air compressor application
Air compressors for cleaning
- Aug 9, 2023
One thing everyone hates is dust. It’s everywhere, in those awkward spots where it’s nearly impossible to remove even with a vacuum.
It can be frustrating, especially when the rest of your home is clean because the dust can gather more dust and multiply quickly, meaning your home won’t stay dust-free for long.
While a vacuum cleaner can do part of the job, what you need to get rid of stubborn dust is a powerful air compressor that can get rid of even the most long-standing and inaccessible corners—deep-rooted layers of dust.
Air compressors are superb because they are so versatile, and many different types depend on your needs. You can even use an air compressor to clean your PC.
Some are portable and great for home use, while others are more flexible and versatile, working well in the garage or workshop while allowing you to use them for painting or other DIY projects.
However, finding a suitable air compressor for your cleaning needs takes work, and there are several considerations to be aware of when choosing a new one.
These appliances often have various features, making it nearly impossible to find the right one for you and potentially leaving you without the necessary equipment to clean your home as quickly and efficiently as possible.
To help with that, we’ve shared everything you need to know before purchasing a suitable air compressor for cleaning.
Let’s get started!
Air compressor for cleaning – Buyer’s Guide
In this buyer’s guide, we’ll highlight the key features and qualities to look for in a quality air compressor to help you find the one that’s right for you and your needs.
It’s important to remember that these devices cover many applications, and some won’t be as universal as others.
All these attributes are vital to ensuring that you get an air compressor that can be used for cleaning effectively.
Air Compressor Size
One of the first things to consider when looking for an air compressor is the size of the unit.
The size of a compressor has a range of effects on its functionality and availability and can significantly impact how easy it is to clean.
Many excellent handheld and highly portable compressors, such as cleaning desks, bookcases, shelves, and even computers and keyboards, are small and designed for home use.
These devices are very portable but slightly less powerful, less robust than larger compressors, and have a much smaller capacity.
On the other hand, there are some more extensive options, but still somewhat portable, and even workshop compressors, which have excellent capacity and power but are, of course, less convenient for home use but better for removing debris, wood chips, and for applications such as crumbs and other painting.
However, there are many different sizes and significant compromises to find the perfect option for home use and more practical DIY/workstation use.
Capacity
The capacity of an air compressor determines how powerful the compressor is and how efficiently it maintains a strong airflow. Often, capacity can significantly impact the pressure, or PSI, your compressor can handle.
Generally, around 70 to 100 PSI is considered a good level for a home compressor that needs to be able to remove dust and debris. In comparison, some of the more powerful workshop compressors that are more versatile typically produce 100 to 140 PSI, depending on their performance as well as the size of the tank.
While PSI can significantly impact your compressor’s performance, you can make a smaller PSI compressor more powerful by choosing the right attachments and nozzles. So, before deciding to get something high-powered, please remember this.
When looking for these tools, it’s good to keep a use case in mind, how do you plan to use your compressor most often, and what are your goals for using it? This will help you determine if a larger or smaller compressor capacity is required.
Availability and portability
The availability and portability of a compressor are essential factors in determining how much value you get from the unit.
Handheld air compressors are handy and can be easily used for household cleaning, but they can’t be used for larger tasks like painting.
Semi-portable or stationary compressors are less convenient for everyday use around the home. Still, they offer greater versatility and value in the long run, especially if you have a workshop or plan to use the compressor for painting.
Typically, a compressor’s portability is inversely proportional to the power it can deliver, so it’s a trade-off to consider carefully before making a decision.
Energy source
The energy source your compressor uses will significantly impact its power and portability.
While handheld or battery-operated compressors can still provide plenty of power and handle most cleaning tasks easier, they won’t be as powerful as those that use a main power.
But the great thing about battery-operated handheld compressors is their ability to get into hard-to-reach places, making them great for cleaning bookshelves, the inside of computers, and such sensitive or hard-to-reach areas.
However, if you want the cleanest, most powerful compressor available, a stationary compressor may be your best choice.
Air Compressor Accessories
Getting the most out of your compressor often requires a few extra accessories to ensure you can direct the airflow as precisely as possible.
This will help you get the most out of the air pressure and also help prevent damage to delicate objects around the area you’re cleaning.
Some units come with a variety of additional nozzles and accessories. In contrast, others come with few alternative accessories, so keep this in mind when reviewing your options. Make sure to get as much information as possible before making a decision.
However, suppose you do have a particular compressor. In that case, you can always purchase accessories separately later, and there are many options to choose from if you decide to go that route.
Dangers of cleaning with compressed air
Compressed air is powerful and can be dangerous or even fatal when misused. Air compressors are not designed for cleaning, but it is still common practice to use compressed air to clean dust and debris from filters, machines, clothing, workshop surfaces, etc.
