How do you clean your RC?

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I like to detail my 1:1 vehicles so I have an abundance of detailing products. I've found that a rinseless wash product to be more than adequate cleaner. Of course it needs the help of a brush and or rags. For a stronger cleaner I use an APC (all purpose cleaner).

I know Simple Green is always mentioned to use with caution around aluminum among detailers. Have you guys noticed any issues with it on the aluminum bits? I'm sure it's only dangerous with some of their products and at full strength which is likely a waste to use that way anyway. Not that making some M2C bits a little dull is going to matter in this crowd. I doubt most of you are buying them for a shelf queen anyway.

The products no doubt are overkill for RCs but I've always got them on hand:

Brush: Detail factory boars hair, not their other one that is too soft and more intended for real auto paint.

Rinseless Wash: Wolfgang Uber, Optimum No Rinse. There are many use a "detail spray" dilution.

APC: Optimum Power Clean diluted 3:1
 
Just been watching a few youtube vids of people using muc off on there rc cars, which made me think is there any reason I can’t use snow foam to clean them? got plenty of the stuff!

bilt hamber auto foam to be precise
 
I like to detail my 1:1 vehicles so I have an abundance of detailing products. I've found that a rinseless wash product to be more than adequate cleaner. Of course it needs the help of a brush and or rags. For a stronger cleaner I use an APC (all purpose cleaner).

I know Simple Green is always mentioned to use with caution around aluminum among detailers. Have you guys noticed any issues with it on the aluminum bits? I'm sure it's only dangerous with some of their products and at full strength which is likely a waste to use that way anyway. Not that making some M2C bits a little dull is going to matter in this crowd. I doubt most of you are buying them for a shelf queen anyway.

The products no doubt are overkill for RCs but I've always got them on hand:

Brush: Detail factory boars hair, not their other one that is too soft and more intended for real auto paint.

Rinseless Wash: Wolfgang Uber, Optimum No Rinse. There are many use a "detail spray" dilution.

APC: Optimum Power Clean diluted 3:1
I know this is an old tread but it's good info, I'm similar to you, I use alot of car detailing products. I also have dirtbikes and found the absolute best thing to clean the RC is Maxima Bio wash https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0068C3CPY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_NEB8DE41Y8WTNF3KF794
Works strong enough to cut grease on a dirtbike yet biodegradable similar to simple green. I feel it cleans better on plastics than simple green does. Best part is it leaves like a coat on the plastic and helps water bead off. Have to rinse it afterwards tho.
 
Okay so after a very enlightening 13 page read Wd40 is a massive no no!

Does anyone have any tips for UK guys? I can't seem to get hold of any simple green here. I bought some MucOff to try

What's the concensus on Gt85? As opposed to Wd40

I'm basically just looking for a one hit solution where I can hose off the car with water then spray it down with something to protect it (without leaving rust or destroying the bearings) - maybe Wd40 Silicone spray??
 
Okay so after a very enlightening 13 page read Wd40 is a massive no no!

Does anyone have any tips for UK guys? I can't seem to get hold of any simple green here. I bought some MucOff to try

What's the concensus on Gt85? As opposed to Wd40

I'm basically just looking for a one hit solution where I can hose off the car with water then spray it down with something to protect it (without leaving rust or destroying the bearings) - maybe Wd40 Silicone spray??
Yes, I use silicone spray these days. Wd40 disperses to fast and also degreases parts resulting in rust.
 
Would you guys suggest the WD40 Specialist Silicone Spray or WD40 Dry Lube with PTFE? Best I can tell the WD40 Dry Lube with PTFE is the American version of GT85, since WD40 bought them out. So basically asking for M240i, what would be the best spray to apply simple green, hose off, and then spray the entire truck down with that lubricates and protects?
 
Would you guys suggest the WD40 Specialist Silicone Spray or WD40 Dry Lube with PTFE? Best I can tell the WD40 Dry Lube with PTFE is the American version of GT85, since WD40 bought them out. So basically asking for M240i, what would be the best spray to apply simple green, hose off, and then spray the entire truck down with that lubricates and protects?

