Cleaning printer rollers.

[Deb D]

Isopropyl alcohol ... sometimes marketed as "frost free" for defrosting refrigerators, or as a type of rubbing alcohol that's sold in supermarkets in a green bottle (can't remember the trade name) - mind, they're both rather expensive compared to the price you'd pay if you were buying in bulk for your signwriting business (which we were). 

It doesn't usually melt plastic, but again it is inflammable - a lot of these products are ... it's not likely you'll be smoking while you try to do the cleaning, though, is it?

[Erato]

vodka

[Deb D]

 

Good one, Erato - I'd totally forgotten about vodka!

[Nick29]

WD40 ?

[Deb D]

I suspect WD40 might melt things you don't want melted ... 

[Nick29]

The can states that WD40 is safe on all metals, wood and plastics.   I've been using it as an engineer for well over 20 years, and not had a problem with it.  In any case, you would only be putting it on the rollers and wiping it off again.  It does make an excellent cleaner.

[Deb D]

Having just read the can for the first time in ages, I stand corrected - thank you, Nick.   

*Edited to add; - but I think the vodka smells better    *

[Calverley Lad]

If you want a scrap printer feel free to use WD40!
Please read! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40
WD40 contains silicone, which is used as a lubricant.
What you need is a cleaner that doesn't leave behind any residue.
 Brian

[Nick29]

If you want a scrap printer feel free to use WD40!
Please read! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40
WD40 contains silicone, which is used as a lubricant.
What you need is a cleaner that doesn't leave behind any residue.
 Brian

Well, I've read that Wiki article three times now, and I can't find any reference to silicone

In any case, I'd rather believe the manufacturer's website which says "WD-40 does not contain silicone, kerosene, water, wax, graphite, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), or any known cancer-causing agents".

WD-40 does leave behind a small amount of mineral oil, which (in the 20+ years that I've been using it) I've found helps to rejuvenate old rubber rollers.  When cleaning printer rollers, I would spray a small amount of WD-40 on a J-cloth, and then gently wipe the roller with it.  The tiny amount of mineral oil left behind will be absorbed by the roller, and it would not adversely affect operation.

P.S. - see http://www.wd40.com/uses-tips/category/on-the-job/2/ "2000 uses for WD-40"

Page 2, about 90% down the page "Reconditions rollers in fax machines"