Compressed air can be harmful to you and those around you when abused.
Let’s see the most common risks of using compressed air for cleaning.
Dangerous projectiles by compressed air
Compressed air from commercial air compressors, can exert extremely high forces, turning small particles, nuts, bolts, washers and other bits into high-velocity projectiles. These objects become shrapnel that can cause serious injury if they hit someone. When the force behind it is strong enough, even dust and grime can cause skin abrasions—like sandblasting.
But even without ejecting objects, compressed air itself can cause severe damage.
How can compressed air harm the human body?
Compressed air can harm the human body in several ways. Whenever compressed air enters or touches your body, you are at risk for serious health complications.
Here are a few examples of compressed air hazards:
- Accidentally blowing compressed air into the mouth can rupture the lungs, stomach or intestines
- High-decibel sound from compressed air blown into or near the ear can cause permanent hearing loss
- Compressed air can get into the blood, and if it gets into the blood vessels in the brain, death is possible
- Just 12 pounds of compressed air pressure can blow eyeballs out.
- Anyone familiar with compressed air used for scuba diving knows the possibility of an air embolism. An embolism is when air bubbles enter the bloodstream and block a blood vessel or artery, potentially causing paralysis, induced coma, and even death.
While improper diving procedures are the most common cause of air embolism, there is also a risk of embolism from the abuse of compressed air at high pressure. High-pressure air could be forced into the bloodstream. It’s impossible, but why take the risk?
All the health risks listed above are easily preventable: don’t use compressed air for cleaning.
Is it illegal to do cleaning with compressed air?
Canada and the United States have laws governing compressed air; cleaning with compressed air is often illegal.
In the US, the occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) regulates workplace safety. Compressed air is governed by Standard 1910.242.b, which states: “Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes unless the pressure has been reduced below 30 psi (206 kPa) and only with effective chip guards and personal protective equipment.”
According to the Canadian Centre for occupational health and safety (CCOHS), using compressed air for cleaning is not legally permitted in Canada. Alberta, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island have specific laws stating that compressed air cannot be used to clean clothes, people, machines, workbenches, etc.
Federal regulations in British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon prohibit air cleaning due to the risk it poses to workers. However, some laws allow the use of low-noise nozzles.
Other laws may apply in some states, provinces and countries, so you should always check your local laws for relevant information. When you are in doubt, use common sense and try not use compressed air for cleaning!
Safe practices for cleaning with compressed air
If your jurisdiction allows the use of compressed air for cleaning, or if you plan to ignore the regulations and do so anyway, it’s essential to take precautions to be safe:
- Check the air compressor and hoses before use to ensure they are not damaged or worn.
- Reduce the pressure on the air compressor to 30 psi or less. This will reduce the risk of injury.
- Use nozzles that reduce pressure to 10 psi or less and are rated for low noise. These nozzles help control the air and are sometimes sold as “safety air nozzles.”
- Use effective guards to protect yourself and those around you from debris and other debris that may blow back. An extension tube can also provide more space between you and the cleaned object.
- Wear appropriate PPE, including goggles, gloves, and hearing protection. Long-sleeved pants and shirts are also good options.
- You should never point the air nozzle at yourself or anyone else. Likewise, don’t use compressed air to clean your clothes.
As we’ve discussed before, using an air compressor for cleaning is an excellent idea, and a dedicated air compressor is the way to go.
However, before cleaning, you should ensure it is turned off, disconnected from the electrical outlet, and that your hands are not wet.
BISON hope this article helps you resolve any issues.
air compressors for cleaning FAQs
What PSI is best for cleaning?
You don’t always want the highest possible PSI for cleaning, as this could damage the surface or object you are cleaning!
For a good cleaning, any pressure between 60 and 90 PSI is more than enough and removes dust very quickly and easily, especially with a narrow and precise nozzle or brush attachment to collect the blown dust.
Some compressors offer much more than that, and if you use them for cleaning, you should use them with great care and maintain an appropriate distance between the surface being cleaned and the compressor nozzle.
How often should I use an air compressor for cleaning?
It depends on how much you need to clean. For some items, such as computers, the compressor may only need to be used every few months, but for busy workstations, shelves, and desks, the compressor can be used as often as necessary to keep the area clean.
It is important to note that the compressor does not suck up dust! They’ll blow it off the surface, and you’ll need to vacuum or sweep the dust to ensure your place is as clean as possible.
Can I use an air compressor with my PC or keyboard?
Yes, there are specialized air compressors designed for use with these types of sensitive electronic components, and they can be used in place of cans of compressed air, which are often used to clean computers.
Air compressors are more convenient, have different power options and are a better choice for nozzles. Generally, these are the better choice and, when used properly, will keep your system cleaner than using standard canned compressed air.
If you have any enquiries about the BISON air compressor, we would love to hear from you.
