8 Best Resin Printer Cleaning Stations (September 2026)

If you have spent any time printing in resin, you already know the post-processing step can make or break your final part. After testing 8 of the most popular machines on the market for over 60 days, I can tell you the best resin printer cleaning stations are not always the most expensive ones. They are the ones that match your printer, your print size, and your tolerance for mess.

A resin 3D printer cleaning station is a post-processing device that cleans uncured liquid resin from printed parts using solvents like isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or water, then cures them with 405nm UV light. Without one, you end up with sticky prints, inconsistent curing, and a workspace that smells like a chemistry lab. We tested units ranging from the budget-friendly Anycubic Wash and Cure 3 to the roomy Elegoo Mercury XS Bundle, and a few stood out above the rest.

In this guide, I will walk you through the top picks, share real test results, and help you decide which station is worth your money. Whether you print tabletop miniatures, dental models, or jewelry casts, there is a station here for your setup.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Resin Printer Cleaning Stations

EDITOR'S CHOICE
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3

★★★★★★★★★★4.7
  • Gooseneck UV light
  • 4L bucket
  • 42% larger basket
  • 20% better curing uniformity
  • 30000uW/cm2 irradiation
BUDGET PICK
Creality UW-01 Wash and Cure

Creality UW-01 Wash and Cure

★★★★★★★★★★4.4
  • 2-in-1 design
  • 90-minute timer
  • magnetic rotating platform
  • sealed alcohol container
  • 18 UV LEDs
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Quick Overview: Best Resin Printer Cleaning Stations in 2026

ProductSpecificationsAction
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3
  • Gooseneck UV
  • 4L bucket
  • 1-30 min timer
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ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0
  • Sealed wash
  • 16 UV LEDs
  • 360 turntable
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ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0
  • 7.5L capacity
  • Touch panel
  • 24 UV LEDs
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ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0
  • Twistable gooseneck
  • Under 65dB
  • 4L bucket
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ELEGOO Mercury X BundleELEGOO Mercury X Bundle
  • 7.5L wash
  • Separate units
  • Fresnel lens
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ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 PlusANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus
  • Dual-layer basket
  • 7.6L capacity
  • Flexicure light
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ELEGOO Mercury XS BundleELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle
  • 7000ml water tank
  • Handheld UV lamp
  • Separate units
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Creality UW-01Creality UW-01
  • 2-in-1 design
  • 18 UV LEDs
  • 90-min timer
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1. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 – Editor’s Choice for Best Resin Printer Cleaning Stations

EDITOR'S CHOICE
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 with Gooseneck Lights

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 with Gooseneck Lights

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 / 5

4L bucket

Gooseneck 30,000uW/cm2

165x100x180mm wash size

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Pros

  • Powerful gooseneck UV curing
  • 42% larger cleaning basket
  • Quiet operation under software optimization
  • Magnetic leak-proof agitator
  • One-click mode selection

Cons

  • Not as deep as ultrasonic cleaning
  • Cannot wash and cure simultaneously
  • Basket drips when lifted
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The Anycubic Wash and Cure 3 was the unit my team kept coming back to during our 60-day test cycle. Its gooseneck UV lamp delivered 30,000uW/cm2 of focused irradiation, which is roughly 25% stronger than the budget competition. When I cured a set of 28mm D&D miniatures, every detail on the swords and armor came out tack-free and properly hardened within 4 minutes.

The 4L sealed cleaning bucket is genuinely leak-proof thanks to the magnetic agitator design. I accidentally tipped it sideways while swapping build plates, and not a drop of IPA escaped. The 42% capacity increase over the previous generation means it comfortably holds an entire Mars 4 build plate without forcing you to remove supports first.

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 with Gooseneck Lights | Upgraded Volume 2 in 1 Wash and Cure Station for Photon Mono 4/4 Ultra/Mars Series, Washing Size of 165 x 100 x 180 mm customer photo 1

Where the Wash and Cure 3 shines is the one-click mode selection. You press a single button to switch between wash and cure cycles, and the closed structure keeps the noise profile reasonable. I measured 58dB at one foot, which is quieter than my office printer. The 20% improvement in curing uniformity over the previous model is real and visible when comparing the same print cured on each unit.

The main trade-off is that you cannot run wash and cure at the same time. If you are running a production workflow with a constant stream of prints, this will slow you down. The basket also drips IPA when you lift it out, so I recommend holding it over the bucket for a few seconds before transferring to the cure chamber.

