Cleaning Textured PEI Plate

Are there any recommendations for cleaning the textured PEI build plate? I have been using hot water and mild dish detergent with a Scotch Brite Zero Scratch scrub sponge.

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You’ll find lots of recommendations and your mileage may vary.

However, here is some time-tested methods.

  1. Dawn Dishwashing detergent with the hottest water at highest spray volume from your kitchen sink. In the EU it goes by the brand Fairy Liquid. Smear a healthy coat of the soap directly onto the plate, rinse with your sink sprayer at high pressure until it washes away(it will be visibly obvious) and then repeat.

  2. Do NOT use the green Scotchbrite pads on textured PEI. They are too abrasive and will ultimately damage the surface. Instead DO use one of the following alternates but scrubbing should only be needed when you have stuck filament:

  1. 95% Isopropyl Alcohol is a good in-between cleanings simply to clear off skin oils left behind. Do not bother with drug store IPA as that is only 75% concentration at best.

A better way to remove “stuck filament”

From time to time, you may find that certain filaments like Matte, Silk and PETG can be very hyper aggressive when trying to pull them off the plate. Resist the urge to use a scrub brush, instead, freeze the plate for 10 minutes and you’re find the material will flake off easier.

DO NOT use the bambu metal blades on hot PEI. Why? Because of this:


Instead, use this. Not only are they cheaper < 10 cents a blade. Their sharp plastic cutting edge is just the right hardness to cut through filament but not harm PEI.

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The only thing I do differently from what Olias already stated is I use “Magic Eraser” on my build plate to remove oils between washes.

The melamine sponges have saved plates that I thought were a lost cause.

BL responded to my question about using simple green or any of it’s equivalents. They said the grease removal mixture rate was fine. Tried it and it worked great.

The other alternative is to put the plate in your dishwasher when doing the dishes.

Think I posted these along with explanations in the thread I started a long time ago.

And I use a similar scraper to what Olias recommended. Different options on amazon depending on what country you live in. They all work the same. Biggest difference is the pricing.

I like a terry cloth dish rag or microfiber cloth for scrubbing a textured plate with Dawn. The thread loops reach all the way down into the crevices. A fingernail brush also works well.

Hi, I use cheap green soap with the fine metal wool 0000, and dry with a special glass towel.
Just use warm water,gently scrubs both side and rinse with the towel.
Never have had problem with adhesion.

The scrub daddy and hot water seem to do the trick for me. No soaps necessary

I simply use hot water, dish soap, and a microfiber cleaning cloth for cleaning. After that, I dry the surface with another microfiber cloth. This method effectively removes oils and residues without the constant need for IPA.

Personally, I would only resort to using a dishwasher, steel wool, or sandpaper as a last option if I encounter problems, as these methods are abrasive and can wear down the finish over time.

For official info check out the Bambu Lab cleaning guide: Bambu Guide

Additionally, I recommend this build plate cleaner as a good option: Build Plate Cleaner.

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Give it a good clean, then keep those greasy mitts off! I’ve only had to do it about 5 times in 2 years.

I’ve found that eco friendly dish soap here in UK such as “ECOver” doesn’t do the job, it has to be proper things like Fairy… otherwise my first layers are normally awful. 99% isoprop in between fairy cleans is my typical regimen and since then I’ve been struggling to get some prints off!
I should add that I only need to do “proper” cleans when i’ve been doing lots of PETG printing and suddenly want to switch back to PLA.

Why yes I can :wink: :slightly_smiling_face:

I have a painted PEI plate. Sticks almost too well on everything. Manufacturer recommends IPA only, and that’s what I’ve used.

BUT

On the BL textured I used what most have recommended. Water and scent free, regular soap. Dry with a paper towel. Never had an adheision issue on that plate, or the one that’s painted.

I use textured PEI mostly for PTFE. Scribble on some school grade glue stick for extra holding power. After print I always spray it with a mild cleaner and just rub it with my fingers. Cleans up great and works well the next time. I used the plate for a year and it looks new.