I was just wondering what household cleaner could be used to clean fuel off of monokote...thanks

-shaun

Alot.
I have used:
Windex
Simple Green
Diluted Lysol
And alot more i can't remember. It is very controversial and people have there opinions. They are all the same to me though

I just stick with Windex...(the original windex)...the ammonia in windex helps to break down the fuel

thanks. the windex works great!!!

I have been using windex too lately. Also have used alcohol which is good. Some use viniger and water mix, which stinks but works well.

You can use just about any de-greaser.

If you want to get it squeaky clean for a patch, MONOKOTE TRIM SOLVENT or MEK works good. I use straight methanol for daily cleaning because I use straight castor fuel for most of my flying.

Whatever cleaner you use, use a soft cloth (I use an old T-shirt) to wipe it off. Paper towels will eventually dull the Monokote with microscopic scratches.

Yeah, I heard that from some people at the field. I use windex with a soft paper towel, but am changing over to using old t'shirts. Another good thing to use that really spiffs them up is McGuire's Instant Detail. Use it AFTER cleanup is complete, really makes the plane shine up like it was new.

I noticed MEK mentioned. It will clean the snot out of monokote, but from my experience it also tends to dull the finish. I only use MEK when removing iron smear marks or when patching for this reason.

I've bailed on paper towels. Viva seemed to be the softest, but now I only use soft polishing cloths found at the auto parts store et. al. They don't scratch the finish and easily absorb oil. When contaminated, throw in the wash. I think they are about $8 for ten.

As for cleaners, anything that can cut the castor/synth oils used in glow fuel will work. Alcohol, Windex, etc. I actually don't use cleaners. I just wipe with the soft cloths. They remove the oil just fine and are a lot faster and less messy that spraying cleaners.

I also wax monokote. This may sound silly at first, but I'm convinced it makes cleaning easier not to mention it keeps the models looking better in general. I use Meguires Cleaner Wax about twice a season. While I have no scientific proof, I'm convinced the wax makes cleaning easier.

Lemon Pledge Wipes
Formula 409
Simple Green Wipes
Windex
After cleaning with favorite Cleaner I wipe it down with Armor All to really make them shine, and to help keep the covering soft!

Here's a home brew that is cheap and works well.

80 oz H20(water)
8 oz NH3(ammonia household)
16 oz Alcohol 70%
2 oz dish detergent(Dawn seems to be the best)

Got that one from the pattern boys.