Paper shredders are essential tools for both home and office use. Whether you’re handling personal documents or sensitive business information, having a reliable shredder is crucial. The Bonsaii S120-C Paper Shredder is one such device that offers excellent functionality with its 8-sheet capacity, strip-cut mechanism, and ability to handle CDs and credit cards. However, like any appliance, it requires proper care and maintenance to ensure it performs at its best and lasts for years.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining the Bonsaii S120-C Paper Shredder.
Why is Bonsaii S120-C Shredder Maintenance Important?
Before diving into the details of cleaning and maintenance, let’s briefly discuss why it’s so important to take care of your paper shredder. Regular maintenance can:
- Extend the lifespan of the shredder: Just like any mechanical device, a well-maintained shredder will last longer.
- Improve performance: A clogged or dirty shredder will struggle to work efficiently. Regular cleaning ensures smooth operation and prevents jams.
- Prevent safety issues: Clogged shredders or worn-out parts can cause malfunctions that lead to safety hazards. Proper maintenance reduces the risk of injury.
- Save on repairs: Preventing minor issues from becoming major problems can save you money in repair costs or the need to replace the shredder.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the specific steps for keeping your Bonsaii S120-C in top shape.
8 Steps to Maintain the Bonsaii S120-C Shredder
1. Unplug the Shredder Before Cleaning
The first rule of thumb for any maintenance task is to always unplug the shredder before you begin cleaning. This is not only important for your safety, but it also prevents the shredder from accidentally starting while you’re working on it.
Unplugging ensures that you won’t injure yourself with the sharp blades or cause any accidental shredding. Always make sure the shredder is turned off and disconnected from the power source before proceeding.
2. Clean the Exterior
To begin with, clean the exterior of your Bonsaii S120-C shredder. Over time, dust, paper debris, and fingerprints can accumulate on the surface. While this won’t necessarily affect its performance, keeping the outside clean is important for maintaining the shredder’s overall appearance and hygiene.
Steps to Clean the Exterior:
- Use a dry cloth: A soft, lint-free cloth is ideal for wiping down the surface of the shredder. Avoid using rough materials like paper towels, as these can scratch the surface.
- Damp cloth for stubborn spots: If there are any stubborn stains or spots, you can dampen the cloth with water. Be sure not to soak it, as you don’t want any moisture to get inside the shredder.
- Wipe around the controls: Pay special attention to the area around the controls, including the “Auto,” “FWD,” “REV,” and “OFF” switches. This part of the shredder is used frequently and can accumulate grime and dust.
It’s a simple step, but one that can make a big difference in keeping your shredder looking new.
3. Empty the Waste Basket Regularly
It’s essential to empty the waste basket frequently to ensure the shredder operates smoothly. If the basket gets too full, it can cause paper jams and slow down the shredding process. A full bin also increases the likelihood of the paper getting caught inside the shredder.
How to Empty the Waste Basket:
- Turn off the shredder: Make sure the shredder is turned off before you remove the waste basket.
- Pull out the basket carefully: Gently slide the paper basket out from under the shredder.
- Dispose of the shredded paper: Dump the shredded paper into your recycling bin or trash bag.
- Clean the basket: You can use a dry cloth to wipe the inside of the basket. If necessary, you can also use a damp cloth to clean any paper shavings that might have stuck to the basket walls.
By keeping the basket emptied, you reduce the risk of paper jams and keep your shredder running efficiently.
4. Lubricate the Blades
Lubricating the cutting blades is crucial to ensuring that the Bonsaii S120-C works smoothly. Over time, the blades can become dulled or gummed up with paper residue, especially if you’ve shredded a lot of sticky or glossy paper. Regular lubrication helps to keep the blades sharp and functioning properly.
How to Lubricate the Shredder:
- Use shredder oil: Always use a special shredder oil (available at office supply stores) designed for this purpose. Never use vegetable oil, cooking oil, or any other type of oil, as these can gum up the machine.
- Turn the shredder to “FWD”: Once you have the oil, turn the shredder on and set the switch to the “FWD” position. This will allow you to oil the blades while they are running.
- Apply the oil directly onto the feed slot: Hold the oil bottle over the feed slot, and carefully apply a few drops of oil into the opening. This ensures that the oil reaches the blades inside.
- Run the shredder briefly: After applying the oil, allow the shredder to run for a few seconds so that the oil can spread evenly over the blades.
- Use oil sheets: Alternatively, you can also use special shredder oil sheets, which are designed to be fed through the shredder in the same way as paper. These sheets will lubricate the blades as they pass through.
Frequency of Lubrication:
For optimal performance, you should lubricate the blades every 30 minutes of use or after every 20-30 shredding sessions. This keeps the blades sharp and the shredder working efficiently.
5. Check for Paper Jams
One of the most common problems with shredders is paper jams. If you’ve been overloading the shredder or if there’s too much shredded paper stuck inside, the machine may struggle to process more material.
How to Fix Paper Jams:
- Turn off the shredder: Always make sure the shredder is turned off before you try to clear a jam.
- Set to “REV”: Change the switch to the “REV” (reverse) position. This will help release the paper and reverse the cutting blades.
- Manually pull out paper: If the paper doesn’t come out automatically, gently pull the paper from the feed slot. Be careful not to force it, as this could damage the blades.
- Reduce the number of sheets: Ensure that you are not overloading the shredder by feeding it more than the recommended 8 sheets of paper (DIN A4, 75g/m²). Shredding too many sheets at once can cause jams.
By regularly checking for and clearing paper jams, you can prevent long-term damage to the machine.
6. Ensure Proper Cooling
The Bonsaii S120-C is designed for intermittent use, meaning you should never operate it continuously for more than 3 minutes. If you do exceed this, the shredder may overheat, which could lead to damage or performance issues.
How to Prevent Overheating:
- Let the shredder cool down: After using the shredder for 3 minutes, turn it off and allow it to cool down for at least 30 minutes before using it again. This will prevent overheating and ensure the motor continues to function properly.
- Do not overload: Avoid putting too many sheets of paper or non-paper materials (like CDs or credit cards) into the shredder at once.
Taking breaks between shredding sessions will help preserve the shredder’s motor and extend its lifespan.
7. Store the Shredder Properly
When you’re not using the Bonsaii S120-C, it’s important to store it correctly to prevent dust buildup and to ensure its safety. The shredder should be placed on a flat, stable surface, away from heat sources or areas prone to moisture.
Storing Tips:
- Unplug the shredder: Always unplug the shredder when not in use.
- Keep it covered: If possible, cover the shredder with a dust cover to protect it from dirt and debris.
- Avoid extension cords: Try to plug the shredder directly into a wall socket to avoid the potential risks of using an extension cord.
8. Inspect the Shredder Regularly
Lastly, make it a habit to inspect your Bonsaii S120-C shredder regularly for any signs of damage or wear. Look for issues like loose parts, cracks, or fraying cables. If you spot anything unusual, contact customer service or take the shredder to a professional for repairs.
Conclusion
The Bonsaii S120-C Paper Shredder is a powerful, reliable tool for keeping your personal and business information safe. However, like any mechanical device, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it continues to operate at its best. By following the steps above—such as lubricating the blades, clearing paper jams, and keeping the shredder clean and properly stored—you can extend the lifespan of your shredder and keep it working efficiently for years to come.
With just a little care, your Bonsaii S120-C will be ready to tackle your shredding needs, whether at home or in the office. Happy shredding!
