Cleaning Matte Rubberized Minikin

[Headinthecloud]

So, I bought a tiffany blue Asmodus Minikin a couple months ago and since it's such a light color, the dirt and grime is starting to show along the edges of the mod. I knew that it could get dirty based on what I read somewhere about someone having a white one that got so dirty looking rather quickly.

My question is, how do I clean it? Since the rubberized finish is porous, it seems like the dirt may be kind of hard to remove. I haven't really tried very hard to clean it yet because I didn't want to mess up the finish. I tried a damp cloth and I also tested an area on the inside of the battery cover with some 91% isopropyl alcohol and it seems like alcohol won't mess up the finish. I'm just concerned that once I apply alcohol and really start putting some elbow grease into it, I'll mess up the finish. I don't even know if alcohol is the best method to clean this material.

I tried a google search and turned up nothing, so I thought I'd bring it to the experts! By the way, have you guys seen the new Minikin v1.5 specs? It looks amazing. I can't wait to buy it. It supports a ton of different metals in temp control, including: kanthal, nichrome, gold, silver, NiFe, and the list goes on. I've wanted temp control for nichrome for soooo long. I'm so excited!! Oh and they're making a stabwood version that looks stunning called the Minikin Kodama edition

 

[Headinthecloud]

There's a quick pic of the grime that I spoke of. Looks dirtier in person though.

 

[Imfallen_Angel]

On similar surfaces, I usually use white board cleaner.. it really removes/breaks down the oil deposits from hands better than anything else I've tried BUT... carefully since I never did this on a mod like yours, you'd have to test it.

But on the items I've tried it on, I wet them, wait a few seconds and wipe gently with a something that won't leave particles behind... a good microfiber cloth (the type to clean glasses with) or such is usually better.

Whatever you do, do NOT scrub, just go as gently as you can...

 

[retired1]

Alcohol will eventually eat into the rubber. I have a similar type finish on my mouse, and it's showing signs of being ravaged due to the alcohol I've used to clean it up.

 

[IMFire3605]

You could also try a Dawn Dish Soap and warm water solution, maybe a drop to 5 drops Dawn to 1 cup of warm water ratio.

 

[Imfallen_Angel]

Alcohol will eventually eat into the rubber. I have a similar type finish on my mouse, and it's showing signs of being ravaged due to the alcohol I've used to clean it up.

My guess would be that it's made of silicone.. rubber would disintegrate fairly fast regardless.. just rubbing, oils, etc.

 

[retired1]

Hard to say. I suspect it's rubberized. Doesn't feel like silicone.

The rubber "tire" on the scroll wheel was first to go, and the sides are really looking rough. But... It still works and as long as it does, I'll continue to use it. Too cheap to buy a new one right now.

 

[Headinthecloud]

Thanks for all the responses! I'm pretty sure it's rubberized as Asmodus has claimed that is what it is. It doesn't have the same feel as silicone. But who knows, really.

The white board cleaner is a good idea! I think I'll try that tonight. I've been afraid to use alcohol because i know it can break it down over time.

I have tried using dawn and it didn't work. I used a soft cloth dipped in a solution of like 2 squirts of soap in a few cups of water.

What about baking soda and water? actually, that may be too abrasive.... hmmm... hydrogen peroxide does a good job cleaning certain things... but I kind of have the same fear with it that I do with alcohol breaking down the finish over time.

 

[Imfallen_Angel]

Hard to say. I suspect it's rubberized. Doesn't feel like silicone.

The rubber "tire" on the scroll wheel was first to go, and the sides are really looking rough. But... It still works and as long as it does, I'll continue to use it. Too cheap to buy a new one right now.

I've used the white board cleaning solution on my keyboard and mouse for years... still fine, the only "damage" is normal wear I guess, but overall, they're still close to like new. This includes the rubberized wheel, the sides of the mouse that is rubberized, and for my keyboard, the wristguard is rubber-like too, and it doesn't remove the white lettering of the keys either...

It just removes the oils from my hands from it easily, and make it like new every time... I clean them every few months...

I've also used the white board stuff on several other things... I think only had one issues once where it did remove the markings and did do something to the surface, but this was a fluke with something cheap I think.. I can't remember what it was...

 

[Headinthecloud]

Awesome. Thanks @Imfallen_Angel! I'm gonna try the white board cleaner tonight.

 

[Imfallen_Angel]

Awesome. Thanks @Imfallen_Angel! I'm gonna try the white board cleaner tonight.

no problem, just make sure to go easy on it, test a small section at first... I'd hate to hear that this might be the "one" thing that this stuff might damage.

also, this stuff usually smells very strong, so make sure you do it outside or well ventilated place.. you could end up with headache or such.

 

[Headinthecloud]

Well, the white board cleaner didn't work. I don't know if it's because it's non-toxic or what, but the solution didn't have a smell to it at all. It seemed like it could've been just water. $4 water in a spray bottle lol. But it was the only kind they had at Walmart.

I may see if I can find the kind that has chemicals in it at an office depot or something. But until then.... any other ideas on removing grime from the rubberized minikin?

I'm gonna try some soap and water again and see if I can get anywhere with it. I just can't imagine what else I could use that would get rid of dirt and oils without messing up the rubberized finish.

 

[Imfallen_Angel]

The right stuff stinks to high hell..

I have a bottle next to me,
Brand: Sanford /EXPO
Contains: 2-butoxy ethanol/acetate/isopropyl alcohol.


Compared to this, I've yet to find anything that works as well.. the only other suggestion would be nail polish remover, but there's various types, so some could be harmful to the finish.

Possibly vinegar..

 

[Headinthecloud]

I thought about vinegar and it could be worth a shot. I'm afraid to use nail polish remover... i may test some out on a hidden part though.

I'm annoyed that the white board cleaner I got was the non-toxic crap. I'm pretty sure it's just water lol. They don't even have ingredients listed on it, there's just a little thing saying to go to their website for ingredient list.

Oh well, worst case scenario, I found this guy that does these awesome customized patinas for mods, so if i can't get all the dirt off, I'll just cover it up.

 

[retired1]

Stay away from nail polish remover. There's some really nasty stuff in it which I wouldn't want touching my mod.

 

[vlodato]

I personally would try either glass cleaner or a spray 9 type. Shouldn't damage the finish. I would use a softer cloth if your scared like a micro fiber cloth.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[APF]

I used to clean expensive cameras. My two best cleaners were Windex (with ammonia) and a mix I made up of 50% Ether and 50% Isopropyl Alcohol (the 99% version). Needless to say, use it outside as it is extremely flammable. This mix would take off oil and grease and evaporate quickly so as not to ruin leather or plastic composites.

 

[daviedog]

Why not contact the manufacturer, right now it's just dirt.
Wrong cleaning regimen & it's wasted..

 

[dionysuskiss]

Late to the party, but I use Armor All wipes to clean the rubber/soft plastic finishes on my mods. I figured if it was meant to clean and shine rubber, vinyl,etc. on a car, it should do the job, without using harsher chemicals.