OperationCoffee
Well-Known Member
Used WD-40 or Rem-oil to lubricate a rusted zipper on a flight suit and a little soaked into the wool. Any idea how to get it out?
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How to get WD-40 stains out of wool ?
- Thread starter OperationCoffee
- Start date
John Lever
Moderator
Try white spirit
Dany McDonald
Well-Known Member
Is this a new or old stain?
OperationCoffee
Well-Known Member
Old stain, so no chance of absorbing the oil at this point I don't think
OperationCoffee
Well-Known Member
What would that be, alcohol?
OperationCoffee
Well-Known Member
Will do later
Dany McDonald
Well-Known Member
Old, than I suggest to work up the ladder and start with a eco degreaser or WD40 own bio-solvent, it's mild and will not affect the fabric or in your case wool.
Unhappy with the results, try alcohol, 70% and maybe 90% (pretty strong). And at last if unhappy try the stronger solvents and be alert for any discoloration or unwanted results.
Others stuff that work too and are mild and safe:
Liquid detergent
Glycerin soap
WD40 is basically oil and a lot solvent, so it's already diluted but will stain like a bitch...I know.
In anyway, work with small quantities and do multiple passes and be patient and share an image!
That's how I would attack this stain!
My 2 cents,
Dany
Unhappy with the results, try alcohol, 70% and maybe 90% (pretty strong). And at last if unhappy try the stronger solvents and be alert for any discoloration or unwanted results.
Others stuff that work too and are mild and safe:
Liquid detergent
Glycerin soap
WD40 is basically oil and a lot solvent, so it's already diluted but will stain like a bitch...I know.
In anyway, work with small quantities and do multiple passes and be patient and share an image!
That's how I would attack this stain!
My 2 cents,
Dany
John Lever
Moderator
Paint thinner.
WD40 is mainly white spirit
OperationCoffee
Well-Known Member
It's not very visible, but there are some spots on the zipper tape too, and where the windflap folds over the zipper some of the residual oil stained it slightly. I'll use diluted alcohol to start then paint thinner if that doesn't work
Dany McDonald
Well-Known Member
That is a nice kit!
OperationCoffee
Well-Known Member
It's mint. A shame I had to F it up a little but thanks for the advice, I'll use it and set things straight
Dany McDonald
Well-Known Member
If what I see (pale pink) stain is what you are trying to remove and is the result of the petroleum distillate (main ingredient of WD40), I would avoid any more solvent as it looks like a discolored fabric more than oil residue...
Dany
Dany
Dany McDonald
Well-Known Member
It's a very nice flight suit and I am jealous! I love zips and those Crowns are just awesome and the fabric is so high quality!
OperationCoffee
Well-Known Member
Ok Dany, I shouldn't post this but I like crowns too. These came off another flight suit (a korean war era F-1 )
Micawber
Well-Known Member
This is excellent general advice.
The lesson here is WD-40 isn't really the best option for anything near fabrics as it has the real potential to leach into places you don't want it to go. Lubricate zips by running a graphite pencil lightly along the teeth, working the pull then running a clean cloth along the zip to remove surplus graphite. I have lubricated zips with a tiny amount of wax on a few teeth then again working the zipper so spread the lubrication - again clear any surplus wax but there shouldn't be if you are very, very sparing with the wax.
seeing the photos a small amount of rubbing alcohol dabbed on with a cloth ensuring you have another clean cloth on the underside to wick surplus solvent and WD-40 through. Do test on a hidden part of the flight suit first as any solvent has the potential to bleach the colour.
Alternatively you could just live with what after all is a minor blemish and put it down to a lesson learned
Brylcreemer
Active Member
I'm pretty sure I once saw pen markers that colour vintage zip tape perfectly. As the stain is lighter than the tape it might be a good option? I think it was MASH that sold them
Dany McDonald
Well-Known Member
Nice stash there! And of reusable zips, some may be converted for B-15-N2-N3 sleeve pocket zips or just slider donor.
D
D
OperationCoffee
Well-Known Member
I keep them around for that. Have had to replace a couple of Buzz sliders. If you're interested , the Sigmund Eisner contract for the F-1 trousers are usually spec'd with Crowns. Just be sure you have the vendor send you pics before you buy.
