Anyone know how to clean old grips without damaging them?

[SirMike1983]

I try washing them first. I've used Dawn Power Wash, Simple Green, Formula 409, or even regular dish soap and warm water. Any of those will get the dirt.

If the grips are still too dirty or are badly stained, then I resort to something like Goof Off, alcohol, or mineral spirits. When you use these, you are actually removing the outermost layer of the grip material to get to cleaner material below. It should be done sparingly with a rag and not soaked in these solvents, which will melt the grip material if you let it.

I've also tried the Wintergreen Oil-Alcohol mixture you sometimes see recommended, but I wasn't a fan of it. It smells good but is toxic and can melt the outermost layer of grip material quickly.

 

[Porkchop & Applesauce]

The automotive white wall cleaner will remove all of the grease and stains as well as the oxidation with out harmful effects. Use it with a scrub brush and a warm water rinse and most the time they’re ready for installation in 5-10 minutes. Works magic on tires too

 

[GTs58]

The automotive white wall cleaner will remove all of the grease and stains as well as the oxidation with out harmful effects. Use it with a scrub brush and a warm water rinse and most the time they’re ready for installation in 5-10 minutes. Works magic on tires too

View attachment 2191033

Say what? You don’t use a toothbrush?!! Quick and easy is the way to go.

 

[Bradies Bicycle Shop]

I recently resurrected a couple pairs by soaking them in water with a tablespoon or 2 of Oxy Clean mixed into it. let em soak for a day then just rinse and wipe with a towel,

 

[gtflyte]

Say what? You don’t use a toothbrush?!! Quick and easy is the way to go.

Yes but always remember to use the wife’s tooth brush

 

[cbailey31]

I’ve always used the same citrus hand cleaner and a nylon brush I use for greasy hands which really works well on black, white or ivory 50’s style Schwinn grips but when I used it on a red pair, it turned them orange so caution!

Thanks for sharing this. I had considered using such a cleaner until seeing your message. I'll start with dish soap first.

 

[Dra]

After the cleaning than what is preferred to keep them pretty?

 

[Wolfmac]

After the cleaning than what is preferred to keep them pretty?

Gloves

 

[vincev]

It really amazes me that people actually use a toothbrush for cleaning bike parts. Go to the dollar store and buy a damn brush for crying out loud!

I use tooth brushes and all kinds of brushes from Harbor freight. I use big ones to little ones...... I have an electric tooth brush that might work well.......lol

 

[GTs58]

I use tooth brushes and all kinds of brushes from Harbor freight. I use big ones to little ones...... I have an electric tooth brush that might work well.......lol

Like I said, I use a toothbrush for something like a watchband most of the times. They also work good on cleaning a derailleur if you don’t feel like tearing it apart. That’s about as small of a thing that I’d use a toothbrush on. Use the right size brush for the job.