BCH Red and Green Printhead Cleaning Solutions: Usage Guidelines, Safety, and Disposal Tips

Question:
I have several questions about using BCH’s green and red cleaning solutions to clean and unclog printheads. Specifically:

1. How long can the green solution stay in the printhead or ink ports?

2. Can the red solution stay in for 12 to 24 hours?

3. How much green solution should be used to soak the bottom of the printhead?

4. Do either of the solutions have a noticeable odor?

5. Should I open a window while using these solutions?

6. How much red solution should be used to flush the printhead?

7. Can the green solution clear ink clogs like the red one?

8. How should I dispose of the drained waste ink?

9. Should I wear protective gear when handling these cleaning solutions?

Answer:

Let's walk through your questions about the BCH green and red cleaning solutions.

1. How long can the green solution stay inside the printhead or ink system?

While we haven’t extensively tested maximum time limits, we recommend letting the green solution soak for 2 to 4 hours. This allows the formula enough time to dissolve ink residue without risking long-term exposure to the printhead’s sensitive internals.

2. Can the red solution stay in the printer for 12 to 24 hours?

This depends on the condition of your printhead. Letting the red solution sit for 6 to 8 hours is usually sufficient for moderately clogged nozzles. However, in more severe cases, some users have left it for up to 12 to 24 hours without damage—but this should only be done if you’re confident the printhead is stable and well-sealed to avoid drying out.

3. How much green solution should be used to soak the printhead’s nozzle area?

We recommend filling to a depth of about ½ inch (12 mm) in your soaking tray or cleaning fixture. This is generally enough to submerge the nozzle plate while keeping the liquid level safely below any electronic ribbons or contacts.

4. Do the green and red cleaning solutions have an odor?

Yes, both solutions do have a noticeable chemical odor. While not overpowering, the red solution, in particular, can emit more pungent vapors due to its formulation for breaking down hardened ink clogs.

5. Should I open a window for ventilation while using these solutions?

Yes, absolutely. We recommend using both solutions in a well-ventilated area. Opening a window or using a fan to circulate air is a good practice to reduce inhalation exposure to vapors.

6. How much red solution is needed to flush ink from the printhead or ink lines?

This depends on your printer’s structure. Most ink channels from the cartridge to the nozzle hold about 1 milliliter of fluid. Using more than that may not be effective and could result in waste. We suggest starting with 1–2 ml per channel and observing the flow and color of the fluid exiting.

7. Can the green solution remove ink clogs like the red solution?

Yes, the green solution can flush out clogs, especially if the clogs are recent or mild. The red solution, however, is stronger and better suited for older, more stubborn ink blockages. Think of the red solution as a deep-clean formula and the green one as a maintenance rinse.

8. How should I dispose of the ink and solution collected after flushing the printhead?

We recommend contacting your local waste management or recycling authority. If you’re using OEM ink (such as HP, Epson, or Canon), you can request an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) from the manufacturer. Once you provide this to your county or local recycling center, they can instruct you on the legal and safe disposal of the used fluid and ink residue.

9. Should I wear protective gear while handling these cleaning solutions?

Yes, BCH highly recommends wearing protective equipment, including:

• Safety goggles to protect your eyes from splashes.

• Nitrile or latex gloves to prevent skin contact.

• A mask—preferably a 3M 6000 or 6800 series respirator—especially if working with the red solution or in enclosed spaces.

Proper safety measures ensure that your cleaning process is both effective and risk-free.

Dealing with ink clogs and chemical cleaning agents is a hands-on process that requires careful setup, monitoring, and post-cleaning steps. Unfortunately, that means we're not able to offer remote troubleshooting or personalized diagnostics. However, if you're looking for direct assistance, you’re welcome to use our in-person printer diagnostic service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Please note that we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks to drop off your unit. We can repair entire machines or individual components. That said, we recognize that many users prefer to handle things on their own. In that case, our best advice is to visit our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and use the search icon on the “About” tab to look up your specific issue. We’ve covered hundreds of topics over the years, and this is the fastest way to find help—including from other knowledgeable creators.

Thanks again for taking the time to reach out to us. Your engagement means a lot, and we hope this helps you get the best results from your printer maintenance efforts.