Cool new cleaning method for ingrained dirt!

G

G1Lover

Teeny Tiny Baby Pony
Joined
Dec 31, 2006
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50
I had a NASTY fleamarket find with tons of ingrained dirt on her body. I remembered that alcohol is a great solvent for stains, so before I even got her wet with water I took some cheap vodka, put it in a little sprayer, and sprayed my pony all over. The dirt immediately started to drip off of her! Then I finished up with some plain liquid soap and a toothbrush, and the dirt was preloosened so I didn't even have to scrub hard. Easy, cheap, and safe! Hope this helps someone! :bath:
 
Nice! Wouldn't have thought in a million years to try that! I've only got a bottle of port at home so best not try that! Lol
 
Nope... and for reference, I used 37.5% :)
 
Oh, how awesome! You know we are always needing new ways to get rid of ingrained dirt. You're a genius!

I'm chuckling to myself, thinking of a visit to the package store to pick up a little something for my little ponies. Haha! But I'm excited to try this out. Next time I get a moment, this is what I'll be doing!

How long did you let the vodka sit on her before scrubbing?
 
Now I get why my ponies are such messy drinkers :p lmao
Their is a method to their madness !
totally gonna try this
 
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I let her sit for just a few minutes. You could probably use plain old hand sanitizer, too. That's usually 60-70% alcohol, though I'd be a little worried about the symbols... has anyone tried it??
 
WOW!!!! really!! I have a few MLP lined up with the ingrained dirt! AWESOME TIP!
 
I can't wait to see my husband's face when I send him to the store to buy vodka for the ponies. If he was concerned about me and my ponies before that will push him over the edge ROFLOL:bliss:
 
Interesting find.
Makes sense because the ethanol in vodka can be very useful for stains and smells on laundry sometimes. (Not just an old wives tale.)

Since the concentration is only in the 40% and ethanol is a safer alcohol perhaps I will try it on a couple of restore jobs I have lying around that have been pesky.
I'd be careful of hand sanitizer though, since depending on the alcohol(s) used that might lead to plasticizer migration as isopropyl is known to do.

I'll have to get some cheap stuff just for the ponies though. The good vodka doesn't usually last long in my house.
 
Oooh, thanks for the warning re: the hand sanitizer! I'll make a note of it. Interesting to know the chemistry behind the ponies' plastic... Will avoid isopropyl!
 
Aha
Well the only person who drinks vodka in this house is Mr Sebby. and he's at work :hugegrin:
He'll never notice a bit's gone missing
 
G1Lover said:
I let her sit for just a few minutes. You could probably use plain old hand sanitizer, too. That's usually 60-70% alcohol, though I'd be a little worried about the symbols... has anyone tried it??
Click to expand...

I use 70 and 90% rubbing alcohol on my ponies. 70% does nothing to the symbols. 90% might if you let it sit, rub continuously, or let it sit in it. Though sometimes I find it's not quite strong enough. I also use acetone nail polish remover (works much better) and sometimes Windsor and Newton brush cleaner. I use that stuff on my ball joint dolls to wipe faceups. But I also find it's good for removing stuff off ponies too. Just make sure you wash them with soap and water. :) But yeah, I don't get that stuff anywhere near painted areas because it will instantly remove paint.

Anyway, for cleaning painted areas, I stick to 50 or 70% rubbing alcohol.

Along a similar note, at least dealing with rubbing alcohol: I'm sort of experimenting with a sun-fading method at the moment. I covered the symbols of my yellowest, highlighter covered ponies (Raincurl) with acrylic paint. Then I let it sit outside in the sun for days and days (head had to be removed to clean tail rust, and it's in a plastic baggie hair covered and protected).

On testing it, I found that 70% alcohol would remove the paint I put on, but not touch the symbol paint. But to be safe, I also sprayed her with a clear coat first for an extra layer between the paint and symbols. (The stuff I use is from VOLKS for ball joint dolls) Once she's done, I'll post whether it works or not. XD
 
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