Okay so having followed the advice on here on not using wd40 and using wd40 silicone I can share my results - and they were not good. Using silicone spray etc isn't a water displacer as many people have mentioned however this is not a good thing in my opinion

Washed the truck down, used the cleaning spray, washed down again, blow dried, sprayed with silicone - came back the next day and all the screws were covered in rust, further to that when taking the truck apart all the metal inside (the hinge pins etc) were also covered in rust (truck is only 3 weeks old and run twice, 4 packs each time). This is not good, it's only a matter of time before the thing grinds to a halt if I carry on like this

So I've gone back to using wd40 rather than risk the all the screws etc rusting up and fusing together

The only downside I've heard about wd40 is that it takes the lube away from the bearings - so don't spray them on the bearings, other than that I don't see an issue + on the exb the bearings are sealed, or just make sure you relube them. Even having to replace bearings every so often is better than having a rust bucket with screws completely ceased together

Post 70 onwards :
https://www.arrmaforum.com/threads/soaking-plastics-in-wd40.22917/page-4#post-477865
 
So you're saying not to put them in here? ;)

white-samsung-front-load-washers-wf45t6000aw-64_1000.jpg
 
Okay so having followed the advice on here on not using wd40 and using wd40 silicone I can share my results - and they were not good. Using silicone spray etc isn't a water displacer as many people have mentioned however this is not a good thing in my opinion

Washed the truck down, used the cleaning spray, washed down again, blow dried, sprayed with silicone - came back the next day and all the screws were covered in rust, further to that when taking the truck apart all the metal inside (the hinge pins etc) were also covered in rust (truck is only 3 weeks old and run twice, 4 packs each time). This is not good, it's only a matter of time before the thing grinds to a halt if I carry on like this

So I've gone back to using wd40 rather than risk the all the screws etc rusting up and fusing together

The only downside I've heard about wd40 is that it takes the lube away from the bearings - so don't spray them on the bearings, other than that I don't see an issue + on the exb the bearings are sealed, or just make sure you relube them. Even having to replace bearings every so often is better than having a rust bucket with screws completely ceased together

Post 70 onwards :
https://www.arrmaforum.com/threads/soaking-plastics-in-wd40.22917/page-4#post-477865

I spray WD-40 around liberally but not in the bearings. Works great, especially on the plastic parts. Ideally spray WD-40 on it and wipe the excess BEFORE you run it, as that keeps the wet and mess off of the truck and makes it easy to just blow it out with compressed air instead of washing it. I’ll wash it if I really need to, but I rarely need to do that.
 
So you're saying not to put them in here? ;)

white-samsung-front-load-washers-wf45t6000aw-64_1000.jpg

I wish that was an option as I'm lazy :ROFLMAO:

But in the UK the outside is mostly like the inside of one of those - although recently I have a bad habit of ending the truck up face first in a half a foot deep mud puddle 🙄

Clay type mud is the worst, gets stuck in every little gap - only way is to use a long brush and flow water over it to get it out

Open to suggestions if there's a better way though
 
I haven't read this thread in its entirety, so this may have been mentioned before, but I went to my local Harbor Freight and purchased a bunch of different types of brushes that have turned out to be super useful in cleaning off my vehicles. I don't clean them spotless after every run, since I don't have time for that each time, but I do try to get the dirt and dust out of the mechanical joints and rotating areas, and then add a drop of silicone machine oil. I intend to use my RC cars for off-roading and getting them dirty, as they're designed to, so I don't mind if they're not perfectly clean all of the time.

Here are the brushes I purchased/use:

Tube/Pipe Nylon Brush Set, 9 Pc.

Detail Brush Set, 3 Pc (Note: I only use the plastic bristle brush from this set, NOT the metal bristled ones!)

Airbrush Cleaning Brushes. 5 Pc.

1/2 In. Horsehair Bristle Acid Shop Brushes, 36 Pc. (These are great because if you need them a bit stiffer, you can simply trim the ends with scissors for a bit more scrubbing power)
 
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Simple Green Foaming Crystal is a must!
Use brush to get dirt/grim off
Air compressor
Wipe down
Repeat if necessary
Last step WD40(not on bearings/electronics)

if vehicle is extremely money I will use water but once cleane I use fans to ensure they dry.
Fred
PA
Simple Green Foaming Crystal works great too
 
Wow I'm lazy compared to you all, all I do is just use an air compressor after a run, then just wipe down any areas still dirty with a wet rag.. I don't really run off road, pretty much all on road stuff so I don't get mud or dirt on the cars, but an unbelievable amount of road grime.. Its crazy how you can do one speedrun on a clean car, and it comes back two minutes later with a coat of road grime and dust all over it
 
Okay so after a very enlightening 13 page read Wd40 is a massive no no!

