Step 4:
Cleanliness & Control

Why is cleanliness so crucial in lubrication?

Contamination is one of the most common reasons for premature equipment failure. Even tiny particles: dust, water, metal shavings, or degraded oil can compromise lubricant performance, damage components, and accelerate wear. Once contaminants enter the system, they are difficult to remove and expensive to fix.

In many cases, failures blamed on “old machinery” are actually the result of contaminated lubrication. Keeping lubricants clean is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to extend machine life.

“Our oil looks clean.
Why should we filter it?”

Visual clarity is not a reliable indicator of oil cleanliness. Many harmful particles are smaller than what the eye can detect. Without filtration, even new oil from sealed drums may contain particles introduced during transport or storage.

That’s why filtration is essential. Not just when oil is dirty, but before it’s ever used.

"Contaminated oil doesn’t just reduce performance, it silently shortens machine life with every cycle."

Lubretec engineering insight

The 3 critical control points from storage to application

Lubristation™ - lubrication storage, conditioning and distribution

1. Storage:
Keep it sealed and organised

Use closed, weatherproof storage units for oils and greases
Ensure containers are clearly labelled and colour coded to prevent mix-ups
Protect stored lubricants from humidity, temperature changes, and airborne contaminants
Regularly inspect and clean storage areas

Overview image of the 2-IBC container unit

2. Transfer:
Keep it clean, keep it controlled

Use dedicated transfer containers with sealed lids and built-in filtration.
Avoid using open funnels, buckets, or improvised tools.
Assign specific equipment to each lubricant type to avoid cross-contamination.
Ensure all hoses and nozzles are capped when not in use

3. Application:
Filter before and during use

Pre-filter all oils, even when new.
Install offline filtration systems for critical machinery.
Monitor cleanliness levels with particle counters or oil analysis.
Train staff on best practices for contamination control at the point of use.

“How clean is clean enough?”

This depends on the sensitivity of your equipment. International standards like ISO 4406 define cleanliness levels based on particle counts per millilitre. Critical assets such as hydraulics, gearboxes, or high-precision bearings often require much stricter cleanliness levels than general-purpose machinery.

Work with your lubricant supplier or reliability engineer to define target cleanliness levels for each asset type.

"Clean oil is the cheapest insurance policy your equipment will ever need."

Industrial Maintenance Expert

A proactive approach to cleanliness pays off

Cleanliness control is more than a maintenance checklist item, it's a philosophy that protects your investment and boosts reliability. By integrating best practices at every stage of the lubricant lifecycle, you can significantly reduce downtime, increase equipment life, and lower total maintenance costs.

Back to the 10 LR steps

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Step 4: Cleanliness & Control

Why is cleanliness so crucial in lubrication?

“Our oil looks clean.Why should we filter it?”