There are many different types of rubber, and each reacts differently to different cleaning products. Normally, standard cleaning products are safe for most rubbers, but harsh cleaners such as bleach can cause the rubber to crack, lose its elasticity, and reduce its quality. Whether you're cleaning regular rubber, rubber mats, rubber tires, or rubber toys for the bathroom, with the right time and product, the rubber will be free of dirt.
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Method 1 of 5: Cleaning Dirty Rubber
Step 1. Make a cleaning solution with liquid soap and water
Fill a bucket with 4 liters of warm water. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dish soap to the water. Stir the solution with your hands or a tool, such as a wooden spoon, until the soap dissolves and foams.
Step 2. Use a damp cloth to wipe the surface
Dip a clean cloth or washcloth in the solution. Lift the cloth and wring it out to remove excess soapy water into the bucket. Rub the dirty rubber vigorously until it is clean.
- A clean cloth will absorb dirt as you rub the rubber. Dip the cloth back in the soapy water and wring it out to remove any dirt on the cloth.
- Try not to use abrasive cleaners and tools as they can change or cloud the rubber surface.
Step 3. Rinse the remaining solution from the rubber
Once the dirt has been removed, turn on the sink faucet and rinse the rubber underneath until there is no more soap. You can use the remaining soap for another cleaning or just throw it in the drain.
Step 4. Air the rubber
Choose a place that is not exposed to the sun to dry the rubber. Sunlight will break down the rubber over time. Do not use a direct heat source to dry the rubber as this will also damage it. If you want to speed up drying, use a hairdryer on the “Cool” setting.
- In some cases, the rubber sometimes looks clean when it's wet, but is still sticky when it's dry.
- Remove any remaining stickiness again with soapy water according to the instructions above, or use rubbing alcohol according to the following steps.
Step 5. Use rubbing alcohol for stubborn sticks
While alcohol is effective at removing most sticks, you should only use it on the rubber occasionally. Wet a washcloth with alcohol and wipe the sticky area clean. Then, rinse the rubber with water.
If rubber is exposed to alcohol too often and for a long time, the material can break down faster than usual
Method 2 of 5: Cleaning Stains from Rubber
Step 1. Mix a paste made of baking soda and warm water
Combine warm water and baking soda in a bowl. Stir in the baking soda and water until it has a paste-like consistency. If the mixture is too runny, add baking soda. If it's too thick, add water.
Step 2. Cover the dirt with the baking soda paste and let it sit for 5 minutes
Spoon the paste onto the dirt and spread it until it forms a thin layer. Leave the baking soda for at least 5 minutes to absorb the stain.
If the stain persists, let the paste sit for another 15 minutes
Step 3. Scrape off the paste with a toothbrush and cleaning cloth
Work in circles on the surface of the stain to allow the paste to penetrate deeper. When you're done, wipe off the remaining paste with a rag.
If the stain is large enough, use a stiff-bristled brush
Step 4. Reapply the paste with vinegar if the stain persists
If there are still stains after the first scrub, apply another layer of baking soda. This time, spray it with white vinegar to help lift the stain. Let the paste sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
Method 3 of 5: Cleaning the Rubber Mat
Step 1. Clean loose dirt on the mat
Take the mat from your home or vehicle. Take it out and shake it to remove loose dirt. Pat the mat or slam it against the wall to remove most of the dirt, dust, and rocks.
Step 2. Rinse the mat using a garden hose with a spread head
Otherwise, you can use a pressure washer to spray water on the mat.
- Rubber mats are usually designed to last. Mattresses that are soft, brittle, or have a cover can be damaged by the power washer.
- The water pressure of the power washer can be strong enough to blow the mat off. If this happens, use a heavy, clean object to hold the mat up. Don't forget to clean the mat under this thing.
Step 3. Scrub the mat with a brush and soapy water
Put some dish soap in a bucket of water. Stir until the water is foamy. Wet a stiff-bristled brush in soapy water, and scrub the mat vigorously to remove deposits, spots, and other debris.
- As you work, pay attention to nooks, cracks, and nooks in the mat. Usually dust and debris settle in this area.
- Rubber that has a covering or is brittle can be damaged by a brush that is too hard. First, rub in an inconspicuous area of the mat to determine if the brush could damage the rubber.
Step 4. Rinse the mat after cleaning
Use a hose or power washer to rinse the mattress one more time with the cleaning solution. Scrub stubborn areas with a brush and cleaning solution. Then, rinse off the cleaning solution one more time.[13]
Step 5. Dry the mat with a microfiber cloth
Take a dry cloth and wipe the water off the mat. When it's dry, return the mat to the car. If you don't have a microfiber cloth, ventilate the mat. Do not dry the mat in the sun because it will weaken the rubber.
