Household Hints & Help
Related: About this forumAny materials scientists around who can explain something?
Plastics--in particular ABS--what's the deal with them holding onto dust/dirt so strongly? Is there some relatively new technology going on which makes certain/many plastics really difficult to clean?
I swear, I can remember a time when just passing a dusty part under running cold water was enough to clean the dust off. Now, I have to physically wipe every square millimeter of a surface with soapy water to release the dust! What is going on? It feels like manufacturers are doing this on purpose, to encourage the disposable lifestyle. Has anyone else noticed this over, say, the past few decades?
And more importantly, what are some tips that I may not have thought of? I have tried countless cleaning products, microfiber cloths, etc. Tried soaking plastic parts in various solutions, and they appear clean--until they dry and then you see the layer of dust remains.
It seems like it's an electrostatic issue. What can I do to remove this dust layer, on parts that often have millions of nooks and crannies?? Even a toothbrush with soap isn't thorough!
Help please? It is driving me bonkers!
marble falls
(62,047 posts)intrepidity
(7,891 posts)And why do I remember a time when this wasn't an issue? Are these new and improved ions?
marble falls
(62,047 posts)BootinUp
(49,020 posts)intrepidity
(7,891 posts)Plus, why doesn't rinsing with water work?
BootinUp
(49,020 posts)To add an anti static additive to the material when the plastic part is made. Alternatively you could get a spray on anti stat at the grocery store if its that important. ABS is a terpolymer, three different polymers and is unique in some ways.
intrepidity
(7,891 posts)ABS just happened to be the part I was cleaning yesterday.
It just seems that things, generally, are more difficult to get clean these days, and I'm figuring there's something different about the materials. Poster Marcus, below, suggests a possibility.
BootinUp
(49,020 posts)In disposable applications. Never for a durable applications.
BootinUp
(49,020 posts)And see if it cleans it better.
intrepidity
(7,891 posts)Although, that sounds like something I've probably tried along the way.
But will try again on my current project later today, thanks.
Marcus IM
(3,001 posts)Old plastics were made to live in landfills for many hundreds of years.
Modern plastics start decaying immediately, so the microscopic smooth surfaces erode.
intrepidity
(7,891 posts)And would fit with my observations.
So now, how to deal with it easily?
Thanks
Marcus IM
(3,001 posts)I've done all that I can to eliminate plastic from my kitchen/pantry because of the long term toxicity of old plastics, and the short term toxicity of biodegradable plastics.
It's everywhere now. I try to ingest as little as possible.
intrepidity
(7,891 posts)So, little risk of ingesting it (little, but not none, lol).
Marcus IM
(3,001 posts)Plastics are oil & silicon based, so I think oils and silicon sprays/surface protectants actually cause more molecular shedding.
Upthread, ions are mentioned ... maybe an anti static cloth or dryer sheets might help.
intrepidity
(7,891 posts)ozone, and I already spent too much of my life exposed to it. Years ago, when I had a cat with recurrent eye infection issues, once I started running an ozone generator in the house, her issues all resolved. But I'm convinced it's probably not good for long-term brain health (mine, that is). So not going there again.....
Marcus IM
(3,001 posts)It's the oxidation/ionization process that also reduces floating dust particles in the air. The dust will fall heavily in the same pattern as the ionized air.
I used to have ozone air cleaners in my dental practice. I noticed that the rubber gaskets & plastic tubing and connectors in the operatories and ancillary areas were cracking and breaking down much faster than usual, so more replacements were in order.
Few other choices for medical products.
Good luck with it.