Threaded brass bore mop cleaning?

[JRB416]

I hope this is the correct Forum for this question.

Has anyone found a successful way to clean dirty Smith & Wesson bore mops without the risk of potential damage?

The one on the right is an extra I have and not too dirty but I have others that are not pristine and if they could be cleaned without risk I would like to try.

 

[jem102]

I would like to know as well. I have tried shampoo and other mild soaps but not much change. I fear bleach will damage the metal. Hope someone has a remedy.

 

[Alk8944]

The sad truth is if you use a bore mop it gets dirty. There is no way to get it really clean again. The mop is intended to oil the bore once the barrel is clean, not to use in place of the loop and patch.

What are you worrying about damaging, the mop? Just like patches the mop is a throwaway! You want a clean one then buy a replacement, they're cheap.

For the poster who worried about damaging the metal portion of the mop with bleach, don't be ridiculous! The mop is brass and steel or aluminum, how is bleach going to harm them?

 

[Rule3]

soak it in brake Kleen or carb cleaner then wash it is soap and water if you want.

 

[Fullmetaljacket]

I hose mine down with Brakleen spray periodically. Bore brushes too. Works great, no damage that I've noticed.

 

[Ga Johnny]

I suspect the OP is trying to get it back to as clean as new as possible to enhance the appeal of a gun package he's got. I don't think bleach would hurt anything, but I'd water it down first and not leave it unattended.

 

[rockquarry]

Never found a practical use for these. Oversized plain cotton patches serve the same purpose; actually they work better than a bore mop and you throw them away.

 

[JRB416]

The sad truth is if you use a bore mop it gets dirty. There is no way to get it really clean again. The mop is intended to oil the bore once the barrel is clean, not to use in place of the loop and patch.

What are you worrying about damaging, the mop? Just like patches the mop is a throwaway! You want a clean one then buy a replacement, they're cheap.

For the poster who worried about damaging the metal portion of the mop with bleach, don't be ridiculous! The mop is brass and steel or aluminum, how is bleach going to harm them?

These are old mops from the 50's that came with 44 Magnums. Its more for collector reasons and probably best I leave them alone. Like most folks I never use mops just patches. Thanks for replying.

 

[oldbrownhat]

Simple Green? (suitably diluted) Ballistol?

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

If you want it original and clean, place in the box and use one from a gun store. Wish I would have thought about that years ago, but a clean mop is a clean mop to me.

 

[22hipower]

Nice to have the original type mops to keep with collectible guns. I've put some inside old socks and tied the top and dropped them in with a load of laundry. Much improved and no damage although I don't think there's any way to get them back to original "clean."

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[JRB416]

Nice to have the original type mops to keep with collectible guns. I've put some inside old socks and tied the top and dropped them in with a load of laundry. Much improved and no damage although I don't think there's any way to get them back to original "clean."

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Thank you Jeff and others for your replies. I should have been a little clearer that the mops I'm referring to are originals with collectible Smiths and not for use.

Regards to all.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Try Woolite. I asked this same question and was told to use Woolite. Put Woolite in a small dish and cover the mop. Leave it overnight, or all day. Take it out and rub it back and forth a few times. Rinse it under running water. It should come clean, if not do it again. You can also coat it in Woolite and put it in the wash with heavy clothes, like blue jeans.

 

[D Brown]

I spray my used bore mops with Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber and blot dry with a paper towel. It's hard to tell a used bore mop from a new one.

 

[gwpercle]

I have two methods .
Dawn Dishwashing Liquid Soap ... wash them by hand and rinse in the sink with lots of warm running water . Dry on sunny window sill or use the hair dryer to blowdry them .

For realy dirty ones ... Mineral Spirits , brake cleaner or ...acetone for the realy hard to clean stains .
Letting them soak for a couple hours helps the stubborn ones come clean . They dry fast on a sunny window sill .

Gary

 

[boykinlp]

The sad truth is if you use a bore mop it gets dirty. There is no way to get it really clean again. The mop is intended to oil the bore once the barrel is clean, not to use in place of the loop and patch.

What are you worrying about damaging, the mop? Just like patches the mop is a throwaway! You want a clean one then buy a replacement, they're cheap.

For the poster who worried about damaging the metal portion of the mop with bleach, don't be ridiculous! The mop is brass and steel or aluminum, how is bleach going to harm them?

Unfortunately Alk8944, this is not true for the original ones with brass hardware! If you are lucky enough to find one for sale, and if the seller knows what they have, you’ll probably have to pay dearly for it. I’ve seen original ones for .44 magnums sell for $75+ just for the MOP, and original ones for .22 caliber can be expensive too. The key word here is “original”. JMHO.
Larry

 

[chiefdave]

Silverware compartment of the dishwasher. Just don't tell the wife.

 

[rct269]

While I most certainly understand the desire to have original boxes/tools/literature and whatnot, tending to it all strikes me as a large pain in the butt. It was my good fortune to have avoided it all by virtue of the fact my collection started with the NM #3's, and ended with the end of the "5 screws" (late 1870's to mid 1950's), and I seldom had need to fool with it. I ended up with 65 guns, three original boxes, and no nothing else---and was glad of it!!

Recognizing the fact there are different strokes for different folks, I wish the best for all those with different values---and you have my most sincere sympathies-----or at least a shake of the head in wonderment!

Ralph Tremaine