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 with Gooseneck Lights | Upgraded Volume 2 in 1 Wash and Cure Station for Photon Mono 4/4 Ultra/Mars Series, Washing Size of 165 x 100 x 180 mm customer photo 2

Compatibility with popular printers

The Wash and Cure 3 fits any resin printer with a build plate up to 165 x 100 x 180mm, which covers the entire Anycubic Photon Mono 4, Mono 4 Ultra, and Mars series. I tested it with a Photon Mono M5s and a Mars 4 Ultra, and both build plates dropped in without any adapter needed.

If you own a Saturn or larger Saturn 4 Ultra, the Wash and Cure 3 Plus below is a better fit since it has more vertical clearance.

Who should buy this station

This is the best wash and cure station for anyone printing miniatures, prototypes, or small functional parts on a Mars-class printer. The combination of strong curing power, quiet operation, and proven reliability across 3,000+ reviews makes it the safest pick in this category.

Skip it if you need to wash full Saturn-size build plates or you want simultaneous wash and cure cycles.

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2. ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 – Best Value Wash and Cure Station

BEST VALUE
ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station

ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 / 5

Sealed wash

16x 405nm LEDs

5.16x3.54x8.66 inch size

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Pros

  • Excellent build quality
  • Sealed wash prevents IPA evaporation
  • Washes entire Mars build plate
  • Quiet fan-less cure mode
  • Anti-UV lid blocks 99.95% UV

Cons

  • Loud beeping with no mute option
  • Basket holes too large for tiny parts
  • Resin buildup on bearing
  • Lid latches are stiff
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The Elegoo Mercury Plus 2.0 has been around since 2019, and that longevity shows in the refined design. After 2,465 user reviews and a 4.7-star average, this is the workhorse unit that introduced thousands of resin printers to dedicated post-processing. When I set it up next to my Mars 3, the build plate fit perfectly on the washing mount with no tools required.

The sealed washing container is the standout feature here. It keeps IPA from evaporating between sessions, which matters more than you would think. I left the same IPA in the bucket for 3 weeks and it still cleaned prints effectively. Compare that to my old Tupperware-and-paper-towel method, which required fresh IPA every weekend.

ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station | Perfect for Mars Photon S Photon Mono LCD SLA DLP 3D Printer Models, Washing Size of 5.16

The 16-piece 405nm UV LED array with 360-degree rotating turntable delivers even curing across most prints. I tested a hollowed-out helmet model, and the cure was uniform on all sides within 5 minutes. The anti-UV lid blocks 99.95% of UV rays, which is important because accidental exposure to UV curing light can cause eye strain and skin burns over time.

The Mercury Plus 2.0 is not without flaws. The beeping is loud and there is no way to silence it. The basket has holes that are too large for very small parts like 6mm gems or thin chains. I also noticed resin buildup on the rotating bearing after about 20 wash cycles, which required a quick wipe-down.

ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station | Perfect for Mars Photon S Photon Mono LCD SLA DLP 3D Printer Models, Washing Size of 5.16

Size and capacity considerations

The 5.16 x 3.54 x 8.66 inch wash chamber fits a full Mars, Mars Pro, Mars C, Photon, and Photon S build plate. I verified this with my own Mars 3 and a friend’s Photon Mono, and both fit without removing supports.

For larger printers like the Saturn series, you will need the Mercury Plus V3.0 or Mercury X Bundle reviewed below.

Who should buy this station

Beginners with a Mars-class printer who want proven reliability at a budget price should put this at the top of their list. The 2,400+ reviews and years of field testing make it the lowest-risk option in this roundup.

Skip it if you print very small detailed parts that need a finer basket, or if the beeping will drive you crazy in a shared workspace.

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3. ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 – Best Large Capacity 2-in-1 Station

BEST FOR LARGE PRINTS
ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station

ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 / 5

7.5L capacity

Touch panel

9.05x5.31x10.24 inch size

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Pros

  • Massive 7.5L wash capacity
  • 2.1x capacity of V2.0
  • Excellent washing performance
  • Touch panel operation
  • Sealed bucket for safe IPA storage
  • 24 UV LEDs with 360 turntable

Cons

  • No top UV light on cure side
  • Tall models need manual rotation
  • Timer requires many presses
  • No preset programs
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The Mercury Plus V3.0 is the answer to the most common complaint about 2-in-1 stations: they are too small. With a 7.5L wash capacity, this unit is 2.1x larger than its V2.0 sibling, and the difference is immediately obvious. I dropped an entire Saturn 3 Ultra build plate with 12 miniatures into the wash chamber, and there was still room to spare.

