Here are some helpful hints on the use and care of your Squeezo Strainer. As you unpack the Squeezo Strainer, you will notice it seems oily. It has been dipped in vegetable oil to provide a coating until it reaches you. You may also notice some metal filings – they love to cling to the oily surface! This is normal too. Simply wash the unit well in warm soapy water.

To assemble your Squeezo Strainer, follow the step-by-step diagram included. Occasionally, the position of the drain tray will make it difficult to tighten the wing nuts as illustrated in the next-to-last figure. Just push down gently on the tray until the slant allows you to attach the screen easily. Remember to tighten the wing nuts equally when you attach the screen to your Squeezo. To verify that the nuts are tightened properly, turn the handle (clockwise ONLY). You should hear a whisper sound as the scroll turns in the screen. If you hear a raspy, rubbing noise, check to make sure the drain tray is not pressing up against the screen. If it is, press down gently on it so that they do not touch.Turn the handle again. If you still get a rubbing sound, loosen the wing nuts SLIGHTLY. Move the screen back or forward and try turning the handle again until you find the position where no rubbing occurs. This should be only a very slight correction. Now tighten the nuts to hold the screen in position. Remember to coat the drive shaft with a bit of vegetable oil before each use.

For best results and to get the most pulp and juice from your fruits or vegetables, apply GENTLE pressure with the wooden plunger and DO NOT fill the hopper more than half full. If the seeds and skin do not seem as dry as they might be, you can run them through a second time, but this is not expected to be a standard procedure. It may be necessary to clean the screen periodically if you are using it for extended periods of time, such as when processing very large batches of produce.

We recommend that you replace your nylon bushing and snap ring whenever your replace the rubber gasket. To replace the nylon bushing and snap ring, follow these steps:

1. Remove the old bushing by prying loose the edges and pushing it toward the inside of the screen and the large end.
2. Remove the small metal snap ring at the narrow end of the screen (this is a metal circle that goes around thenylon bushing). Two small screwdrivers work best to remove this snap ring. It will likely get bent in the process. This is normal and is the reason why your new bushing comes with a new snap ring.
3. Dip the new nylon bushing in warm water to make it more pliable.
4. Fit the new snap ring around the nylon bushing and coat the snap ring end of the bushing with a thin layer of vegetable oil.
5. Place the screen, with the small opening down, on a flat surface.
6. Put the nylon bushing through the large opening of the screen, snap ring end first, and move it all the way down to the small end of the screen.
7. Insert the scroll into the screen and push the nylon bushing into place. You may want to use a rubber mallet or piece of wood to then tap on the scroll. You will hear it distinctly snap into place.
8. Check the rubber gasket on the large end of the screen and replace it if it appears distorted, dry or cracked.

Cleaning your Squeezo PROPERLY is very important. Be sure to dry it THOROUGHLY before storing it in order to prevent rust. If you process apples, tomatoes and berries with your Squeezo, any rust will react with their natural acidity and this can spoil your food, and is certainly not good to ingest! Take the time to meticulously clean the screens with a stiff brush that can fit into both ends, such as the one provided with your Squeezo®. Give extra attention to the end of the screen where the nylon bushing is located--seeds and skin may get lodged in it. REMOVE the rubber gasket to clean thoroughly. Leaving it in place will trap moisture. Be sure to dry your Squeezo® and all parts very thoroughly before putting them away. It is also highly recommended that you coat the Squeezo® lightly with some vegetable oil or product such PAM, especially the screens, before storing it in order to further prevent rust and help your Squeezo keep running smoothly.

If the seeds and skins are staying in the screen or it is not discharging smoothly from the screen, this is an indication that the nylon bushing at the end of the screen is getting worn. Happily, the bushing can be replaced easily. Given that the bushing is probably worn from continued use over the years, we recommend that you replace the gasket and snap ring at the same time so that you do not have any problems soon after because the gasket is getting worn. Please see the reverse side to order a screen repair kit as well as any other parts you may need.If your Squeezo is leaking out at the back, where the handle connects with the housing, this is an indication that the brass bushing inside the housing is getting worn. This generally happens when you have used it often and for several years, and is normal. Unfortunately, the bushing is permanently attached to the housing, and thus cannot be replaced individually. You must replace the housing in this case.