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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: noisyturtle on Sun, 19 January 2014, 23:32:49

Title: Can denture cleanser potentially damage caps?
Post by: noisyturtle on Sun, 19 January 2014, 23:32:49: I have this Stain Away Denture Cleanser that I've used on caps before, but I'm worried that the abrasivness could potentially damage some of my more pricey caps like Clacks. Any info on this?

Yes, I use my Clacks on my daily driver. Deal with it :cool:
Title: Re: Can denture cleanser potentially damage caps?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 20 January 2014, 06:45:54: I would consult the manufacturer and see if he has any thoughts on that...:D
Title: Re: Can denture cleanser potentially damage caps?
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 20 January 2014, 07:11:21: Powdered laundry detergent has ALWAYS worked perfectly for me, and must be cheaper, easier, and safer than harsher chemicals.

I use a spoonful of "Charlies" soap with a quarter spoon of "Oxi-clean" in a liter of hot water for 5-20 minutes and that is plenty.
Title: Re: Can denture cleanser potentially damage caps?
Post by: damorgue on Mon, 20 January 2014, 07:24:27: I think it will depend heavily on which plastic and legend it is. Different dyes might bleach or dissolve differently. In the case of clacks I am sure he has changed the composition to improve it over time. The translucent ones are probably a very different plastic for example. That said, I think the risks are low with denture tabs and if you want you can take a small swab on the inside of the cap and see if you affect the plastic at all, and if it does, you haven't completely destroyed it.
Title: Re: Can denture cleanser potentially damage caps?
Post by: Findecanor on Mon, 20 January 2014, 09:27:59: There is also hydrogen peroxide in the tabs I use, but I don't think that such a small amount should have any measurable effect.
Title: Re: Can denture cleanser potentially damage caps?
Post by: Puddsy on Mon, 20 January 2014, 10:29:31: I've heard that it can really do bad things, but I've never tested it.
Title: Re: Can denture cleanser potentially damage caps?
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 20 January 2014, 10:51:12: I've used Oxy-Clean and generic oxy-clean (probably same stuff) and that works…it can bleach a darker plastic. I used on ABS doubleshots Qwerty that also have a small Dvorak legend somehow printed on the key as well, there was no damage to the printed on legend.

Easy and cheap, can't argue with that.
Title: Re: Can denture cleanser potentially damage caps?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 22 January 2014, 13:17:32: I've cleaned my Clacks and other caps multiple times with denture tabs. I haven't had any issues.