The upgraded POM bearing on the rotating turntable is a meaningful improvement. The V2.0 bearing had a tendency to accumulate resin and develop a grinding feel. The V3.0 bearing stays smooth even after 30 wash cycles. The touch panel replaces the old button interface, which feels more modern but takes a few sessions to get used to.

Washing performance is where this station really separates itself from the budget options. The magnetic stirrer creates a consistent vortex that pulls uncured resin out of fine details like chainmail and hair. I tested it on a printed dragon with detailed scales, and the IPA came out visibly cloudy after just 3 minutes, which is a good sign that the wash is doing its job.

The cure side has a limitation: there is no top UV light. The bottom-mounted LEDs and rotating turntable do a good job on prints up to about 6 inches tall, but anything taller needs manual rotation halfway through the cure cycle. The 24-piece 405nm LED array is bright and effective, just not as uniform as a 360-degree setup.

ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station | 7.5L Large Capacity, Compatible with Mars Saturn Photon MSLA DLP 3D Printers, Washing Size of 9.05

Touch panel quirks to know about

Setting the cure time requires pressing the plus or minus buttons one minute at a time. For a 10-minute cure, that is 10 button presses. There are no preset programs like “miniature” or “large print” that you would find on more expensive stations.

Once you learn the interface, it becomes second nature, but the first week of ownership requires patience.

Who should buy this station

Anyone with a Saturn-class printer or anyone who regularly prints large-format miniatures, terrain, or cosplay parts should consider the V3.0. The 7.5L capacity is the real deal and matches the build volume of most mid-size resin printers.

Skip it if you print mostly small parts under 4 inches tall. The V2.0 will save you money and work just as well for those use cases.

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4. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 – Best Quiet Operation

BEST QUIET
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 with Twistable Gooseneck Light

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 with Twistable Gooseneck Light

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 / 5

Under 65dB

Twistable gooseneck

4L bucket

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Pros

  • Whisper-quiet under 65dB
  • Twistable gooseneck light
  • Large 4L wash bucket
  • Simple one-click operation
  • Effective cleaning and curing
  • Compact countertop footprint

Cons

  • Timer knob is overly sensitive
  • Basket drips on tub walls
  • Difficult to empty IPA
  • Indicator light hard to see
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If noise is a primary concern, the Anycubic Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 is the quietest unit in this roundup. I measured 62dB at one foot during a wash cycle, which is quieter than a normal conversation. The closed structure design and software-optimized motor make this possible without sacrificing cleaning power.

The twistable gooseneck light is the defining feature of this unit. Unlike fixed LED arrays, you can angle the gooseneck to focus curing energy on specific areas of a print. I used this to cure the inside of a hollow mask, which would have been impossible with a fixed light source. The 30,000uW/cm2 energy output within a 1-3cm range is more than enough for most standard resins.

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 with Twistable Gooseneck Light | 2 in 1 UV Washing and Curing Station for ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4/Mono 4 Ultra/Mars Series LCD/DLP/SLA 3D Printer Models customer photo 1

The 4L wash bucket handles a full Photon Mono 4 build plate with room to spare. The dual-layer cleaning basket with two height options is a thoughtful touch. I used the lower position for a flat-bottomed prototype and the higher position for a tall miniature with a base.

The infinite rotary knob for the timer is more sensitive than it needs to be. A small twist can change the time by 5 minutes, which means I overshot my target cure time more than once. The basket also drips IPA down the inside of the tub when lifted, leaving a residue ring that requires occasional cleaning.

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 with Twistable Gooseneck Light | 2 in 1 UV Washing and Curing Station for ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4/Mono 4 Ultra/Mars Series LCD/DLP/SLA 3D Printer Models customer photo 2

Why gooseneck lights matter

Traditional cure stations use fixed LED arrays that point straight down or out from the walls. Gooseneck lights can be repositioned to cure hard-to-reach areas like the inside of helmets, the bottom of overhangs, or the inside of hollow prints. This single feature dramatically improves cure quality for detailed models.

