Dishwashing detergent for Shutters

[P3D Bill Davis <bd3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>> 
>> I'm not sure if there are any "safe" solvents for oils.  
>
>How about dishwasher detergent followed by water-flushes?
>
>Mike K.
>

Hey, we're talking about solvents here, not detergents!  Start your own
thread! :--) 

An aqueous cleaner *may* be safer than solvents, but there are other
considerations.  Without starting another project, I would refer to
"Solvents for Shutters part 2", where I posted this:

>In a very general sense, there are four conditions affecting most wet
cleaning operations.  In no particular order: chemical strength
(detergency, solvency, emulsification, etc.), mechanical energy (scrubbing,
spraying, vibrating, etc.), heat, and time.  By reducing any one factor,
you have to increase the others to effect the same result.  Conversely, if
one factor is very increased, like a stronger solvent or detergent, you can
decrease the temp or elbow-grease requirements. 
>
Aqueous cleaners don't generally have the chemical strength of solvents.
This means you need to apply more energy to effect the same cleaning.  

Another drawback is the additional steps required to remove the soap,
detergent, emulsifier, etc.  Any that remains may leave a sticky residue
when it dries.  

A third consideration is the rust/galvanic corrosion problem.  By cleaning,
you are removing any protective materials from the metal, leaving it
susceptible to flash rust during the time the water takes to dry.  This
would be especially true where two dissimilar metals are in close contact
with moisture in between. (Like shutter baldes and the rivet holding them
together)  The water would also take longer to dry (nearly thirty times as
long as acetone, for example) than most solvents.

This is why we were talking about solvents rather than water-based cleaners
in the first place.  

If there are any aqueous cleaning experts on the list I would welcome their
comments.





Best regards,
Bill Davis
mailto:bd3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxx



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