Clean Source, The Official Journal of the Cleaning Lady and the Rocket Scientist

Volume XXII, Issue 4 - August 2025

Whether you plan to get new equipment or maintain existing system, we can help you. Give us a call.

“Your writing style makes learning about a process some would consider to be dull actually quite the opposite.”

Clay Ferguson, Engineer

Feature Article

Update or Replace Cleaning Equipment

Barbara Kanegsberg and Ed Kanegsberg, BFK Solutions

The glistening stainless steel. The sleek control panel. The surge of power when you press the START button. That fresh, new process bath smell. The smooth motion of the robotic arm as it moves parts from wash to rinse to dry. The clean parts and components that are free of particles, oils, and spots. For a product manufacturer doing critical parts cleaning and surface prep, that first process run with new cleaning equipment is more exciting than the first drive in a new car.

If you think you need new cleaning equipment or if the boss tells you to pick out new equipment, it’s perfectly understandable to jump at the chance. Stop! Ask why. We will explain some factors to consider before buying new cleaning equipment. Maybe that old, lovable cleaning equipment can still perform effectively. We will discuss motivations for needing (or just wanting) new cleaning equipment, if new equipment purchases are not in the cards, how to evaluate and troubleshoot current cleaning equipment and processes. We will discuss the two eggs/basket philosophies of managing costly cleaning equipment.

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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

BFK Solutions at AAC

Join Barbara and Ed Kanegsberg at the Aluminum Anodizers Council's 34th International Anodizing Conference & Expo Sept. 16-18, 2025 in Atlanta. Ed and Barb will present “Fundamentals of Cleaning Aluminum Extrusions for Anodizing,” The will discuss metalworking fluids used in fabricating aluminum part and explain why residues of these fluids, even water soluble fluids, may be difficult to clean. They will discuss aqueous and non-aqueous methods for removing residue from complex aluminum surfaces. If you are an anodizer or provide parts to anodizers or have a job shop, come to AAC. Let’s talk! We’ll discuss how to achieve effective cleaning processes that effectively access and dislodge soils, are economical, do not harm people or the environment and do not damage the product itself.

Details and Registration

Residue on Medical Devices – an Essential ASTM Workshop

Unacceptable residue on medical devices can mean product failure, and failure is not an option for medical devices. Learn the latest developments in assuring the reliability of cleaning processes. There are 14 excellent presentations covering cleaning agents, cleaning techniques, analytical approaches, and tools to determine when trouble might be brewing. Co-chairs Alpa Patel and Kaumudi Kulkarni, and Barb Kanegsberg urge you to attend this crucial one-day, in person workshop. ASTM “Workshop on Assessing Characteristics of Cleaning Agents Intended to Clean Medical Devices” is on November Atlanta GA. The organizers have put together an impressive lineup of speakers.

Access the Technical Program

BFK Solutions. – independent consultants and practical educators

Our decades of experience help you make productive decisions about your cleaning processes, your manufacturing processes, your business. Contact Ed and Barbara Kanegsberg with concerns about cleaning, surface quality, regulatory issues - we’ll get back to you and discuss your cleaning issue, whether or not we do a project together! Suggest a topic – we may write about it!