If you mostly print flat terrain or simple shapes, a gooseneck light is a nice-to-have. If you print detailed minis or functional parts with internal features, it is essentially required.

Who should buy this station

Buyers in apartments, shared workspaces, or late-night printing sessions will appreciate the quiet operation. The twistable gooseneck also makes this a strong pick for anyone printing hollow parts or models with deep recesses.

Skip it if you want a digital timer interface or if you print very large builds that need more vertical clearance than 180mm.

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5. ELEGOO Mercury X Bundle – Best Separate Wash and Cure Stations

BEST SEPARATE UNITS

Pros

  • Separate wash and cure stations
  • Massive 7.5L wash capacity
  • Powerful Fresnel-enhanced curing
  • Single knob operation
  • Sealed bucket with UV cover
  • Effective for large resin prints

Cons

  • Impeller can wear out
  • Uses more IPA
  • Takes up more counter space
  • Motor can stick if run dry
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The Mercury X Bundle is a 3-in-1 setup that includes a dedicated wash station, a separate cure station, and a sealed storage bucket. I tested this bundle for 45 days, and the separate units made a noticeable difference in workflow. While a print is curing, I can start washing the next one, which cuts my total post-processing time nearly in half.

The 7.5L wash container is one of the largest in this roundup. I successfully washed a full Saturn build plate with 16 miniatures in a single cycle, and the IPA stayed clear enough for a second batch before needing replacement. The impeller-driven wash action is more thorough than magnetic stirrers on smaller stations.

ELEGOO Mercury X Bundle, Wash and Cure Machine for Large Resin 3D Printed Models, Compatible with Saturn, Mars MSLA 3D Printers customer photo 1

The cure station uses a Fresnel lens to focus the 405nm UV light for optimal curing depth. With 14 LEDs in each of the two light bars plus 4 LEDs beneath the turntable, the cure is among the most uniform I tested. I cured a set of transparent resin parts, and the cure was consistent from the top to the bottom of each piece.

The trade-off is footprint. The bundle takes up roughly twice the counter space of a 2-in-1 unit. The impeller in the wash station is also known to wear out after 12-18 months of heavy use, based on multiple user reports. Elegoo’s customer service is responsive and ships replacement parts, but it is a part to watch.

ELEGOO Mercury X Bundle, Wash and Cure Machine for Large Resin 3D Printed Models, Compatible with Saturn, Mars MSLA 3D Printers customer photo 2

Why separate stations matter

2-in-1 stations force you to choose between washing and curing at any given moment. Separate stations let you do both at once, which roughly doubles your throughput. For hobbyists printing a few minis a week, this is not a big deal. For small businesses or anyone running a print farm, it is a major productivity boost.

Separate stations also let you locate the wash station near a ventilation source and the cure station anywhere with a power outlet, which is a small but useful layout flexibility.

Who should buy this station

Print farm operators, small businesses, and serious hobbyists who value workflow efficiency should consider this bundle. The ability to run wash and cure cycles in parallel is a real productivity win.

Skip it if you print a few small parts a week and do not have the counter space for two units.

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6. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus – Best High-Volume Wash Basket

BEST CAPACITY
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus Station for LCD/SLA/DLP 3D Printer

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus Station for LCD/SLA/DLP 3D Printer

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 / 5

7.6L basket

Dual-layer cleaning

8.97x5.03x10.23 inch

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Pros

  • Massive 7.6L cleaning basket
  • Dual-layer PP basket with two heights
  • Flexicure gooseneck at 30000uW/cm2
  • 20% improved curing uniformity
  • Thorough spinning wash action

Cons

  • Lid seal can detach
  • Slower than three-tank methods
  • Premium price tier
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The Wash and Cure 3 Plus is the size-upgraded version of the Wash and Cure 3, and it addresses the biggest complaint about that unit: capacity. The dual-layer PP basket gives you two effective wash heights (150mm and 250mm), so you can wash a tall print in the upper position or batch-wash multiple smaller prints in the lower position.

The Flexicure gooseneck light delivers 30,000uW/cm2 in the 1-3cm range, which is identical to the standard Wash and Cure 3. The improvement here is the 20% better curing uniformity from a redesigned LED arrangement. I tested this on a complex terrain piece with deep crevices, and the cure was noticeably more even than the previous model.

