If your prints aren’t sticking to the bed—or worse, sticking too well in some spots and not at all in others—there’s a good chance your bed just needs a proper cleaning. Oils from your fingers, dust, and residue from previous prints build up faster than you’d think.
The fix is simple: wipe down your print bed with high-purity alcohol before each print.
Why Alcohol Works
Alcohol dissolves the oils and residues that interfere with bed adhesion without leaving behind any film or moisture. It evaporates completely in seconds, leaving a pristine surface ready for your next print.
The key is using high-purity alcohol—the 70% stuff from the pharmacy is mostly water and takes forever to dry. You want 99% or higher for quick evaporation and effective cleaning.
I use this 99.5% denatured ethyl alcohol spray because it comes in a convenient spray bottle. No pouring, no mess—just a quick spritz across the bed, wipe with a lint-free cloth or paper towel, and you’re ready to print.
My Cleaning Routine
Before every print:
- Spray the bed lightly with alcohol
- Wipe in one direction with a lint-free cloth or paper towel
- Let it evaporate for a few seconds
That’s it. Takes maybe 15 seconds and dramatically improves first-layer consistency.
Deep clean (weekly or as needed): For stubborn residue—especially if you use glue stick or hairspray for adhesion—I’ll do a more thorough wipe-down with a soaked paper towel, then follow up with a dry wipe.
Why the Spray Bottle Matters
I’ve used alcohol from squeeze bottles and had to pour it onto cloths. It works, but it’s messy and you waste product. The spray bottle format gives you an even mist right where you need it. The two-pack means you’ll have a backup (or one for the print station and one for general shop use).
Quick Tips
- Let your bed cool first if you’re cleaning right after a print—spraying alcohol on a hot surface causes rapid evaporation before it can do its job
- Microfiber cloths work best, but paper towels are fine for everyday cleaning
- Don’t touch the bed after cleaning—your fingerprints will undo your work
- Store away from heat sources—this is flammable, so keep it away from your printer’s heated components
The Bottom Line
Bed adhesion issues are frustrating, but they’re often solved with a 15-second wipe-down. Keep a bottle of high-purity alcohol spray next to your printer and make it part of your routine. Your first layers will thank you.