Cleaning products

[45doubletap]

Over the past year I have stopped using the old standards for cleaning my firearms. (Hoppe's, etc). On my duty/carry guns I have been using Simple Green with fantastic results and zero negatives so far. I use it just as a solvent would normally be used. Lube the gun and put it back together. $5 for enough simple green to clean a helluva lot of weapons! I don't use it on some of the "finer more collectible" items. But for the polymer and modern finishes (melonite, etc) it seems perfectly fine!

Anyone else use any "non traditional products" for cleaning?


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[Llando88]

I use Froglube, but opinions here, ah, vary a bit on it lol.

Simple Green is a bit too alkaline for me; I find it irritating to my eyes unless diluted a good amount when I use it in the kitchen. I suppose it's an effective degreaser/cleaner, but there are so many products out there to choose from for firearms, I prefer to use one designed for guns vs. a household cleaner.

More power to you, if it works and does the job though.

 

[Stratajema]

...On my duty/carry guns I have been using Simple Green with fantastic results and zero negatives so far. I use it just as a solvent would normally be used. Lube the gun and put it back together.

Don't forget to remove the solvent residue using 91% alcohol. Otherwise, the solvent residue will get absorbed into the oil or grease and technically reduce its lubrication properties somewhat. That is one reason why the gun lube companies like to market a system having a "compatible" cleaner with their oil and grease products.

 

[DASA]

Don't forget that full strength Simple Green will attack aluminum parts if left on for more than 5-10 minutes. I'm still looking for a good cheap and safe degreaser for my aluminum framed guns.

 

[Stratajema]

Don't forget that full strength Simple Green will attack aluminum parts if left on for more than 5-10 minutes. I'm still looking for a good cheap and safe degreaser for my aluminum framed guns.

Interesting! The FAQs on Simple Green's website mentions this for unprotected aluminum parts. I wonder if it applies to anodized aluminum? Guess it's best to be conservative and just use something else on aluminum.

 

[45doubletap]

I've used it diluted on aluminum with no problem. Although I've never any reason for it to be on the firearm for more than a couple minutes.


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[DASA]

45DT,
What dilution do you use Simple Green at when cleaning your pistols? What do you clean it off with, water flush? I might try it out but I want to make sure I get it out of all the nooks and crannies of my 3rd Gen frames. There are a lot of little places a few drops of Simple Green could hide on a frame, I don't want to etch the aluminum.

Thanks for any tips you can provide.

Stay Safe.

 

[MichiganScott]

The Air Force prohibits the use of Simple Green on their air frames. If I were to use it on a pistol, I'd rinse well with running water. Kinda negates it's advantages.

 

[Ransom]

This does not seem like something worth saving a few pennies on. I'll keep using a gun cleaning product so I don't have to be concerned about unknown and unintended consequences.

 

[italiansport]

This does not seem like something worth saving a few pennies on. I'll keep using a gun cleaning product so I don't have to be concerned about unknown and unintended consequences.[/QUOTE


Penny wise and pound foolish IMO.
Jim

 

[45doubletap]

1:1 if I do use it diluted but IMO it's not always necessary. I've used it full strength on a brush for stubborn spots that need extra scrubbing. The cost isn't my main reason for using it, that's a bonus. It works great and smells good.


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[45doubletap]

Again we are talking about wiping something off with the stuff. Not soaking it for hours.


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[italiansport]

This does not seem like something worth saving a few pennies on. I'll keep using a gun cleaning product so I don't have to be concerned about unknown and unintended consequences.[/QUOTE


Penny wise and pound foolish IMO. You can buy all the gun cleaning supplies you'll need for a year for well under $100 so there isn't even a potential big savings.
Jim

 

[45doubletap]

Well like I said, I use it because it works great. The price is just an added bonus. My purpose for this post is to see if any others use "non traditional" cleaning methods. Not so much seeking opinions or critics. Heck I know of somebody who "cleans" his patrol rifle (m4) after the range IN THE DISHWASHER! Not for me but if it works for him...great.


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[wepiii]

Does washing a gun under running water not open it up to rusting?

 

[45doubletap]

That wouldn't be my first or even 2nd choice...but I imagine if you thoroughly dry the firearm there'd be no worries?


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[Doug M.]

I tend to use the SLIP products and have been more than happy with them. They work, are non-toxic, and don't eat the finish etc.

 

[palmettostate1]

Does washing a gun under running water not open it up to rusting?

I have been using it on my 1911's, Glocks shotguns and ar's here in South Carolina and Florida since 1997. No rust yet.

Blow it out with compressed air, re-oil and put it away.

 

[jarhead80]

Having been in the Chemical Mfg. Biz b-4 retiring. I shudder at the thought of using Simple Green or any alkaline product on a gun. The problem for me is that most general cleaners whether they admit to it or not has some percentage of Potassium Hydroxide (Caustic) in them to give cleaning punch. Rule of thumb the better the cleaner the higher the amount. Caustic has a very high corrosive effect on metals aluminum and brass to be two of them. Enough said, but please continue to use what works for you. J

 

[rrich1]

Mpro7

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