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Cleaning rubber seals?

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Old 06-05-14 | 09:37 AM
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From: Ottawa ON, CA

Bikes: '96 Wheeler 7980, 2013 SuperSix-4, 2013 Felt F75X, 2015 Apollo Giro

Cleaning rubber seals?

Related to the other thread about getting old caked on grease off of bearings, I'm now wondering what is safe/best to use to clean the same caked on grease off the rubber seals in the headset (or any other rubber pieces on the bike)? I've been reading that the mineral spirits I used on the bearings may not be ideal for the rubber and may cause issues. The citrus degreaser I'm using doesn't specifically list 'rubber' in its list of things not to use it on, but it's also not included in the list of things it is 'good' for.

Any suggestions?
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Old 06-05-14 | 10:28 AM
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Various types of plastic and rubber can be damaged by various solvents. There are some degreasers out there that claim to be safe for use on most types of rubber and plastic, but I usually use liquid dish soap like Dawn or Palmolive to get grease off of things that could be damaged by the strong stuff.
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Old 06-05-14 | 10:40 AM
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It depends on the type of rubber. Since bearing seals are usually made of synthetic rubber and live in contact with petroleum products, standard degreasers should be safe. This would include mineral spirits, brake cleaner, and carb cleaner.
Hydraulic brakes may be adifferent story since some materials used with DOT fluids react with petroleum products and solvents, however automotive brake cleaner is usually safe here.
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Old 06-05-14 | 01:20 PM
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I usually just use a dry rag, or Qtips. Roll it off, rather than wipe it off. It usually comes off pretty easily, and is sparkling clean. I never use any kind of cleaner - it just comes off!
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Old 06-05-14 | 10:48 PM
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Products | SuperClean

This has been the only thing that will take my car tires, strip off all old armor-all, and leave a brand new rubber look.
Some hot water and a brush and this.

Find it at most stores.
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Old 06-06-14 | 12:40 PM
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Brake fluid or ATF.....
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Old 06-06-14 | 12:44 PM
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WD-40 is an excellent cleaner for grease and softens dried hardened rubber. That and the smell is fantastic.
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Old 06-06-14 | 02:29 PM
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warm soapy water to clean. rinse with clear water. clean/cheap/readily available
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Old 06-06-14 | 03:48 PM
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From: North Aurora, IL

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Originally Posted by Joe_Hoffmann
Products | SuperClean

This has been the only thing that will take my car tires, strip off all old armor-all, and leave a brand new rubber look.
Some hot water and a brush and this.

Find it at most stores.
I have seen this product take paint and chrome plating off...................... be warned.
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