cleaning polymer frames

[gfpd707]

What do you guys use to clean your ploymer framed guns. I have been wipping mine down with a damp rag and then using a rustys rag after that. It seems to make my glock and supernova look new again.

 

[iiibdsiil]

Simple Green or early whatever else is around at the time on my Glock.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[psyopspec]

Dry rag, Q-tips in the hard to reach places. Lightly lube any metal on the lower, done with that part of the gun.

 

[Shadow 7D]

I kinda like the dishwasher method, but I like my guns even more, I just clean the messes I see, and make sure what I'm using won't eat the plastic. Simplegreen is great, also used laundry detergent and windex, but I was cleaning a MN after shooting corrosive ammo, so it was kinda what I already had out.

 

[glock36]

After a day at the range or just normal daily carry I trust the Rustys Rag. It just makes it that much easier and as stated before makes it look like new.
Good luck
God speed

 

[herkyguy]

CLP, like i use on everything else. Wipe it down, scrub out the tough to reach spots. gun rag at the end. Polymer is too easy.

 

[Sport45]

Ed's Red works well on my XD and 22/45.

 

[Kwanger]

CLP, like i use on everything else. Wipe it down, scrub out the tough to reach spots. gun rag at the end. Polymer is too easy.

+1 - same here.

 

[Waywatcher]

Ed's Red (minus the acetone,) just like the rest of the piece.

On the polymer I follow it up with a dry rag wipe.

 

[Deanimator]

ALL of my firearms are cleaned with Shooter's Choice powder solvent and lubed with Clenzoil.

 

[MinnMooney]

I've only used a stiff, nylon brush and soapy water followed by drying and a touch of oil on any metal parts.

 

[nofishbob]

I scrub where I can with a brush and Hoppe's #9, then hose it down with non-chlorinated brake cleaner, followed by blowing out the residue with compressed air.

I then lube according to the instructions and reassemble...looks like new!

When I detail strip these Glocks, there really is not that much dirt on the frame components that gets missed by the above method.

Bob

 

[Ben86]

I use rem oil, q-tips, a rag, and a plastic brush. My dad just sprays poly safe gunscrubber in his frames. It cleans them ok and quick, but I prefer a more thorough cleaning.

 

[alohachris]

I've used Gun Scrubber Polymer-Safe formula. One problem I've had is that if you let even a single drop get on your sights, it'll eat the paint right off. Anybody have a fix for that?

 

[Sport45]

My email to Springfield:

Hello, I am buying a XD45ACP and have a question about cleaning. I usually use Ed's Red (a mixture of 50% Mineral Spirits, 25% Auto Transmission Fluid, and 25% Acetone) for all my firearm cleaning. I was wondering if this solvent was acceptable for cleaning a XD. I've not seen any ill effects on my plastic grips but I don't get it on the wooden stocks of my Springfield mil-spec 1911A1. It has not affected the polymer frame of my Ruger 22/45. Is there anything in Ed's Red that I should keep away from my XD? What solvents, if any, should I avoid? From what I've read I think I'll like this XD. If it holds up as well as my Springfield 1911A1 and M1 Garand it will be in my family for a few more generations.

Their response:

Thank you for your interest in Springfield Armory Products. Your cleaning solvent does not contain anything that should harm the XD. If a solvent says do not use on Polymer or plastic do not use it on your XD. I do not know of any cleaning solvents that harm the XD frames.

If you have any other questions please give me a call at 1-800-680-6866 ext 8996.

Thank you,

Jon Yacapraro
Dealer Assistance and Response Team
Springfield Inc
420 West Main St
Geneseo, IL 61254

1-800-680-6866

He didn't seem too concerened about the acetone. I use the Ed's Red on mine as well as red-can brake cleaner and haven't noticed any ill effects.

 

[9mmepiphany]

For polymer frames, I also use Simple Green...but soapy water works just as well, if I'm near running water

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Does anybody use Poly Dunk-Kit? Seems like an easy way to clean polymer guns, just drop em in the tub.

 

[Shadow 7D]

so is the dishwasher

 

[Jed Carter]

90% rubbing alcohol,works on everthing and it won't kill brain cells (unless you drink it). Simple Green leaves a residue, may clean well but any detergent needs a rinse, again 90% rubbing alcohol will clean off the Simple Green, cheaper too.

 

[Ben86]

But, doesn't alcohol degrade polymer?

 

[9mmepiphany]

That hasn't been my experience...has it been yours?

 

[Dionysusigma]

Alcohol degrades some polymers--most notably, natural resins (like cured linseed or tung oil), so don't use it near any wood stock you like since it will ruin it in a hurry. Mineral- or synthetic-based polymers, I don't think it will (though, as previously mentioned, acetone will).

What I'm wondering about is hydrogen embrittlement--using soaps and many kinds of cleaners on aluminum alloys is a flat out no-no; is it the same way with polymers?

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

I scrub where I can with a brush and Hoppe's #9, then hose it down with non-chlorinated brake cleaner, followed by blowing out the residue with compressed air.

i use a dry rag on the polymer, and tetra oil on the metal.

 

[mustang_steve]

Hoppes no 9, first with cleaning cloth (piece of flannel I bought fom a fabric store), then with a dry cleaning cloth (another piece of flannel from the fabric store).

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

But, doesn't alcohol degrade polymer?

I'm not sure if the other brands are different compounds but I believe glock frames use Nylon 6. Here is a paper on what degrades nylon 6 (I think...)
http://www.springerlink.com/content/3l832548044247w7/
Anyone speak chemistry?