SIG Pro Dishwasher safe?

kjm · December 3, 2002, 11:18 PM

I have managed to get all manner of sand and grit in my Sig Pro this past weekend. Just removing the slide and hearing the grit sound makes me cringe. I can clean the slide, barrel and such the normal way, but I was wondering if it is safe to wash the frame in the dishwasher with mild soap and on heat cycle? This isn't something to do everytime, but I've never had a grittier pistol and the grit doesn't come off easy when stuck to grease and oil.

We used to wash our M16's out with boiling hot water in the mess hall, and it really de-gritted the rifle and removed a lot of carbon. Then we'd clean as usual leaving a light coat of oil.

What do you guys think?

Chugach · December 4, 2002, 12:47 AM

kjm, what you say about boiling water makes sense, but it makes me wince. Removing the left-over water seems like it would be a problem, plus I doubt that you'd get all the soap out without a follow up step of using Gun Scrubber or a water displacer of some sort.

How about just using some Gun Scrubber first and see how clean you get it?

On the other hand, I guess you could use the dishwasher, put it on rinse cycle two or three times, and then bake at low heat until done?

I'd be interested in hearing what worked best...

Dfariswheel · December 4, 2002, 01:26 AM

I use cheap Walmart paint thinner.
A dishwasher will leave rust spots on even good stainless knives.
I've seen advertisement photos of guns in dishwashers, but I wouldn't risk my gun to one.

**4V50 Gary** · December 4, 2002, 04:19 PM

Ultrasonic cleaner. Safer for the gun and you.

Yes, the missus won't make you sleep on the sofa or in the car that way.

Slabside · December 5, 2002, 05:29 PM

An officer friend of mine routinely runs a dishwasher cycle using dishwasher liquid, to clean his Glock 22. The pistol is dissassembled, placed in the silverware basket, and run through the washing cycle. Yes, I have personally seen it done. Yes, it makes me cringe. Yet, he has done this consistently for yrs. After completely drying the pistol, he lubes and assembles it, and puts it back in its holster. He hasn't done any of his other firearms this way...just the Glock. And no, I don't recommend this practice in the least.

Slabside

Larry Pomykalski · December 6, 2002, 10:54 PM

I would be leery of heavy metals (ie, lead) contaminating the water system of the dishwasher.

But then, I'm dumb enough already...

Larry

**4V50 Gary** · December 7, 2002, 11:31 AM

Tupperware treatment for tupperware guns.

December 3, 2002, 11:18 PM	#1
kjm Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: College Station, Texas Posts: 1,871	SIG Pro Dishwasher safe? I have managed to get all manner of sand and grit in my Sig Pro this past weekend. Just removing the slide and hearing the grit sound makes me cringe. I can clean the slide, barrel and such the normal way, but I was wondering if it is safe to wash the frame in the dishwasher with mild soap and on heat cycle? This isn't something to do everytime, but I've never had a grittier pistol and the grit doesn't come off easy when stuck to grease and oil. We used to wash our M16's out with boiling hot water in the mess hall, and it really de-gritted the rifle and removed a lot of carbon. Then we'd clean as usual leaving a light coat of oil. What do you guys think? __________________ COME AND TAKE IT!!!

December 4, 2002, 12:47 AM	#2
Chugach Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2002 Location: Alaska Posts: 172	kjm, what you say about boiling water makes sense, but it makes me wince. Removing the left-over water seems like it would be a problem, plus I doubt that you'd get all the soap out without a follow up step of using Gun Scrubber or a water displacer of some sort. How about just using some Gun Scrubber first and see how clean you get it? On the other hand, I guess you could use the dishwasher, put it on rinse cycle two or three times, and then bake at low heat until done? I'd be interested in hearing what worked best... __________________ No such thing as bad weather, just bad gear... "A society of sheep must in time beget a government of wolves." - Bertrand de Jouvenet

December 4, 2002, 04:19 PM	#4
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,831	Ultrasonic cleaner. Safer for the gun and you. Yes, the missus won't make you sleep on the sofa or in the car that way. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

December 5, 2002, 05:29 PM	#5
Slabside Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2002 Location: USA Posts: 103	An officer friend of mine routinely runs a dishwasher cycle using dishwasher liquid, to clean his Glock 22. The pistol is dissassembled, placed in the silverware basket, and run through the washing cycle. Yes, I have personally seen it done. Yes, it makes me cringe. Yet, he has done this consistently for yrs. After completely drying the pistol, he lubes and assembles it, and puts it back in its holster. He hasn't done any of his other firearms this way...just the Glock. And no, I don't recommend this practice in the least. Slabside __________________ MOLON LABE! The world's a cold place; better pack your own heat. Warriors may be forced into battle but, Heros may be found in the most unlikely of places

December 6, 2002, 10:54 PM	#6
Larry Pomykalski Junior Member Join Date: December 5, 2002 Posts: 6	I would be leery of heavy metals (ie, lead) contaminating the water system of the dishwasher. But then, I'm dumb enough already... Larry __________________ Fail to Prepare-Prepare to Fail.

December 4, 2002, 01:26 AM	#3
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	I use cheap Walmart paint thinner. A dishwasher will leave rust spots on even good stainless knives. I've seen advertisement photos of guns in dishwashers, but I wouldn't risk my gun to one.

December 7, 2002, 11:31 AM	#7
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,831	Tupperware treatment for tupperware guns. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*