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Did you see this post from a related link. @rsingler uses the glycol as a “penetrant.”Thanks. First page -“ I use ~ 4% by volume phosphoric acid, just a teaspoon each of propylene glycol and Dawn dish detergent to a quart of water.” Not sure why propylene glycol, but dawn dish soap is a surfactant. This person appears to be on the same page as me, acid solution with a surfactant.
If GMC ultrasonic cleaner is 50-70% phosphoric acid,with a surfactant, and safe to use straight, why not other combinations. Or has anybody even tried?
The best comment “2-3 cap full of vinegar to 1 quart of water.” IMO, If you do this, you are better off using distilled water.
I can't stand the odor that Simple Green leaves on plastic parts. I've given it up for Dawn and a toothbrush.
Try switching from vinegar to warm 2% phosphoric acid. Get some liquid tile cleaner from HomeDepot or equivalent, and dilute it heavily. Check the label to confirm it only has phosphoric acid, some glycol (antifreeze) which acts as a penetrant, and add a little Dawn as a surfactant. You've just made some cheapo Lawrence Factor Wash.
The improvement over vinegar is amazing. Warm it and it's even better.
Plastic parts just need a 30-sec dip and a little rubbing on the salty areas, and then a rinse in clean water.
Metal parts can handle 3-10 min in warm solution, and then rinse.
I always wondered what was so special about the crystal variant which garnered it so many recommendations. Thanks!Simple Green Crystal is preferred as it is low odor and takes less rinsing
I might have to get some phosphoric acid, just to give it a try.