There are many types of rubber and each one reacts differently to cleaning products. Generally the standard ones can be used to clean almost all types of rubber, while the more aggressive products, which contain substances such as bleach, can deteriorate it, crack it or cause it to lose elasticity. Whatever your need (cleaning your home or car mats, tires, baby bath toys or other rubber items), with a little time and the right detergents you will be able to easily get rid of dirt and residues of any substance.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Clean a Rubber Object
Step 1. Prepare a cleaning solution of water and dish soap
Fill a basin with about 4 liters of hot water. Add a tablespoon of dish soap and swirl the water with clean hands or a wooden spoon to distribute the soap and foam.
Step 2. Clean the item with a wet cloth
Dip a clean rag into the soapy water, then wring it out and scrub the rubber to get rid of the grime.
- The rag will absorb the dirt as you pass it on the object. Occasionally dip it back into the soapy water to rinse it out and then squeeze it again before starting over.
- Do not use a detergent or abrasive material. They could deteriorate the rubber or make it dull.
Step 3. Rinse
When you are satisfied with the result, turn on the cold water tap and rinse the object thoroughly to remove the detergent and dirt residue. If you want, you can use leftover soapy water to clean other rubber surfaces, or throw it down the sink drain.
Step 4. Let the object dry
Choose an outdoor spot where it is sheltered from the sun's rays. In the long run, the sun's rays can dry out and deteriorate the rubber. Do not bring the object close to a direct heat source in an attempt to shorten the time: it would still be damaged. If you are in a hurry, you can use the hairdryer by setting the air jet to a cold temperature.
- In some cases the gum may look perfectly clean while it is wet, but once it dries you may find that it is still sticky.
- You can fix the situation by cleaning it a second time with soapy water, as described above, or you can use denatured alcohol (as explained in the next steps).
Step 5. Use denatured alcohol if the gum has remained sticky
In general it is indicated to eliminate most viscous substances, but it is better to use it only sporadically on rubber. Soak a clean rag in the alcohol and rub it where you need it until you are satisfied with the result. Finally rinse the object again with cold water.
Applying alcohol too often or for a long time to the gum causes it to deteriorate faster than normal
Method 2 of 4: Clean the Rubber Mats
Step 1. Shake the mats to remove dust
Take your car or house mats and take them outside, to a place where you can shake them to free them from dust. You can slam them against each other or against a wall or railing to remove as much dirt as possible.
Step 2. Rinse them with the spray gun you are watering the garden with
You can also use a pressure washer. Turn on the water and spray the mats on both sides to completely remove the dirt.
- Rubber mats are generally durable, as they are made to last for a long time. If those at home are thin, delicate or decorated, the powerful jet of the pressure washer could damage them.
- The jet from the pressure washer is strong enough to sweep a mat away. If this happens, hold it firmly on the ground by placing a small, clean heavy object on top of it. Remember to move it to clean even below the weight.
Step 3. Scrub the mats with a brush and soapy water
Fill a basin with hot water and add a moderate amount of dish soap. Swirl the liquid with your hands to distribute the soap and lather. Dampen the bristles of a stiff brush with the cleaning solution, then scrub the mats hard to remove stubborn stains and grime.
- Pay special attention to cavities, crevices and corners. Dust and dirt often accumulate in those spots.
- If the mats are delicate or ornate, you can damage them by scrubbing them with a stiff bristle brush. Test an area of rubber that is normally hidden from view to see if you can proceed.
Step 4. Rinse the mats after cleaning them
Use your garden spray gun or pressure washer to rinse them with plenty of water. When you're done, take a closer look at them once more. If necessary, pass the brush again over the spots that are still dirty after moistening it with soapy water. At the end, remove any residue with a last meticulous rinse.
Step 5. Dry the mats with a microfiber cloth
Pass it over the gum to absorb the water. Once they are dry, put them back in their place, in the house or in the car. If you don't have a suitable microfiber cloth for this purpose, you can let them air dry. If so, make sure they are out of direct sunlight, otherwise the rubber will be damaged.
Method 3 of 4: Clean the Tires
Step 1. Spray the tires with water to remove dirt
Dirt and dirt sticking to wheels can be particularly difficult to remove. Spray all wheel surfaces with a high pressure water jet. You can use the garden hose spray gun or a pressure washer.
