How to clean polishing rags?

[Dengue]

I have been using some good cotton rags for waxing and polishing with Ubeaut EEE Ultrashine cutting compound and Ubeaut Traditional Wax.

Is there any way I can clean these for re-using, as good soft rags are hard to come by these days

[BobL]

Before washing them, the wax would need to be dissolved out of them as much as possible so they would need to be soaked in a solvent that would soften and hopefully dissolve the wax. You could probably keep this solvent for reuse.
Then I would soak them in a detergent that would tackle the solvent.

[Dengue]

Before washing them, the wax would need to be dissolved out of them as much as possible so they would need to be soaked in a solvent that would soften and hopefully dissolve the wax. You could probably keep this solvent for reuse.
Then I would soak them in a detergent that would tackle the solvent.


Thanks BobL. Would anyone know the solvent for Traditional Wax? I have looked at the MSDS, but solvent or clean up is not mentioned.

Looks like Turps is the answer for the EEE Ultrashine cutting coompound

[Master Splinter]

A good general purpose solvent is any of the car lacquer thinners - nice and aggressive, but leave it to sit (covered, so it doesn't evaporate) for a few days and the gunk tends to settle out of it.

But I'd just ask at a local charity shop as they often do bags of rags (made from clothes too worn to sell).

[wheelinround]

LOML soaks mine in a good doze of Eucalyptus and water prior washing.

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Is there any way I can clean these for re-using, as good soft rags are hard to come by these days

Have you tried looking in your local op-shop? (Lyons or St Vinnies are good) I've never had a problem finding more than sufficient white linen sheets to rip down for use in the shed.

(Had more problems keeping them outta SWMBOs hands!) :rolleyes:

[nrb]

Have you considered that the cost of cleaning may be more that new rags?was in the green shed the other day and there were rags which looked good for polishing,can't remember the price only looked ok value.

[Dengue]

Thanks for the suggestion, SC, I went to the local lifeline shop and got a double bed sheet, 50% cotton, for $6. :2tsup:

That should keep me going for a while :)