How to Clean SCUBA Regulators

When cleaning your scuba regulator it is important to be sure that no water gets up to the first stage of the regulator, which attaches to the tank, as this can cause corrosion and bacteria. Some people prefer to clean the regulator while it is still attached to the tank in order to ensure that no water gets up to the first stage, while others find it easier to remove the regulator from the tank and dry and replace the dust cover before cleaning.

Things You'll Need

  • Bathtub with shower nozzle
  • Clean towel
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Instructions

  1. Cleaning Regulator While Attached to Tank

    • 1

      Making sure that tank valve is open, then soak both the tank and regulator in fresh water.

    • 2

      Use the nozzle to flush water through the second stage mouthpiece portion of your regulator as well as through any other openings.

    • 3

      Hold the first stage, while attached to your tank, so that it is higher than the second stage, to prevent any water running up to the first stage.

    • 4

      Press the purge button down on your regulator to blow any water out that may gotten into the first stage.

    • 5

      Close the tank valve and unscrew the regulator from the tank.

    • 6

      Dry the dust cap, either by turning the tank valve back on and blowing air onto the dust cap or by drying it with a cloth. When dry, place dust cap on first stage.

    • 7

      Dry the regulator using a towel.

    Cleaning Regulator Without Scuba Tank

    • 8

      Dry the dust cap either by blowing air from the tank onto it or by using a clean towel. Reattach dust cap to first stage.

    • 9

      Rinse your regulator using flowing (versus high pressure) water and be careful not to press the purge button, which will allow water into the hose up to the first stage.

    • 10

      Dry regulator with a clean towel.