Cleaning filaments are special materials designed to clean the inside of the extruder and nozzle of residues from previous prints. They are essential when switching between very different materials (e.g., from PLA to Nylon, from PETG to PEEK) or to remove carbonized residues that cause under-extrusion and clogs.
When to use a cleaning filament
- Material change: when switching from a low-temperature material to a high-temperature one.
- Routine cleaning: every 20-30 spool changes as a preventative measure.
- Clogging diagnosis: before disassembling the nozzle, try a cleaning cycle.
- Eliminating carbon residues: after printing with CF/GF reinforced filaments.
- Professional printer maintenance: weekly or monthly routine.
How it works
- Load the cleaning filament into the extruder.
- Set the nozzle temperature to the maximum value of the previous material (e.g., 230 °C after PLA, 280 °C after Nylon).
- Extrude 50-100 mm of cleaning filament.
- Allow to cool to 90 °C without unloading.
- "Pull" out the cleaning filament: it will bring out the residues from the extruder.
- Repeat if necessary until the filament comes out clean.
Technical characteristics
- Nozzle temperature: 150-280 °C (cold cleaning).
- Compatibility: all standard FDM nozzles.
- Packaging: small spools (250-500g) — sufficient for many cycles.
Brands you can find on Strato3D
Cleaning filaments selected for quality and effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cleaning filament is needed for a clog? Typically 50-200 mm per cycle. A 500g spool is sufficient for 50-100 cycles.
Can irreversibly clogged nozzles be cleaned? For severe clogs, disassembly + mechanical removal (metal wire, cold pull) is required. Cleaning filament prevents rather than cures.
Is it also used with resin printers? No, cleaning filament is only for FDM. Different methods are used for LCD resin (filtering, vat replacement).
Should I use it before PEEK/PEI? Highly recommended, because residues of PLA or ABS at 350-400 °C carbonize and clog the nozzle.