ph-cleantec GmbH offers industry-leading machine cleaning solutions that redefine how manufacturers, OEMs, and maintenance organizations approach cleaning, contamination control, and process hygiene. With 40 years of expertise, our low-pressure high-temperature cleaning systems deliver superior cleaning performance while drastically reducing environmental impact, enhancing workplace safety, reducing work time, and improving total cost of ownership.
Machine Cleaning – Sustainable, Safe & Economical Industrial Cleaning Technology
How does Machine Cleaning with ph-cleantec work?
ph-cleantec machine cleaning uses a unique combination of high temperatures (up to ~95 °C) and low operating pressures (3–14 bar) to dissolve and remove oil, grease, coolant residues, swarf, and other contamination from machine tools and production equipment. The method is applicable to tooling machines, CNC centres, conveyor systems, production lines and inspection equipment — without damaging sensitive components.
Specifically, the coolant lubricant of the machine tool is used to clean the tooling machine: The coolant lubricant is sucked in from the tank of the machine tool, heated to 95°C (this does not damage the coolant), and then used to spray the machine tool clean in a fraction of the time otherwise needed.
Why Machine Cleaning Matters in Modern Production
In high-precision manufacturing, contamination from coolants, oils and process residues is not just aesthetic — it directly affects:
- Process reliability
- Machinery uptime
- Product quality
- Maintenance costs
- Workplace safety
- Regulatory compliance
Traditional cleaning methods such as manual degreasing, high-pressure washing, or solvent-based cleaners often fall short: they are slow, labour-intensive, environmentally burdensome, and expose personnel to health risks. ph-cleantec offers a better alternative.
ph-cleantec Machine Cleaning – Key Advantages
1. Reduced Environmental Footprint
- Minimal water usage: Machine tools are cleaned entirely without water as the coolant lubricant from the machine tool itself is used. Even for other machines ph-cleantec systems use only a fraction of the water consumed by high-pressure cleaners (often 90 %+ less), and the water can be recycled and reused within the system.
- Low or no chemicals: High temperatures break down contamination without aggressive solvents — eliminating the need (and the cost) for chemicals, also eliminating VOC emissions, and reducing hazardous waste streams.
- Lower wastewater load: Reduced effluent volumes and chemical load decrease disposal costs and environmental compliance burdens.
These factors directly support corporate sustainability goals and regulatory compliance in environmental performance.
2. Enhanced Health & Safety
Traditional machine cleaning carries significant risks:
- High-pressure jets can generate splash, recoil and flying debris.
- Chemical solvents expose personnel to inhalation hazards, allergic responses, and long-term health effects.
ph-cleantec’s low-pressure hot cleaning eliminates these issues:
- No high-pressure hazards – no splash-back, no propulsion of parts.
- No toxic fumes – no solvent clouds or VOC exposure.
- Equipment is mobile and ergonomic, reducing strain and workplace hazards.
- Protective clothing requirements are significantly reduced.
The result is an improved Health & Safety performance, with fewer accidents, lower safety liability, and less sick days.
3. Superior Economic Performance
Investing in ph-cleantec machine cleaning yields measurable ROI:
- Time savings: Cleaning cycles are often 80–90 % faster than manual or conventional methods — what took days can now be accomplished in hours.
- Reduced labour costs: Shorter cleaning procedures mean less downtime and lower personnel costs.
- Lower material costs: With minimal chemical usage and lower waste disposal costs, and no damage to parts operational spend is significantly reduced.
- Reduced machine downtime: In most cases, with ph-cleantec machine cleaning takes two hours rather than two days.
- Rapid amortisation: Customers frequently see payback within 6–12 months due to cumulative savings across water, chemicals, labour, and downtime.
The economics of ph-cleantec are compelling: lower total cost of ownership compared to high-pressure, manual, or solvent-based cleaning regimes.
Which device for machine cleaning?
Devices used for machine cleaning are often based upon the following models:
The devices can be provided with the following options:
- option “external suction”, allowing to suck in medium (coolant lubricant) from an external tank, with
- option “temperature control”, and with
- option “filtration” if there is a risk that micro-chips are sucked in with the coolant lubricant.
How ph-cleantec’s Technology Compares
| Feature / Method | High-Pressure Cleaners | Solvent & Spray Cleaners | Manual / Brush Cleaning | ph-cleantec Low-Pressure Hot Cleaning |
| Water Consumption | High | Low | N/A | Very Low & Recycled |
| Chemical Use | None / Optional | High | Depends | Minimal / None |
| Worker Exposure | High risk | High VOC | Moderate | Low |
| Time Efficiency | Moderate | Low / Moderate | Very Low | Very High |
| Surface Safety | Risk of damage | Chemical Impact | Physical abrasion | Gentle & safe |
| Environmental Impact | High | Very High | Medium | Very Low |
| Total Cost | Medium | High | High | Low |
ph-cleantec delivers superior results across all performance vectors — especially where environmental and health considerations are priorities.
Typical Applications in Machine Cleaning
ph-cleantec systems are used in:
- Tooling machine cleaning — spindles, cabins, magazines, tanks, chip conveyors…
- Retro-fitting, plant refurbishment and preventive maintenance
- Production line maintenance
- Coolant & lubricant system hygiene
- Complex geometry cleaning — blind holes, internal channels
- On-site cleaning without dismantling equipment
This versatility means the technology integrates seamlessly into maintenance intervals, shutdowns, and continuous improvement cycles.
Built for Industry – Designed for ROI
ph-cleantec’s portfolio of machines — from flexible mobile units to high-performance systems capable of handling cutting-oil-based cleaning — are engineered to meet industrial reliability and uptime standards.
Our approach is more than just a product — it’s a machine cleaning methodology that boosts productivity, protects people and environment, and delivers measurable financial value.
Request a Free Process Assessment
See how ph-cleantec’s machine cleaning method can integrate into your operations. Our experts will help you quantify savings, compare to your current cleaning practices, and calculate ROI.
📞 Call now: +49-711-518 0600
📩 Contact us for a free consultation and demo, or find one partner in your country by clicking on About Us/Partners worldwide
Further references on machine cleaning with ph-cleantec
You may wish to review one of our videos on machine cleaning on our YoutTube channel – here is the direct link.
Or you may wish to learn more about our health & safety aspects and our environmental footprint – here is the link to an excellent article.