Power cord - how to clean

[Calypso52]

Thanks all for the suggestions. I tried soaking it for a couple hours in a light bleach solution. Not like new, but much better. I'll definitely do the 303 if I ever get a new cord.

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

For the yellow cords it was either Lacquer thinner or Acetone. Unfortunately I cant remember which makes it sticky and which doesnt! Guessing the Lacquer thinner was the good one. The same solvent works on fenders.

I'm no chemist, but I know acetone will eat many plastics and make them gummy and sticky. I know power cords and fenders are on that list.

I've had good luck with MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), although it's getting harder to find. Very powerful solvent but it doesn't seem to make things gummy. All kinds of warnings on the label, so you know it's "the good stuff." Probably wise to follow up with 303, Armor-all or some other protectant.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

I'm no chemist, but I know acetone will eat many plastics and make them gummy and sticky. I know power cords and fenders are on that list.

I've had good luck with MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), although it's getting harder to find. Very powerful solvent but it doesn't seem to make things gummy. All kinds of warnings on the label, so you know it's "the good stuff." Probably wise to follow up with 303, Armor-all or some other protectant.

In fact both acetone and it's close cousin MEK are both rated poor with PVC.


The problem with solvents that can dissolve vinyl is that they pull more plasticizer to the surface. They can also trap contaminants in the surface.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Acetone removes the plasticizers and makes them sticky. I never tried lacquer thinner.

Any vinyl cleaner should work and not harm the cord.

OK, it's lacquer thinner then that works well. Amazing how little work it is too.