Method 4 of 5: Cleaning Dirt from Rubber Tires
Step 1. Spray water on the tires to remove dirt deposits
Dirt deposits on tires can be difficult to clean. Spray all tire surfaces with high pressure water using a power washer or hose.
- Ideally, use a power washer because it can clean dirt deposits easily. However, you can also use nozzled hose.
- If you are also planning to wash your car, do so after cleaning the tires. If done earlier, tire dirt can spread to the car that is already clean.
Step 2. Fill one bucket with cleaning solution and another with clean water
Put a tire cleaning product, such as Simple Green or Wolfgang Tire and Wheel Cleaner, into the bucket. Each product can be different so follow the instructions for use. Fill the second bucket with cold water.
- If you are confused about choosing the best product for tires, read the vehicle's user manual for more maintenance information.
- If you don't have a special tire cleaner, put some laundry soap in a bucket of cold water. Stir the solution until it is foamy before using it on the tires.
- Very dirty tires may require an extra strong cleaner, such as Bleche-Wite Tire Cleaner or Pinnacle Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate.
Step 3. Scrub the remaining dirt
Dip a stiff-bristled brush in the cleaning solution. Clean one tire with soap at a time. Scrub vigorously to remove dirt deposits. Rinse the brush with clean water when it is too dirty.
Make sure the cleaning product doesn't dry on the tire rubber. Otherwise, the rubber will wear out faster
Step 4. Rinse the soap off the tire completely
Use a power washer or hose to remove soap or loosen dirt from the tires. Rinse thoroughly so that the soap is completely removed.
Step 5. Dry the tires and rims
It's ideal to use a microfiber cloth, but you can also use a terry towel. Do not apply the drying cloth to other parts of the car. Dirt, dust, and gravel on the fabric can scratch the car paint.
If not dried after cleaning, water spots and dirt can be left on the tires. Dry all tires and rims thoroughly
Step 6. Apply the protector/protector to the tire
You can buy them at a repair shop or automotive parts at a hardware store. Choose products that contain UV protection and do not have silicone-based solvents. Follow the directions for use on the packaging for best results.
- Usually, the protector is applied directly to the tire using an applicator, cloth, or sponge. Protectants can contain harmful chemicals so it is best to wear safety gloves.
- The use of protectors will maintain the condition of the tires and protect them longer from dirt.
- In most cases, water-based, milk-colored protectors are best suited for tires. The slick and clear protectors usually contain a harmful silicone solvent.
Step 7. Repeat the process to clean the remaining dirt on the tires
Now that the tires are flush, scrubbed, rinsed, and dried, move on to the next tire. Clean each tire and rim as directed above until all wheels are cleaned.
If you plan to wash the car immediately after cleaning the tires, keep the tires wet after cleaning until the car is finished. Dry the tires and car body using a different cloth
Method 5 of 5: Cleaning Rubber Toys for Bath
Step 1. Put soap and water in a bucket to make a cleaning solution
Mild dish soap won't damage toys. Mix dish soap with hot water in a bucket. Stir using a tool, such as a wooden spoon, until the hot water is foamy.
Step 2. Scrub the toy with a soft bristle brush
Choose a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, to clean rubber toys. Dip the brush in the soapy water and scrub the toys clean. Then, rinse the toy with warm water. Do the cleaning every week.
Step 3. Use distilled vinegar to kill the fungus
Toys that are very moldy should be thrown away. Fungal spores can be harmful to you and your child's health. Mild mushrooms can be killed by soaking in a balanced ratio of vinegar and hot water for 10 minutes.
- Vinegar can also be used to clean stubborn dirt. Simply soak the toy in vinegar according to the directions above.
- Soaking toys in vinegar will loosen mold, dirt, and stubborn stains. The remaining dirt can be scrubbed with a soft brush such as a toothbrush.
Step 4. Dry the rubber toy
Wipe the remaining water with a clean cloth. Since water is often trapped in toys, blow them out after wiping them; do not dry in the sun because it will weaken the rubber.
Step 5. Cover the toy opening with hot glue to prevent mold
Water trapped in toys can grow mold. Clean and dry toys completely. Then use hot glue to seal the holes in the toy.
Warning
- If you use the wrong cleaning product, such as an acid-based or acetone-based cleaner, the rubber's appearance may deteriorate or break down more quickly. Test all cleaners on an inconspicuous area of rubber before cleaning.
- Avoid using steel wool or scouring pads when cleaning rubber as they can damage the rubber.
