If you've ever seen a sheet of rubber slipping out of place like from a card case, or coming off your shoe and feeling really hard, or your vacuum cleaner having been damaged by hardening of the rubber on the rings, ties, or hoses, you know that over time the rubber will wear down. harden. Natural rubber will harden and break due to chemical reactions caused by heat, oil, or even just oxygen. Thus, limiting exposure to heat, oil, and oxygen to rubber is one way to delay hardening. On the other hand, at the same time, using heat and oil properly can temporarily restore the rubbery texture of an object, although it will eventually harden.
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Method 1 of 3: Slows Hardening of Rubber
Step 1. Check rubber items regularly for hardening
Slowly but surely, whether it's windshield wiper or the elastic band on your favorite pajama, the rubber will harden over time. The appearance of a white or other color material on the rubber surface indicates a chemical reaction is taking place.
- Natural rubber is not resistant to ozone and UV rays, as well as petroleum. In addition, temperatures below -55 or above 104 degrees Celsius can damage rubber quickly, while extreme temperatures in general will accelerate the degradation and hardening of rubber.
- Rubber can stretch and bend because it is made of chains of molecules that are intertwined and can turn straight when pulled. The degradation of these molecular chains can occur as a result of repeated or excessive pressure (think of a broken or pulled rubber band), or as a result of exposure to any of the things mentioned above.
Step 2. Check for signs of damage to the rubber
Cracked rubber will not stick together even if softened. Once the crack has formed, the only options left are to glue it together or replace the object. There is no magic solution to this problem.
One thing to emphasize here is that the general softening of rubber--using heat and oil--will basically damage the rubber. So every time you soften a rubber basket or a hard shoe sole, you are also contributing to the damage
Step 3. Keep rubber objects clean
There isn't much you can do to prevent exposure to oxygen, temperature fluctuations, and light from the rubber, but removing dirt can help prevent oil damage to the rubber.
- Clean rubber items with warm water and only wipe clean whenever possible. If necessary, use a mild dish soap and rinse thoroughly.
- The solvents in the cleaning fluid can actually damage or even dissolve the rubber.
Step 4. Store rubber items in an airtight container to delay hardening
If possible, remove as much air (and oxygen) from the container as possible before you close it.
- Putting a rubber object in a sealable bag, and using a straw to get most of the air out can slow down the hardening process considerably. If you've ever compared a rubber band stored in a plastic bag to a rubber band just kept in a drawer, you know the difference.
- Natural rubber is very susceptible to oxidation, due to the sulfur compounds added to it when making things like rubber bands. The oxygen reacts with the sulfur and removes it from the rubber, making it more brittle.
Step 5. Place the container in a dry and dark place
The place you use to store apples or potatoes, you can also use to store sports shoes in a container.
- A temperature range of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius is a good choice for storing rubber items, although lower temperatures are also good.
- You might even consider storing rubber items in a tight container in the refrigerator. However, the cooler temperatures and higher humidity in the refrigerator make this option less than ideal.
Method 2 of 3: Softening Rubber with Heat
Step 1. Determine your heat source
An oven or hairdryer are the most common choices, although some people prefer to put rubber-soled shoes over the radiator, for example. Make sure the heating element in your oven can be turned on at a low temperature, while the heating element in your hairdryer can be turned on at a high temperature, so that you get almost the same temperature.
- A clothes dryer set to its highest temperature can also be used, especially for sports shoes.
- The temperature range you should use is 93 to 104 degrees Celsius. Temperatures above this range will actually damage rubber objects.
- Remember to clean rubber items first, ideally with water only, before heating them.
Step 2. Place the rubber object in the "warm" oven
Just in case the oven temperature is too high and the rubber melts, place the item in an ovenproof pan or other container that you don't use for food.
- If you are heating your shoes, make sure to place the soles facing up, to reduce the chance of them melting on the baking sheet or oven rack.
- Preheat the item in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. If you have an infrared thermometer, use it to estimate your desired temperature range.
- Again, be careful not to overheat the oven, as too high a temperature will damage the rubber, and cleaning the melted rubber is not easy.
Step 3. Alternatively, heat the rubber with a hairdryer
At least for rubber-soled shoes, heating them with a high-temperature hairdryer for 7 to 10 minutes is said to be quite successful.
- Don't point the blow dryer at just one area, and check for signs of melted or damaged gum all over the area every now and then.
- Check carefully, because the rubber can feel very hot. Again, an infrared thermometer can help you.
Step 4. Let the rubber cool for 10 minutes
Then, try to change the shape. If you're lucky, the rubber thing will stay softer and more flexible even when it's cold.
Just keep in mind that there are many different rubber compositions, and some of them may give better results than others. Also, there is no magic solution, so some rubber items that have hardened may not be able to soften again. Basically, you're damaging the rubber even more by heating it to soften it, and some things made of rubber will not be repaired this way
Method 3 of 3: Softening Rubber by Soaking
Step 1. Remove the rubber layer and other components of the object, so that they can be soaked separately
This method is most suitable for use on industrial rubber components or on equipment that can be refitted.
- Unless the sole of your shoe can be easily removed and put back on, this method may not be the best choice for shoes. Soaking liquid may damage or discolor leather or other shoe materials.
- Remember to clean any rubber items first, ideally with just warm water and a clean cloth.
Step 2. Mix a liquid consisting of 3 parts medical alcohol with 1 part gandapura oil
Make sure that the amount of liquid you make is sufficient to completely cover the rubber object when it is placed in the container.
While both of these fluids are safe to touch in small amounts, it's a good idea to use tongs or rubber gloves to protect your hands whenever you insert or remove a rubber object. At least your hands will not smell of gandapura oil afterwards
Step 3. Soak the rubber object, seal the container tightly, and check periodically to monitor for softening
Sealing the container tightly will prevent evaporation that could interfere with the object you are soaking.
The time it takes for the rubber to soften may be a few hours or a few days. Be patient and check back. However, after a few days the texture of the rubber will not change much even if it is still soaked
Step 4. Remove the softened object and wipe it clean with a clean cloth
Let it dry by itself. Although the object will have a pungent odor, it's best not to use water to get rid of it.
- By leaving the oil on the rubber surface, the rubber softening process can continue.
- Of course, keep in mind that the remaining gandapura oil will also slowly damage the rubber by softening it, so consider leaving it alone or rinsing it with water. You can take both options, as long as you don't use harsh laundry soap.
