Cleaning Old Saddlebags

[bmweuro]

Originally Posted by craydds

Too bad the WD-40 will destroy the plastic. So sorry.

Please explain in detail?

[squish]

Originally Posted by craydds

Too bad the WD-40 will destroy the plastic. So sorry.

That's funny I've been cleaning the ABS bits on my dirt bikes for years with wd40 they are still holding up just fine.
Same with the thermo plastic parts.

Hell I've even been able to clean and paint over a wd40'd saddle bag

[craydds]

I think my post sounded snotty. I am sorry. But, I would worry about petroleum distillates causing deterioration of certain plastics. Spray on WD-40, wipe it off, for a cleaner - might be okay. (?) With what do you clean your face shield? Plexus! Would you clean your face shield with WD-40? I guess you could rub Pennzoil 30 wt. on your saddlebags. They would be nice and shiny. Are there formulations that tend to preserve plastics?

[ghostdncr]

Almost all plastics are petroleum based, just like WD-40. Plastic turns brittle and lightens because the petroleum component is slowly removed over time through evaporation and general exposure to the elements.

[craydds]

Originally Posted by bmweuro

Please explain in detail?

I was a chemistry major in college. But, that was way too many years (and too many beers) ago. My son is a double major - mechanical and materials engineer - let's ask him!

[craydds]

Originally Posted by ghostdncr

Almost all plastics are petroleum based, just like WD-40. Plastic turns brittle and lightens because the petroleum component is slowly removed over time through evaporation and general exposure to the elements.

Petroleum solvents might further the deterioration process. Where are our chemist inmates? C'mon, help us.

[boxerboy81]

Dunno if the pic tells the whole story, but standing right in front of this lid looking at the results, the leather stain stuff, second from left is clearly the best.
I don't have any black shoe polish unfortunately.
Process involved soap and water clean, dry, individual application with separate clean rags, 5 minute dry then polish.



The silicone spray gave it a uniform good look but dull and the leather stuff gave it a darker sheen.

[bikerfish]

I've used WD40 for years on bmw bags with no ill effects. I guve them a quick spray and wipe-down everytime I wash the bike. bags still look good after all these years. heck, come winter, I spray the whole damn bike(minus the rotors!) , then come spring, pull it out, a quick bath and ready to roll again. works great on the switchgear also, keeps them looking new and a little lube getting in there can't be a bad thing.

[H96669]

Originally Posted by boxerboy81

Dunno if the pic tells the whole story, but standing right in front of this lid looking at the results, the leather stain stuff, second from left is clearly the best.
I don't have any black shoe polish unfortunately.
Process involved soap and water clean, dry, individual application with separate clean rags, 5 minute dry then polish.



The silicone spray gave it a uniform good look but dull and the leather stuff gave it a darker sheen.

I like your testings, nothing I haven't done myself. Keep going with the Dye then buy some shoe polish. Looks like you already have some "Armor All",maybe no need to buy the much more expensive "Back to Black".

If I get a chance I'll talk to my friend, he owns a cobbler's shop and may have better recommendations than leather dye for the blackening process. But that may have to be a commercial product, not always available to the general public.