Cleaning and Maintenance Methods for Mixers After Use

Cleaning and Maintenance Methods for Mixers After Use

Timely and thorough cleaning and regular maintenance of the mixer after each use are crucial for ensuring its normal operation, extending its service life, and ensuring smooth operation next time. Once concrete or mortar has hardened, it is extremely difficult to remove, severely affecting mixing performance and even damaging the equipment. Therefore, cleaning and maintenance are not optional finishing touches, but an indispensable part of the entire operation process.

Immediate cleaning after use is the first and most important step. After unloading the materials to be mixed, do not turn off the power and leave immediately. Immediately pour an appropriate amount of clean water into the mixing drum and add a few handfuls of small stones or sand. Restart the mixer and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes. The friction of the rotating blades and stones can effectively wash and scrape off most of the residual slurry adhering to the drum wall and blades. Then drain the murky water. This process usually needs to be repeated one or two times until the drained water is relatively clear. Afterward, open the discharge port and carefully rinse all corners of the drum and the discharge chute with a high-pressure water gun or hose to ensure that no hardened material remains. Finally, wipe the machine casing with a damp cloth to remove any splattered mud.

After basic rinsing, a thorough inspection and targeted maintenance are necessary. Check the mixing blades for looseness, wear, or deformation; tighten or replace any problematic blades promptly. Check the discharge door for tightness and the opening and closing mechanism for smooth operation; if necessary, add a small amount of lubricating oil to rotating parts to prevent rust. Clean and inspect the water supply system to prevent nozzle blockage. For electric mixers, ensure the electrical components are dry to prevent water ingress. For gasoline-powered mixers, perform appropriate maintenance according to engine maintenance requirements before storage.

Deep maintenance before long-term storage and proper storage determine the equipment's "health." If the mixer will be idle for an extended period (e.g., over winter), after the above cleaning, ensure the mixing drum and all components are thoroughly dry to prevent internal rust. Run the machine idle for a period to remove moisture, or open all doors and covers for ventilation and drying. Apply a fresh layer of grease to all metal rotating parts (such as bearings, gears, and chains) to isolate them from air and prevent rust. Store the machine in a dry, well-ventilated indoor location or cover it with a sturdy rainproof cloth to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and rain. It is recommended to post or keep a simple maintenance checklist near the mixer and follow it after each use. Developing good maintenance habits will minimize malfunctions and additional repair costs caused by improper maintenance.