Does vinegar hurt neoprene rubber?

[duckbill]

Actually, the title says it all. I have some masks with neoprene rubber skirts and am wondering if vinegar will hurt neoprene? I would be using the vinegar to remove some salt/mineral corrosion and build-up on the mask strap hardware.
Thanks.

[seakrakken]

Vinagar would destroy the neoprene due to it's acid PH. Remove said hardware from mask and soak seperately, Mate.

[SeaRat]

Duckbill,

As Seakrakken said, vinagar will affect neoprene. It's major component is acetic acid, and it is quite acidic, which is what you want for removing some salt corrosion. But there are some newer formulations which will not affect the rubber (I think). I'll look into it tomorrow at work. But you may wish to try a simple steel wool on the metal parts, and not any cleaning chemicals at all. Removing the hardware from the mask risks damaging either the hardware or the mask. Try the steel wool first. The acetic acid will remove oils from the neoprene, and that causes the deterioration by drying it out.

John

[duckbill]

On some of my vintage gear I thought I'd better ask and be safe than to be sorry later. Thankyou. Good to know.

[nemrod]

Rather than steel wool I would suggest ScothBrite pads. Proably the maroon or green color. Steel wool might scratch chrome. A soft brass bristle brush can also be used. I know we are talking about chrome plated brass msotly but steel wool can embed small bits in stainless or aluminum and cause further corrosion of aluminum or rust spots in stainless. Just a thought. I think warm, soapy water and a very mild, oil free dish soap like original Ivory liquid will not hurt rubber--could be wrong. James

[duckbill]

O.K. Now let me play devil's advocate.
I had one guy tell me that vinegar would not hurt neoprene, and even suggested using it on wet suits for odor removal. Is this guy unknowingly ruining his expensive dive gear?
Also, wouldn't soaps and detergents also remove oils from neoprene articles? I always hear that double-hose hoses should be washed and brushed using soapy water.
Will silicone treatments help to neutralize the effects of oil loss?
Thanks again.

[broxton Chuck]

Try CLR cleaner. I use it to clean reg cans when Im overhauling them. It eats the corrosion, but I never noticed any damage to anything rubber, or to HP seats. Just a suggestion. For a great gargle, try "OLD HAWK" whisky.

[yosarian1947]

I have used White's Tire and Rubber Cleaner that you can get at yout local auto supply store.
It does a great job and leaves the rubber unhurt.....
But it will do a real number on your skin if you get some on it.

Buzz

[duckbill]

Thanks for the additional pointers.
Where can I find the CLR, Mr. Broxton? I promise I'll try not to get it mixed up with the Old Hawk while cleaning my gear!
Buzz, does the Rubber Cleaner remove saltwater corrosion?

[Buzz]

i've never used Whites on saltwater corrosion...
but it is good for removing anything that is not rubber.


CLR ....you can buy at any grocery store or department store or building supply

Buzz

[JohnA]

FYI on the Whites cleaner, it will remove paint. Owned a tire store and that is all we used on the tires to clean them. But it would take paint off and also stain the Alum rims that had a clear coat. Stuff is strong!

John

[jrvance]

CLR is a great cleaner also known as break free,, if you cant find it at the hardware store go down to your local merchant of death (gun store) and they'll have it. It works great if i need to get something nasty off one of my dads "tools"

but the price of ammo is going up ;D

[duckbill]

Are you sure? I thought Breakfree was called CLP (cleans, lubricates, protects). That's what I've always known it to be in the Marines.

[jrvancealt]

my mistake,

but i like my break free ;D



;D

[jrvancealt]

if there is ever really bad corrosion go and get yourself some marine jelly