- Using a pressure washer will make it much less difficult to remove the dirt that has accumulated on the tires. However, you can also use the gun from the barrel you use to water the garden.
- If you are going to wash your car completely, it is important to start with cleaning the tires. Otherwise the dirt could end up on the bodywork and other parts that you have already cleaned.
Step 2. Prepare a basin full of cleaning solution and another with clean water
Use an appropriate amount of a specially formulated product to clean tires. Each cleaner is different, so follow the directions on the label. Fill the second basin with cold water.
- If you are unsure which cleaner is most appropriate for your car's tires, consult the section on cleaning surfaces in the instruction booklet.
- If you don't have a specific product available, you can use a moderate amount of dish soap. Add it to cold water and shake it with your hand to distribute it evenly and create the foam.
- If the tires are heavily soiled, you may need to purchase a more aggressive and concentrated product.
Step 3. Remove any remaining grime with a stiff bristled brush
Moisten it with the cleaning solution and use it to thoroughly scrub one gum at a time. You will need to use some force to make sure you remove every last residue of dirt. Rinse the brush from time to time by immersing it in clean water.
Do not let the cleaner dry on the rubber of the tires, otherwise they will deteriorate faster than normal
Step 4. Rinse the wheels thoroughly
Use the pressure washer or garden hose spray gun to remove the cleaner and dirt that has come off the rubber. Make sure you do a thorough job.
Step 5. Dry the wheels completely
A microfiber cloth is ideal, but an old terry towel can also work. Whichever tool you choose, do not use it to dry other parts of the car as well: the fabric could trap dirt, dust or pebbles that would scratch the paint.
If you leave out the drying of clean tires, you risk that they will be stained by water or not be able to identify any residual dirt. Dry both tires and metal parts carefully
Step 6. Apply a protective spray to the tires
You can buy it in an auto accessories store or on the special shelf in the supermarket. Choose a product that protects the rubber from ultraviolet sunlight and check that it does not contain any solvents and is not silicone based. Follow the instructions on the label to get the best possible result.
- Generally these protective sprays should be applied directly to the tires using a sponge, cloth or special applicator. Some of these products contain chemicals that are hazardous to health, so wear protective gloves before use.
- The protective spray will keep tires in good condition for a long time and keep dirt out.
- Milky-colored protective sprays are usually water-based and are more appropriate for gums, while those with a slimy, clear consistency are more likely to contain harmful solvents and are silicone-based.
Step 7. Repeat the process to clean the remaining tires
Now that the first is perfectly clean, after being sprayed, scrubbed, rinsed, dried and protected, you can move on to the next. Clean each wheel as described here until all are perfect.
If you plan to wash the rest of the car right afterwards, wait to dry the wheels until you're done. Remember to use two different cloths to dry the tires and bodywork
Method 4 of 4: Clean the Rubber Bath Toys
Step 1. Fill a basin with warm water and add the soap
Regular dish detergents are mild, so they won't ruin your baby's bath games. Pour a moderate amount into the hot water, then shake it with your hand or a wooden spoon to distribute it evenly and foam.
Step 2. Scrub the toys with a soft-bristled toothbrush
You can use an old toothbrush or dish brush. Soak the bristles in the soapy water, then start scrubbing the games, focusing especially on the dirtiest areas. When you are satisfied with the result, rinse them with lukewarm water. Clean them like this once a week.
Step 3. Soak them in distilled vinegar to kill mold
Visibly moldy toys should be thrown away immediately. Mold spores pose a threat to the health of the whole family. If the problem is contained, you can solve it by letting the toys soak in water and vinegar for at least 10 minutes. The water must be very hot and the required proportion is 1: 1.
- Vinegar is also effective for removing shampoo and soap residue that builds up on bathroom toys. Simply soak them as described to return them perfectly clean.
- Vinegar dissolves dirt, soap residues and kills mold. If after leaving the toys to soak you notice that they are still not perfect, pass a soft-bristled toothbrush where you need it. You can use an old toothbrush.
Step 4. Dry the toys
Absorb the drops of water with a clean cloth. Since baby bath toys tend to trap moisture inside, leave them exposed to the air after drying them on the outside. Protect them from direct sunlight which can damage the rubber.
Step 5. Seal the opening in the bottom of the toys with hot glue to prevent mold from forming inside
The water trapped inside the toys can favor the development of mold. Clean and let the toys dry completely, then use the hot glue gun to seal all openings.
