How do you clean GUN OIL out of rags???

AZMoose · **Posted:** 16 Feb 2011, 12:23

Wasn't sure where to post this, but hope this is an ok spot...

My problem is my wife gets upset when I throw my gun cleaning rags in the laundry after I use them. She says "it gets on everything and makes them smell". Is there a good way to wash them seperately or something??? Is there hope???

I'm only using Hoppe's no.9 solvent (for bore cleaning and powder removal) and Rem Oil (for moving parts, springs, etc.) I think it's the Hoppe's thats causing the main issue.

Any tips or advice will be appreciated! The members here always seem to help me out and I thank you in advance!!! [smilie=anim_hail.gif]

Flash · **Posted:** 16 Feb 2011, 13:07

Well, Mrs. Flash says to throw them in with the laundry and it won't cause any problems at all but since your wife thinks otherwise...

Do a batch of laundry using "small batch" settings on the washer and no clothing in there. Run another batch afterwards with nothing but soap to eliminate all possibility of odors.

Or perhaps, soak the rags in detergent in a sink for a while, wring and hand rinse and dry in the sun.

Flash

Chili · **Posted:** 16 Feb 2011, 15:26

+1 on the sink thingy. I soak mine overnight in detergent just as Flash suggested, then wash them by themselves the next day. Never a complaint from my better half...although, that may be because I always clean her pistol for her since she HATES doing it. That might be something to consider!

AZMoose · **Posted:** 16 Feb 2011, 15:32

Ok, I'll give those a whirl. Just wasn't sure if it was what I was using or something. I didn't know if using Simple Green would be best (works great on getting off Cosmo) or just regular detergent.

Just trying to keep momma happy!

rp243 · **Posted:** 16 Feb 2011, 16:16

Simple green in the sink, works on bore snakes also.
Wife not happy=no one happy.

Russ

AZMoose · **Posted:** 16 Feb 2011, 16:22

rp243 wrote:

Simple green in the sink, works on bore snakes also.
Wife not happy=no one happy.

Russ

I'm loving Simple Green more and more. I got the big gallon bottle at Wow-mart for a good price and it goes a long way! It seems to work great and it's "Green" which is always a nice thing. I'll try it next time I clean them!

guttermonkey · **Posted:** 17 Feb 2011, 12:51

Simple Green kills my asthma.

I don't use any nice rags for cleaning up, just ratty old t-shirts and stuff. So I pile them up in a box and use them as kindling when I go camping.

Flash · **Posted:** 17 Feb 2011, 13:01

guttermonkey wrote:

Simple Green kills my asthma.

I don't use any nice rags for cleaning up, just ratty old t-shirts and stuff. So I pile them up in a box and use them as kindling when I go camping.

Now there's an innovative solution. I give you extra points for creativity.

Flash

azemeu · **Posted:** 17 Feb 2011, 14:21

guttermonkey wrote:

Simple Green kills my asthma.

I don't use any nice rags for cleaning up, just ratty old t-shirts and stuff. So I pile them up in a box and use them as kindling when I go camping.

Dang, I like your thinking!!!!!
I just threw my old one out, now I have more options!! Thanks guys!

Black_water · **Posted:** 17 Feb 2011, 15:21

I toss mine...I guess I will save for kindling now.

Good idea.

sparky007 · **Posted:** 21 Feb 2011, 12:41

AZMoose wrote:

Wasn't sure where to post this, but hope this is an ok spot...

My problem is my wife gets upset when I throw my gun cleaning rags in the laundry after I use them. She says "it gets on everything and makes them smell". Is there a good way to wash them seperately or something??? Is there hope???

I'm only using Hoppe's no.9 solvent (for bore cleaning and powder removal) and Rem Oil (for moving parts, springs, etc.) I think it's the Hoppe's thats causing the main issue.

Any tips or advice will be appreciated! The members here always seem to help me out and I thank you in advance!!! [smilie=anim_hail.gif]

Got to remember Hopes 9 contains kerosene and ammonia so that's where your smell is comming from. I do just a small load of rags alone or I will wash it with my stuff. I don't care if I smell like gun oil. [smilie=icon_twisted.gif]

Flash · **Posted:** 22 Feb 2011, 15:19

I just had a thought. When they have oil spills, like the one in the Gulf of Alaska years ago or the problems in Louisiana more recently, groups of people clean the petroleum off birds so they won't die and guess what they use?

Dawn dishwashing detergent.

I'll bet that would clean up those rags like gang busters.

Flash

AZMoose · **Posted:** 22 Feb 2011, 15:35

Hot damn, Flash, didn't even think about that! It's cheap and always under the sink. Worth a shot and a cheap trial & error if it doesn't work. This is why I like AZS, always find help and great tips. Thanks!!!

Forgot about the K.I.S.S. method.

Keep
It
Simple
Stupid

[smilie=bulb_125.gif]

impulse · **Joined:** 09 Apr 2009, 14:47 **Posts:** 972

Dawn dish soap works wonders. Especially if your turning wrenches.

RichBaker · **Joined:** 22 Dec 2008, 18:39 **Posts:** 634

guttermonkey wrote:

Simple Green kills my asthma.

I don't use any nice rags for cleaning up, just ratty old t-shirts and stuff. So I pile them up in a box and use them as kindling when I go camping.

Hope you're keeping that box somewhere safe..... Can you say "Spontaneous Combustion"? [smilie=icon_eek.gif]

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How do you clean GUN OIL out of rags???

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