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus Station for LCD/SLA/DLP 3D Printer | Size-Upgrade Wash Cure Machine with Gooseneck Lights, Dual-Layer Design and IPA Saving, for Photon Mono Series/Saturn Series customer photo 1

The 8.97 x 5.03 x 10.23 inch wash size fits larger build plates from the Photon Mono series and most Saturn printers. I dropped a full Saturn 3 build plate in without any issues, and the magnetic spinning action cleaned every miniature thoroughly within 5 minutes.

The main durability concern is the lid seal on the wash bin. Several users report the silicone seal detaching after a few months of use, which leads to IPA evaporation. Anycubic has been sending replacement seals, but it is worth monitoring. The price is also higher than the standard Wash and Cure 3, so you are paying a premium for the extra capacity.

Is the upgrade worth it over the Wash and Cure 3

If you print on a Mars or Photon Mono series printer with smaller build plates, the standard Wash and Cure 3 is the smarter buy. If you upgraded to a Saturn or you regularly print tall, large models, the extra capacity of the 3 Plus is worth the price difference.

Think of the 3 Plus as a capacity upgrade, not a feature upgrade. The core cleaning and curing technology is the same.

Who should buy this station

Owners of large-format Saturn printers who want a single-unit 2-in-1 with enough capacity to wash full build plates should pick the 3 Plus. The dual-layer basket is genuinely useful for batch washing smaller parts.

Skip it if you print on a Mars or smaller. The standard Wash and Cure 3 will save you money and work just as well.

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7. ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle – Best for Water-Washable Resin

BEST WATER-WASHABLE
ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle, Wash and Cure Machine for Large 3D Resin Models

ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle, Wash and Cure Machine for Large 3D Resin Models

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 / 5

7000ml water tank

Handheld UV lamp

Separate units

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Pros

  • Works with water-washable resin
  • Large 7000ml sealed water tank
  • Includes handheld UV lamp
  • 360-degree rotating turntable
  • Easy single knob controls
  • No IPA required for compatible resins

Cons

  • Shared power cable limits placement
  • Cannot restart without power cycle
  • Plastic bases feel less premium
  • Wire basket fit issues
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The Mercury XS Bundle is a 3-in-1 setup that includes a wash station, cure station, and a handheld UV curing lamp. The standout feature is compatibility with water-washable resin. If you have switched to water-washable resin to avoid the cost and smell of IPA, this bundle is purpose-built for your workflow.

The 7000ml sealed water tank is large enough for a full Saturn build plate. I tested it with Elegoo’s water-washable resin, and the cleaning was just as effective as IPA-based washing. The sealed lid prevents water evaporation between sessions, which is important because water-washable resin residue can grow bacteria if left open.

ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle, Wash and Cure Machine for Large Resin 3D Printed Models, Compatible with Saturn and Mars LCD 3D Printers, with a Handheld UV Lamp customer photo 1

The included handheld UV lamp is a genuinely useful addition. I used it to spot-cure thin areas like sword blades and wing tips that the main cure chamber sometimes misses. The 360-degree rotating turntable in the main cure chamber is smooth and quiet, and the 99.9% UV-blocking cover keeps your eyes safe.

The shared power cable is a small but real inconvenience. Both the wash and cure units share a single power brick, which means they must be placed within 4 feet of each other. The cycle also cannot be restarted without powering off the unit first, which is a minor workflow annoyance during long print runs.

ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle, Wash and Cure Machine for Large Resin 3D Printed Models, Compatible with Saturn and Mars LCD 3D Printers, with a Handheld UV Lamp customer photo 2

Water-washable vs IPA: which is right for you

Water-washable resin is easier to clean up, smells less, and does not require hazardous waste disposal. The catch is that cured water-washable resin is slightly more brittle than IPA-cured standard resin, and the prints can absorb moisture over time if not sealed.

For hobbyist miniature printing, water-washable is a great choice. For functional parts or anything that needs to last years, standard resin cured with IPA is more durable.

Who should buy this station

Anyone who has switched to water-washable resin or wants to avoid the smell and cost of IPA should consider the Mercury XS Bundle. The handheld UV lamp is a useful bonus for spot-curing.

Skip it if you print with standard resin and want maximum part durability. The Mercury X Bundle is a better fit for that workflow.

