Author Topic: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?  (Read 895 times)

MotherGunner

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Hi all, looking to surface-clean all my stuff so asking which cleaner is safe for black plastics?  I hear automotive producs like ArmorAll can actually cause damage...
-MG

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esteban

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2015, 03:32:36 PM »
Acetone.
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DragonmasterDan

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2015, 03:41:49 PM »
I've used goo-gone on black plastic and not had any issues.
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MotherGunner

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2015, 03:53:58 PM »
I've used goo-gone on black plastic and not had any issues.

I've had goo-gone dissolve plastic before, negative ghostrider.
-MG

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RNSpeed

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2015, 04:17:24 PM »
There is a product for cars called Forever Black.  I like the results on black plastics

mickcris

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2015, 04:32:16 PM »
I've used goo-gone on black plastic and not had any issues.

I've had goo-gone dissolve plastic before, negative ghostrider.
You sure you arent thinking of "Goof Off".  I have always thought Goo Gone was safe.  I have never had any issue with it.

wilykat

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2015, 04:43:28 PM »
Goof Off are often used to remove markers stain and other stubborn mess but they smell so offensively even if you got a full environmental suit and air tanks, you will still smell them and your nose hair will curl permanently.

Goo Gone is a lot more plesant smelling (usually like oranges) and is usually used to remove sticky residue like old tape and stickers.  They don't do cleaning well so it's probably not Goo Gone for cleaning.

Some common glass cleaner should work fine, they typically have ammonia and bits of other stuff and would get around 99% cleaning done.  Save the stronger stuff for really bad mess.

ProfessorProfessorson

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2015, 05:00:33 PM »
Acetone.

That is a no no for most plastics. It will melt it.

MotherGunner

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2015, 05:15:14 PM »
Some common glass cleaner should work fine

Any of them that you know of that clean AND leave a nice black shine?  Personal experience?
-MG

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ClodBuster

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2015, 06:29:00 PM »
When cleaning controllers, I disassemble them completely and use dish-washing liquid and warm water for all plastic parts. If there's something really sticky like glue residue, cleaning alcohol helps.

Acetone.
No, please, no. It will not only damage plastic, but also dissolve paint/prints immediately.
Methoxypropanol PM is much safer for plastic IF your intention is to get rid of paint. I use it for plastic model kits and resin mold garage kits that I want to re-paint. I still wouldn't use it for general cleaning.
« Last Edit: June 14, 2015, 06:36:35 PM by ClodBuster »

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wilykat

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2015, 08:34:14 PM »
for really clean and shiny plastic, I've used Pledge.  I've used it on plexi and lexan and also on some cheap printer to get rid of the dust. The printer hasn't melted :D

esteban

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #11 on: June 14, 2015, 11:50:01 PM »
NOTE: Of course you shouldn't use acetone. :)

That doesn't stop me from suggesting it every single time this question is asked, though. Clearly, I amuse myself too easily.
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Lost Monkey

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #12 on: June 15, 2015, 12:27:36 AM »
Just use Windex.  Use a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels, though.. paper towels leave their own dust behind.


ClodBuster

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #13 on: June 15, 2015, 01:49:17 AM »
That doesn't stop me from suggesting it every single time this question is asked, though. Clearly, I amuse myself too easily.
Is Acetone the new hair dryer?

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Necromancer

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Re: Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?
« Reply #14 on: June 15, 2015, 02:12:36 AM »
Some common glass cleaner should work fine, they typically have ammonia and bits of other stuff and would get around 99% cleaning done.  Save the stronger stuff for really bad mess.

I'd use an ammonia free glass cleaner.  The black plastic of a Duo or Turbob will probably be fine, but ammonia can cloud some clear plastics over time, and I'd rather not find out if it affects the little CD window or not.
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