How to Clean Oxygen Regulators

Cleaning your regulator should be done immediately after any dive, no matter how long the duration. This will ensure that you won't have to take your regulator to a service shop and pay for cleaning and possibly replacement parts. This is especially critical for after any salt water diving. Salt and mineral deposits can quickly corrode and ruin the rubber seals and moving parts within your regulator. Cleaning a regulator will take a bit longer than an hour to do efficiently.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Sink Water
Sink
Water

Step 1

Remove the dust cap from the regulator. Wipe it out and ensure that it is free of any sand or mineral deposits, then refasten the dust cap.

Step 2

Rinse the regulator off completely with fresh running water immediately after diving. You should do this while the regulator is still pressurized and attached to the tank.

Step 3

Soak the regulator in warm water for at least one hour. Ensure that the temperature of the water doesn't exceed 120 degrees F.

Step 4

Flip the IVS control switch back and forth several times while the regulator is soaking. Turn the inhalation control knob back and forth as well, but do not exceed a quarter turn while the regulator is submerged. This will loosen any salt or debris present in the regulator's second stage.

Step 5

Turn your water faucet on all the way, and ensure that you have a fast running stream of cold water. Hold the regulator under the stream and ensure that you thoroughly rinse out all crevices and openings.

Step 6

Wipe the regulator off with a dry towel, drying it completely. Hang the regulator up by the first stage for at least an hour, and allow any moisture to drain out of the second stage.

Step 7

Inspect the regulator thoroughly to ensure that no moisture is present, then store the regulator in a clean dry box, or in a plastic bag.

Tips & Warnings

Never use any type of cleaners, solvents, or aerosols while cleaning your regulator. This can cause the rubber and plastic to deteriorate.

Resources

National Aquatic: Equipment Maintenance

Article Written By Jeremiah Blanchard

Jeremiah Blanchard has been writing professionally since 2006, specializing in topics related to nature, the environment, conservation and philosophy. His work has appeared in activist columns on Socyberty and Authspot. Blanchard studied art at William Carey College and history at the University of Southern Mississippi.

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