Does anyone have any tips for UK guys? I can't seem to get hold of any simple green here. I bought some MucOff to try

What's the concensus on Gt85? As opposed to Wd40

I'm basically just looking for a one hit solution where I can hose off the car with water then spray it down with something to protect it (without leaving rust or destroying the bearings) - maybe Wd40 Silicone spray??
GT85 is the same stuff as WD40. GT85 is made by WD40 as a Boutique flavor and just re-labeled. I don't Use WD40. Except maybe as a solvent in a pinch on metal parts that are off the rig. But I rather use brake cleaner best. 99% of the time.
100% pure silicone spray is safer. For BB's and electrics....BUT it still attracts and collects muck and grime anyway. That Works against you IMHO. That much harder to clean next time. 🤷‍♂️
Just clean your rig. Spraying shiny coatings on a rig is not smart, just to achieve an "Out of Box look". Unless you want it to be a Shelf Queen that never gets bashed or run. Just me. :cool:
 
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Anybody with experience with the WD40 Dry Lube with PTFE? Looks like a good dry lube, not sure if it also gets water out of components as well.
 
GT85 is the same stuff as WD40. GT85 is made by WD40 as a Boutique flavor and just re-labeled. I don't Use WD40. Except maybe as a solvent in a pinch on metal parts that are off the rig. But I rather use brake cleaner best. 99% of the time.
100% pure silicone spray is safer. For BB's and electrics....BUT it still attracts and collects muck and grime anyway. That Works against you IMHO. That much harder to clean next time. 🤷‍♂️
Just clean your rig. Spraying shiny coatings on a rig is not smart, just to achieve an "Out of Box look". Unless you want it to be a Shelf Queen that never gets bashed or run. Just me. :cool:

Does anybody actually care about the 'out of the box look'? :ROFLMAO:
I'm more concerned about keeping rust away - how do you if you don't use wd40? Or you just never run the car around water/mud so don't need to/don't need to wash it down after running?
 
If there was anyone here on AF known as the "Never run in the wet Guy" I am the poster child for that.
I think its fun, But from years past have learned to never run my stuff in the wet. 🤷‍♂️ Just not worth it to me. A bit of mud and a splash here and there is normal. Fine. But I am not anal about a perfectly clean rig. Parts functioning ,like BB's and moving parts are more important to me.
I do my thorough cleaning when I do a complete tear down and rebuild. That's it.
After a bash I will use compressed air and a paint brush. I may wipe down with a cloth and Simple Green if it needs more than this. I never spray direct on my rig anything or at any time.
Most here on AF know I am like this.. Just me.
Many want their rigs to be like new. I think it is a waste of time. These are bashers.🤷‍♂️
Running in the wet and mud ruins electrics BTW. Again, just me. I never run a hose on my rigs. yet many do that also.🤷‍♂️
 
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If there was anyone here on AF known as the "Never run in the wet Guy" I am the poster child for that.
I think its fun, But from years past have learned to never run my stuff in the wet. 🤷‍♂️ Just not worth it to me. A bit of mud and a splash here and there is normal. Fine. But I am not anal about a perfectly clean rig. Parts functioning ,like BB's and moving parts are more important to me.
I do my thorough cleaning when I do a complete tear down and rebuild. That's it.
After a bash I will use compressed air and a paint brush. I may wipe down with a cloth and Simple Green if it needs more than this. I never spray direct on my rig anything or at anything time.
Most here on AF know I am like this.. Just me.
Many want their rigs to be like new. I think it is a waste of time. These are bashers.🤷‍♂️
Running in the wet and mud ruins electrics BTW. Again, just me. I never run a hose on my rigs. yet many do that also.🤷‍♂️

Yeah that's completely fair - I wish we had the climate over here where I could still get a lot of action time in the dry but our weather sucks :ROFLMAO:

I'd happily leave it dirty after each run but I think it'd probably destroy it after no too long
 
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