How to Clean Oxygen Regulators

Oxygen regulators deliver oxygen to scuba divers when underwater. During diving, minerals and debris are deposited on the regulator. This is especially noticeable after salt water diving. When the water on your regulator starts to evaporate, you can see salt deposits. You should clean your oxygen regulator as soon as possible after you finish diving to keep the regular clean and working properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket of clean water
  • Hose with water stream
  • Lint-free cloth
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Take your regulator off your tank and make sure the dust cap is dry. The dust cap is the large black "screw" that attaches the regulator to your oxygen tank. Use the tank air to dry the dust cap, then use a towel to pat it dry. Tighten the dust cap before continuing, because you do not want water to enter the regulator.

    • 2

      Submerge the regulator into clean water. If renting gear from a scuba-diving shop, there will usually be a tank of clean water available at the shop to clean the regulator.

    • 3

      Push any buttons and levers while the regulator is soaking, but do not push the purge button, which could cause water to enter the first stage of the regulator.

    • 4

      Run a stream of water through the mouthpiece without pressing the purge button, over the BC, and over the first stage with the dust cap securely tightened.

    • 5

      Dry your regulator with a lint-free cloth and store it in a cool, dry area. Do not let your regulator dry in direct sunlight, as the heat could damage the rubber parts.