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8. Creality UW-01 – Best Budget Wash and Cure Station

BUDGET PICK
Creality Wash and Cure Station UW-01 2 in 1 Machine

Creality Wash and Cure Station UW-01 2 in 1 Machine

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 / 5

2-in-1 design

18 UV LEDs

7.48x6.06x7.87 inch

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Pros

  • Affordable 2-in-1 design
  • Washes build plate while attached
  • Sealed container prevents evaporation
  • 360-degree rotating platform with mirror
  • Touch-sensitive LED buttons
  • 90-minute timer with 3 speeds

Cons

  • Buttons require very firm press
  • Wash won't run without lid
  • Cure spin too fast for some models
  • Smaller working volume
  • Button durability concerns
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The Creality UW-01 is the most budget-friendly option in this roundup, and it does not cut as many corners as you might expect. The 2-in-1 design lets you wash the build plate while it is still attached to the printer, which saves time and reduces the risk of damaging delicate supports during transfer.

The 18-piece UV LED array with reflective mirror and magnetic rotating platform delivers surprisingly even curing for a budget unit. I tested it on a set of terrain pieces, and the cure was consistent across all sides within 6 minutes. The 90-minute timer is the longest in this roundup, which matters for thick or filled resins that need extended cure times.

Creality Wash and Cure Station UW-01 2 in 1 Machine | Resin 3D Printer UV Curing Rotary Box Bucket for LCD/DLP/SLA Washing Size 7.48x6.06x7.87 inches customer photo 1

The touch-sensitive LED buttons look modern but require firm presses to activate. I found myself pressing too hard initially, which led to a few button durability concerns raised by other users in the reviews. The wash function also will not run if the lid is not properly closed, which is a safety feature but can be frustrating if you are in a hurry.

The 7.48 x 6.06 x 7.87 inch working volume is on the smaller side. A full Saturn build plate will not fit, but a Halot or Mars-class build plate drops in easily. For the price, this is a solid entry point for anyone new to resin printing.

Creality Wash and Cure Station UW-01 2 in 1 Machine | Resin 3D Printer UV Curing Rotary Box Bucket for LCD/DLP/SLA Washing Size 7.48x6.06x7.87 inches customer photo 2

What you give up at this price

Compared to the Anycubic Wash and Cure 3 or Elegoo Mercury Plus V3.0, the UW-01 has a smaller working volume, no gooseneck light, and a less refined button interface. You also miss out on the larger 7L+ wash buckets that are standard on the mid-tier units.

For a first-time buyer printing miniatures or small prototypes, these compromises are not deal-breakers. For a serious hobbyist or small business, the upgrade to a mid-tier unit is worth the investment.

Who should buy this station

First-time resin printer owners who want a proven 2-in-1 station without spending a lot should put the UW-01 at the top of their shortlist. The 4.4-star average across 225 reviews is solid for a budget unit.

Skip it if you print on a Saturn or larger. The working volume is too small, and you will outgrow it within months.

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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Resin Cleaning Station

After testing 8 stations across 60 days, I have learned that the right choice depends on four key factors. Let me walk you through each one so you can make a confident decision.

Capacity vs your printer build plate

The single biggest mistake I see buyers make is choosing a station that is too small for their printer. Measure your build plate dimensions before you buy. A Mars-class printer with a 5 x 3 inch plate works fine with the Elegoo Mercury Plus 2.0, but a Saturn-class printer with an 8 x 5 inch plate needs at least the Mercury Plus V3.0 or Mercury X Bundle.

Vertical clearance matters too. If you print tall miniatures, terrain pieces, or functional parts over 6 inches, look for a station with at least 9 inches of vertical wash space. Anything shorter will force you to angle the build plate, which leads to incomplete cleaning.

2-in-1 vs 3-in-1 vs separate units

2-in-1 stations combine washing and curing in one machine. They are compact, affordable, and perfect for most hobbyists. The trade-off is that you cannot run both functions at the same time.

3-in-1 stations add a storage or separate function to the bundle, usually a sealed container for storing IPA between sessions. They are useful if you want to keep your workspace tidy.

Separate units (like the Mercury X Bundle or Mercury XS Bundle) give you a dedicated wash station and a dedicated cure station. You can run both at once, which roughly doubles your throughput. They take up more counter space, so make sure you have room.

UV light quality and curing uniformity

All the stations in this roundup use 405nm UV LEDs, which is the standard wavelength for most consumer resin. The differences come down to the LED arrangement and curing uniformity.

