What should I use to clean a pasta machine used for polymer clay?

Question

There are also a couple places where clay builds up or gets into an opening. Do you have any hints to fix this also?

Answer 1

There are various ways to clean a pasta machine when using it for polymer clay, ranging from simply wiping the rollers off with alcohol, etc., all the way up to disassembling it then cleaning.
Many clayers also will remove the "fenders" from a pasta machine so that clay won't collect in the areas you're probably thinking of. There are also ways to keep clay crumbs or previous colors used in the machine from getting onto later clay, etc.

Your best bet is just to read all that info on the Pasta Machines page at my website... too long to list it all here:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/pastamachines.htm
(... click on the categories called "Cleaning" and also "More Cleaning, Prevention, etc."...)


HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 2

Just to be on the safe side, this is what I do: I get a tile and use either polyester fiberfill or note cards on top and arrange my clay pieces. I then put the tile inside of an oven bake bag. Oven bake bags come in different sizes like the largest can hold a turkey. After I put the tile and clay pieces into the bag, I fold the open end as much as I can and hold it shut with paper clips. Clothespins would work fine also. I then place the bag on a foil lined cookie sheet and bake the pieces. When the time is over, I shut the oven off and leave everything inside until totally cool. Then I take the bag outside and open it to remove the clay pieces. The bags can be reused until they get a hole or tear. You could also put the clay pieces into a foil baking pan and then cover the whole thing with foil to seal in the clay fumes and any residue that comes from the baking process.

Answer 3

I have a pasta and I use any kind of moist wipes. Then Run it through. Also you may want to run a try paper towel through afterwords.

Answer 4

Refer to your manufacturer's booklet about cleaning. I have one but it says not to stick things in it to clean it. You can take it apart and wash it, most likely, but like I said, check the book first.