned my tube with anti-bac dishwashing liquid and a toothbrush, but the bottlebrush is definitely superior. I’m just too cheap and dirty to buy one. :D

GM

Try a little shampoo with warm water . It will disolve the film from the lube Steve

So do I need to remove anything or just wash as is?

I have one cylinder that is over 6 yrs old. Submersing it in water has never damaged it. I use Dawn dishwasher liquid.

Always dry the inside cylinder walls after washing.

I take my cylinders in the shower, squirt a little liquid soap in and fill with water, put my hand over the end and shake vigorously. Then I let the soapy water run out through the attached tube. Rinse, shake out most water and twist a towel inside to dry. I should mention, I just use an attached hose, not a hand pump or similar.

This is also how I do it.

What about the stickers on the cylinder? By “stickers” I mean the ruler part with the inches and centimeters, and the other two stickers, the sticker that says 1.75 and the other that says LeLuv. If I submerge the cylinder, wont the stickers eventually wear off?

Thirteen years ago this thread started, you’re a big boy now, clean it like you would use it again and again, don’t get the valve wet if it’s an air pump.

The o-ring is susceptible to breakage. I’m not 100% sure, but I think Vaseline and other oils can degrade some O-rings. I lubricated the adaptor on one of my tubes with Vaseline and the o-ring was destroyed in just a few days.

I bought a generic pack of o-rings in many sizes for a few dollars at harbor freight.

As for cleaning it, you can use a bottle scrubber and dish washing detergent, or that’s what I do when I use an oil based lube. I haven’t noticed any rust.

I switched to a glycerin based lube quite a while ago and cleaning just involves running water inside, swishing it around, and dumping it out a few times.

Sigmoid’s hygienic carrier lube

The stickers do peel off in time, you can tape them in place, but eventually the numbers on the stickers wear off as well. I’m thinking about etching numbers into my tubes soon.

Soap and water is fine. The metal in the fitting is mostly stainless steel, but the springs are ferrous and can potentially rust.

But it’s not likely if you allow it to dry. And… that part is replaceable anyway. It’s a stock connector that’s available from McMaster-Carr; it just screws on.

The only thing I wouldn’t do to clean it is UV light. UV is an excellent antimicrobial, but it also tends to trash plastics.

I’m a big boy now? This dude is inciting an argument. Not sure why he’s been allowed to do so. His account should be banned immediately.

Relax!

:-) Will do.

Whats?