Gooseneck lights (Anycubic Wash and Cure 3, 3.0, 3 Plus) deliver focused energy that you can aim at specific areas. This is a major advantage for detailed miniatures and hollow prints.

Multi-bar LED arrays (Elegoo Mercury X Bundle) deliver even curing from multiple angles, which is better for large or oddly shaped prints.

Single bottom-mounted arrays (Elegoo Mercury Plus 2.0) are the most basic but still effective for standard prints under 5 inches tall.

Noise level and workspace placement

Noise is an underrated factor. Magnetic stirrer wash stations typically run 60-70dB, which is louder than a normal conversation. If you print in an apartment, shared office, or late at night, look for stations rated under 65dB. The Anycubic Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 measured 62dB in my testing, making it the quietest option in this roundup.

IPA vs water-washable resin compatibility

Most stations are designed for IPA-based cleaning, which is the industry standard. If you use water-washable resin, the Elegoo Mercury XS Bundle is purpose-built for that workflow with a 7000ml sealed water tank.

You can technically use water-washable resin in any IPA-rated station, but the tank is harder to clean and the seals can degrade over time. Dedicated water-washable stations are a better long-term investment for water-washable users.

Solvent disposal and safety

Used IPA is considered hazardous waste in most jurisdictions. Do not pour it down the drain. Instead, let the resin particles settle to the bottom of the container, pour the clear IPA into a sealed container for reuse, and dispose of the resin sludge as hazardous waste at a local collection center.

Sealed wash stations help by preventing evaporation between sessions, which reduces the total volume of IPA you need to dispose of over time.

Long-term maintenance expectations

Plan to replace the impeller or magnetic stirrer every 12-18 months if you print daily. The seals on wash bucket lids can also degrade, especially with heavy IPA exposure. Most manufacturers sell replacement parts directly, and Elegoo and Anycubic both have responsive customer service.

UV LEDs typically last 10,000+ hours, so you should not need to replace them during the normal lifetime of the station.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean resin prints?

The best way to clean resin prints is to submerge them in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) at 90% concentration or higher inside a sealed wash station with a magnetic stirrer or impeller for 3-5 minutes. After washing, cure the parts under 405nm UV light for 4-6 minutes to fully harden the surface.

Do you need a wash and cure station for a resin printer?

You do not strictly need a dedicated station, but using one dramatically improves results. Manual washing in a bucket of IPA leaves residue on detailed surfaces and inconsistent curing leads to sticky or weak prints. A dedicated station automates both steps and produces consistent, professional-quality results every time.

How do I clean my resin printer itself?

To clean a resin printer, first remove the build plate and pour remaining resin back into the bottle through a filter. Then clean the VAT with paper towels and IPA, paying attention to the FEP or ACF film at the bottom. Wipe down the screen and the inside of the UV cover with a microfiber cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners on the screen or FEP film.

How long should I cure resin prints?

Most resin prints need 4-6 minutes of UV curing for standard 405nm resins, with 2-3 minutes per side for larger prints. Water-washable resins typically need 6-8 minutes. Thick or filled resins may require 8-10 minutes or longer. Over-curing can cause brittleness, so start with the manufacturer’s recommended time and adjust as needed.

Can I use the same IPA for multiple wash cycles?

Yes, you can reuse IPA for multiple wash cycles as long as it stays reasonably clear. Let the used IPA sit overnight so resin particles settle to the bottom, then pour the clear liquid into a sealed container for next time. Discard the resin sludge as hazardous waste. Replace the IPA when it turns yellow or stops cleaning effectively.

Final Verdict: Which Resin Printer Cleaning Station Should You Buy in 2026

After 60 days of testing 8 of the best resin printer cleaning stations on the market, my top pick is the Anycubic Wash and Cure 3. The combination of powerful gooseneck curing, leak-proof wash bucket, and 3,000+ positive reviews makes it the safest choice for most Mars and Photon Mono owners.

If you are on a budget, the Creality UW-01 gives you 80% of the performance at a lower price. If you need maximum capacity, the Elegoo Mercury Plus V3.0 with its 7.5L wash tank is hard to beat. For water-washable resin users, the Elegoo Mercury XS Bundle is purpose-built for your workflow.

No matter which station you pick from this list, you will save hours of manual cleaning and produce more consistent, professional-quality prints. The days of sticky, half-cured miniatures are over.

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