Industrial mold cleaners
Mold cleaners are products that remove waxes, release agent residues, raw materials, grease and other residues left on the mold surface after production. At AITANACHEM, we offer a complete range of mold cleaners, from water-based solutions for day-to-day use to high-power cleaners for deep restorations. A clean mold is the foundation of quality production: it improves the adhesion of the sealer and the release agent, and extends the mold’s service life.
Why cleaning the mold conditions the entire release process
Cleaning the mold is the first link in the release system and, often, the most overlooked. On a dirty mold, not even the best sealer or the best release agent performs as it should: residues prevent the product from adhering correctly to the surface. Conversely, a clean mold allows the part to faithfully replicate its shape and increases the number of releases per application. Choosing the right cleaner according to the condition of the mold is not a minor detail, but a decision that directly affects the quality of the part and the service life of the mold.
Two types of cleaning depending on the mold's condition
Not all molds need the same type of cleaning. Depending on their condition and the degree of soiling, we distinguish two situations:
Surface cleaning (daily maintenance)
For the light soiling that appears during daily production. These are liquid cleaners applied manually (by wiping) that remove minor contamination from the mold without attacking the surface. Worth highlighting here are the water-based cleaners, which allow mechanical methods to be used (brushes, non-scratch scouring pads) to speed up the work, as they contain no solvents or flammable components. They are biodegradable, with very low evaporation — which allows them to be left to act for as long as needed — and free from hazard statements, ideal for working inside industrial facilities. We explain this in our article on solvent-free mold cleaners
Deep cleaning (mold restoration)
For very dirty molds, or when you want to return the mold to its original condition after a long production run. This is where high-power cleaners formulated with solid particles come in, applied by low-pressure blasting with compressed air. They quickly remove even the most ingrained dirt — oils, waxes, pigments and other residues — without damaging the mold surface or causing loss of gloss, something that does happen with acetone, chlorinated solvents or acids. They are especially suitable for metal molds, such as those in rotational molding and the rubber industry.
A range of cleaners for every need
Each process and each type of dirt requires a different cleaner. That is why we offer a wide range covering everything from everyday cleaning to deep restoration:
- Biodegradable water-based cleaners: free from hazardous solvents and hazard statements, for the daily cleaning of molds, tools and machinery. Highly effective on uncured gelcoat and resins (polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy). They do not degrade metal or polyester molds.
- Water-based cleaners reinforced with microparticles: they provide strong cleaning power and also activate the mold surface for subsequent sealing, without damaging it. Especially recommended on metal surfaces.
- Solvent-based cleaners: a combination designed to clean molds, whether new or used, easily removing release agents and other contaminants without causing damage or loss of gloss.
- Solid-particle powder cleaner (dry cleaning): applied by low-pressure blasting, it is the fastest solution for heavily ingrained metal molds, such as those in rotational molding and rubber, without damaging the surface.
Dry cleaning of metal molds: fast and thorough
For metal molds with heavily ingrained dirt, dry cleaning by blasting is the fastest and most effective solution. A solid-particle powder cleaner is projected with compressed air at low pressure (below 5 kg) about 25 cm from the mold, removing the residue pass after pass without solvents and without damaging the surface. It is the ideal method when other cleaners with high solvent concentrations prove ineffective. In the video, you can see the full application process on a metal mold.
From cleaner to release agent: the correct sequence
Cleaning is not an isolated step, but the start of a system. After cleaning the mold, and before its first use, we always recommend sealing the surface: the sealer closes the micropores that the cleaner has exposed and improves the performance of the release agent. The full process follows this sequence:
- Clean the mold with the cleaner suited to its condition, until the surface is completely dry and free from any lubricated feel.
- Seal the mold as part of mold treatment and maintenance, to close the surface micropores.
- Apply the release agent: see our guide to industrial mold release agents to choose the system best suited to your process.
Frequently asked questions about mold cleaners
Why is it so important to clean the mold well before applying the release agent?
Because if cleaner residues, waxes or dirt remain on the surface, the sealer and the release agent do not adhere correctly and lose effectiveness. A well-cleaned mold ensures the perfect adhesion of the release system and increases process performance. That is why, before applying the sealer or the release agent, you must make sure the mold is completely dry and free from any lubricated feel.
What advantages does a water-based cleaner have over a solvent-based one?
Water-based cleaners are biodegradable, non-flammable and have very low evaporation, which allows them to be left to act for as long as needed and mechanical cleaning methods to be applied safely. As they contain no hazardous solvents or hazard statements, they are ideal for working inside industrial facilities, safely replacing toxic products such as methyl chloride, acetone or styrene. We explain this in more detail in our article on solvent-free mold cleaners
What does dry cleaning of molds involve?
It is a cleaning method in which a solid-particle powder cleaner is projected onto the mold surface using low-pressure compressed air. It is especially suitable for metal molds with heavily ingrained dirt, such as those in rotational molding and rubber. It cleans quickly and easily without damaging the mold surface; if a glossy finish is required, you simply polish afterwards.
Do cleaners damage the mold surface?
Our cleaners are formulated to remove dirt without degrading the mold, whether metal, polyester, vinyl ester or epoxy. This is an important difference compared with aggressive products such as acetone, chlorinated solvents or acids, which can damage the surface or cause it to lose gloss. Even so, they should not be applied on PET.
Can mechanical methods be used to clean the mold?
Yes, as long as the cleaner contains no solvents or flammable elements, as is the case with our water-based cleaners. In that case, non-scratch scouring pads, brushes or sponges can be used, and even mechanical accessories attached to a drill, which make the work easier and speed up the process. On surfaces with thin anodising, mechanical methods should be avoided.
Choose the right cleaner for your mold
The type of mold, the degree of soiling and the residue to be removed determine which cleaner is most suitable. Rather than selling a single product, we have a technical team that analyses your case and recommends the optimal solution: a water-based cleaner for daily maintenance, a deep cleaner to restore a very dirty mold, or a combination of both. Always with our technical support throughout the trial phase.
Do you have a heavily ingrained mold, or do you want to switch to safer solvent-free cleaners?
Get in touch with us and we will look at your case with no obligation.
👉 Want to understand the complete release system — cleaning, sealing and demolding? Take a look at our complete guide to industrial mold release agents