How to Clean a Spray Booth:

To clean a spray booth, first remove dust sources and inspect all interior surfaces. Power down fans and equipment, then clean walls, floors, and filters using appropriate solvents, vacuums, or pressure washers. Clean exhaust systems regularly, control moisture, and replace filters every 3 months to ensure optimal airflow and finish quality.

Keeping your spray booth clean is essential for maintaining high-quality finishes, minimising rework, and extending the lifespan of your equipment.
A clean booth promotes better airflow, reduces contamination, and ensures compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Whether you operate a crossdraft booth or a premium side draft system, consistent cleaning protocols are a critical part of booth maintenance performance.

Importance of Spray Booth Cleaning

Dust, overspray and moisture accumulation can degrade finish quality, reduce efficiency and compromise the safety of your spray operations. Routine maintenance keeps your booth performing at its peak and protects your investment.

Key benefits of regular cleaning include:

• Improved coating consistency
• Reduced need for costly reworks
• Longer-lasting filters and duct systems
• Safer working conditions for staff
• Higher energy efficiency and airflow stability

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Spray Booth

Minimise Dust Before It Accumulates

Good booth maintenance starts with prevention. Keep unnecessary equipment, parts, and materials out of the booth at all times. Never sand or prep parts inside the spray booth. All sanding and bodywork should be completed before entering the booth to prevent dust infiltration.

Use tack coatings or static-reducing wall liners to capture airborne particles and help keep interior surfaces clean.

Inspect the Booth Interior

Before cleaning, conduct a full inspection. Pay close attention to corners, seams, lighting frames, intake plenum areas and around exhaust ducts. Look for signs of overspray buildup, dust accumulation or signs of corrosion. Mark areas that require deeper attention during the cleaning process.

Isolate the Booth and Power Down

Turn off all power supplies to the booth before cleaning. This includes ventilation fans, lighting systems and automatic spray arms if present.
Close all grates, dampers, and air vents to prevent contamination of other areas during cleaning.

Clean All Internal Surfaces

Start cleaning from the top down to avoid resoiling previously cleaned areas. You may use one or more of the following methods:

• Industrial vacuum: Remove dry dust and debris. Avoid using standard vacuums around combustible materials.
• Solvent-based mop: Use a spray booth-safe solvent to break down dried paint on walls and floors.
• Pressure washer: Recommended for heavy overspray removal on non-electrical surfaces.
• Non-sparking broom and lint-free cloth: Useful in volatile zones where solvents and vapours are present.

Ensure any solvent used is compatible with your booth’s wall coating. Avoid using generic cleaners that can leave a residue or damage surface linings.

Clean Spray Equipment and Filters

Overspray and airborne dust do not stop at the booth walls. Clean spray guns, hose connectors, floor grates, intake plenums and exhaust fans regularly. A blocked exhaust or saturated filter can restrict airflow, increase pressure buildup, and reduce spray quality.

If filters are past their recommended service life, replace them immediately. You can find quality replacements on our dedicated Spray Booth Filters page.

Address Moisture Control

Moisture is a significant risk factor in spray booths, especially with compressed air systems. Check for condensation on ductwork, walls and spray lines. Install desiccant dryers and moisture separators at key junctions. Always dry the booth completely after cleaning to prevent mould and rust development.

Cleaning Frequency Checklist