Cleaning Your Fog Machine...To Clean or Not To Clean...
As we travel around the country with our fog fluid business, one of the most commonly asked questions is, "Should I clean my fog machine and if so, how?" Regular maintenance of your fog machine is critical to its longevity and most fog machines require regular maintenance in order to achieve maximum life. The exception to this is if the manufacturer of your machine specifically states not to clean it. Personally, I can "imagine why they wouldn't want the machines cleaned, but you will have to decide to follow their recommendations or not.
It is in the best interest of the fog machine to set up a scheduled time for cleaning. It is no different than changing the oil in your car every 3000 miles. Regular check-ups will insure that the car lasts much longer. We recommend cleaning your machine after every 80-100 hours of use and prior to any long term storage.
Here are the steps for the proper cleaning of most fog machines:
STEP 1 - Turn the Machine OFF
Once it has cooled, pour all residual fluid out of the fluid tank into a catch bottle. (No need to waste perfectly good fog fluid.)
Rinse out your fluid tank with distilled water
STEP 2 - Pour 1 cup of Froggys Fully Clean - Fog Machine Cleaner into the tank
Turn the machine ON
After the machine has heated up to the proper temperature, run the machine until almost all the fluid is used up
Turn Fog Machine OFF!
Empty the remaining Fog Machine Cleaner from the fog fluid tank
Rinse the fluid tank with distilled water
STEP 3 - Pour 1 Cup of Distilled water into the tank
Turn the machine ON
After the machine has heated up to the proper temperature, run the machine until almost all the distilled water is used up
Then turn Machine OFF!
Rinse the fog fluid tank one last time with distilled water
STEP 4 - ***THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP***
Put a small amount of fog fluid in the fluid tank
Turn the machine ON
After the machine has heated up to the proper temperature, run the machine until several (5-10) good bursts of fog complete
Then turn Machine OFF!
Store properly. Remember that fog machines are electronic devices
Always store your fog machine with a small amount of fog fluid in the lines, in a climate controlled area and on a level surface. Never store your fog machine with vinegar in the lines!
This cleaning ritual, if repeated regularly, will greatly increase the life of your fog machine and will make sure that you are not left without fog in the middle of your event. If you take care of your fog machine, it will take care of you!