Windolene confusion...?

[brackets]

Hi,

Living in the UK so I bought some Windolene orginal (green liquid) to clear
an Epson clog; but nowhere on the bottle does it list any ammonia as an
active ingredient and I was led to believe this was the necessary component
for the cleaning to work...

Is it still ok to use this stuff then?

Thanks.

 

[Tony]

Hi,

Living in the UK so I bought some Windolene orginal (green liquid) to clear
an Epson clog; but nowhere on the bottle does it list any ammonia as an
active ingredient and I was led to believe this was the necessary component
for the cleaning to work...

Is it still ok to use this stuff then?

Thanks.

Sniff it - but not too often or too much There are several Mr Muscle and
kitchen cleaner fluids all from the same 2,000 gallon drum out back no
doubt. Even Amway have one...
Tony

 

[Jimmy]

Hi,

Living in the UK so I bought some Windolene orginal (green liquid) to clear
an Epson clog; but nowhere on the bottle does it list any ammonia as an
active ingredient and I was led to believe this was the necessary component
for the cleaning to work...

Is it still ok to use this stuff then?

Thanks.

Actually, the ingredient Isopropanol (Isopropyl Alcohol) is what does the
job.

 

[Cerridwen]

Sniff it - but not too often or too much There are several Mr
Muscle and kitchen cleaner fluids all from the same 2,000 gallon drum
out back no doubt. Even Amway have one...
Tony

The last time I bought Windolene it was bright pink - Mr Muscle is green.

 

[Emyr Rhys Williams]

Hi,

Living in the UK so I bought some Windolene orginal (green liquid) to clear
an Epson clog; but nowhere on the bottle does it list any ammonia as an
active ingredient and I was led to believe this was the necessary component
for the cleaning to work...

Is it still ok to use this stuff then?

Thanks.

I used the clear Windolene which comes with a handspray top.

Emyr

 

[Kennedy McEwen]

Hi,

Living in the UK so I bought some Windolene orginal (green liquid) to clear
an Epson clog; but nowhere on the bottle does it list any ammonia as an
active ingredient and I was led to believe this was the necessary component
for the cleaning to work...

Is it still ok to use this stuff then?

No - don't use that, or any coloured variants.
The original Windowlene was a thick pink gunk that cleaned glass by mild
abrasion - you can't use that on your printer either.
The only version of Windowlene to use is the completely clear liquid
that is sold in a spray bottle.

 

[Alan]

Actually, the ingredient Isopropanol (Isopropyl Alcohol) is what does the
job.

So how about rubbing alcohol, the label indicates this is 75% Isopropyl alcohol?

 

[Arthur Entlich]

The ammonia is the principal ingredient that dissolves the standard
Epson dye and resin inks. The reason ammoniated window cleaners are
typically recommended is they also contain glycol which is one of the
solvents used in most inkjet inks (it retards drying) and the ammonia
concentration is just about right for most applications.

Depending upon which printer and ink you are using, the ammonia will be
more or less important. With the pigmented inks it is relatively
critical in dissolving the resins. In the dye inks it helps to control
the pH of the cleaning fluid and does work on the ink solids involved in
a clog, but in a pinch water will sometimes work.

As someone else mentioned, you can smell ammonia, even at the
concentration used in window cleaners. If you cannot find an ammoniated
cleaner, see if you can locate non-sudsy household ammonia and mix it 1
part ammonia to 10 parts water.

Someone else mentioned isopropylene, or isopropyl or rubbing alcohol.
This is mainly a wetting agent, and although it does help to dissolve
some of the inks, it is not the principal active ingredient in the
cleaner. It helps to get the fluids to flow into the nooks and crannies
of the head, and it also helps to dry out the cleaner more rapidly
because it accelerates the rate of evaporation.

Do not use the thick pink Windowlene with inkjet heads.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Minor correction:

Someone else mentioned isopropanol, or isopropyl or rubbing alcohol.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

So how about rubbing alcohol, the label indicates this is 75% Isopropyl alcohol?

Yes, rubbing alcohol is Isopropyl alcohol of differing strengths
(usually 75% or 99%). Make sure the rest is water, and not any
lubricant, colorant, or other additive like oil of wintergreen. These
can damage the heads.

However, the use of the alcohol by itself or with water is not the best
solution. The main active ingredient in the cleaning solutions is
indeed the ammonia, but over-concentrated it can cause damage to the
print heads, so if one isn't using a pre-mix like window cleaner, use
household non-sudsy ammonia mixed one part to 10 parts water.

Art

 

[Tony]

alcohol?

Yes, rubbing alcohol is Isopropyl alcohol of differing strengths
(usually 75% or 99%).

And for your further delight: Green Cross Isopropyl Alcohol imported to the
UK by Manning Impex Ltd Aldershot. "For your everyday all-round alcohol use.
Best for bathing, massaging, cleaning and sanitation purposes. Ideal for
home, offices, hotels and restaurants."
I'm not sure if this means you should get a massage in the office or a hotel
or restaurant - but it could do the trick
Tony

 

[Michael]

So how about rubbing alcohol, the label indicates this is 75% Isopropyl alcohol?

IIRC, rubbing alcohol contains oil. The oil helps "rubbing" hands glide
over skin without sticking and chattering. Probably better to use pure
isopropanol.