Rubber is used in many household structures: various hoses, seals, adapters, car parts. Over time, products made from this material fail, dry out, lose elasticity, and become inconvenient to use. It's not worth buying new elements right away, you can try to soften the rubber at home.
Reconditioned rubber part using kerosene method
Under the influence of external factors, rubber elements lose their original properties, become less elastic, and harden. Their further use will not bring the desired effect; seals, for example, will not be able to make the system completely sealed. Buying new rubber elements is sometimes difficult due to the lack of products of the required size or their overpriced.
The following substances allow to soften rubber:
- Kerosene. Allows to make rubber parts soft by affecting the structure of the material. After processing, the rubber element is fully elastic. The recovery technology is as follows:
- fill a small container with kerosene (choose the size of the container depending on the size of the product to be restored);
- place the part in a container with kerosene for 3 hours;
- after the specified time, check the product for softness, if the result is satisfactory: remove the material and rinse with warm running water;
- dry the material in a natural way, without the use of a hair dryer or battery.
- Ammonium alcohol. The process of restoring old material is as follows:
- dilute the indicated alcohol with water in a ratio of 1: 7;
- place the rubber material in the resulting solution for half an hour;
- after the specified time, remove the part and rinse with warm running water;
- let the parts dry completely before using.
Note: Do not keep rubber in solution ammonia and water over an hour... If the material does not become elastic after 30 minutes, use a different recovery method.
- Rubbing alcohol followed by glycerin. Reanimation technology for rubber parts:
- fill the container with medical alcohol;
- place in alcohol the part that needs restoration for several hours;
- after the specified time has passed, check the condition of the product, if it is soft enough, remove the element from the solution and wash it with warm soapy water;
- rub glycerin into the surface of the part using a sponge (cloth);
- remove the remains of glycerin from the surface of the product.
Instead of glycerin, it is allowed to use automotive oil, it is rubbed into the surface of the product, then the parts are kept for half an hour before use. During this period, the rubber becomes sufficiently elastic.
- Castor oil and silicone. Let's make a reservation right away - this method allows you to quickly "reanimate" the old rubber, but the recovery effect will not last long, after a few days the product will become hard. For this method, follow the sequence:
- smear the part with silicone;
- wait 10 minutes;
- after the specified time, the part can be used.
Note that a similar effect is achieved with castor oil. It is rubbed into the surface of the part, after which it becomes soft and elastic.
Heating is an effective method
Container with prepared water for boiling rubber products There are situations when the rubber element, due to its hardening, is difficult to remove from structural parts. To achieve the desired result, you can heat the rubber with a stream of hot air using a hair dryer. When exposed high temperature the material becomes softer, it can be pulled out of the part.
Too "hardened" element is softened by boiling in salted water. The technology is as follows:
- fill the container with salted water;
- let the liquid boil;
- place the rubber element in boiling water for 10 minutes;
- remove the rubber and quickly use it for its intended purpose.
This method is quite effective, but has a short-term effect. Cooling down, the rubber will become hard again.
Conclusion
You can soften the rubber using the above methods. In this case, it is necessary to take into account: a long-term effect after recovery, has a method with kerosene. Rubber, after its application, remains soft and elastic for a long time, because the structure of the material changes. Other methods do not allow achieving this result.
There are many ways to restore rubber products to their previous state in which they are most convenient to use. Therefore, there are several answers to the question of how to soften rubber at home. And it will be up to the owner of the house to choose how to soften the rubber in each specific case. In the most famous and widespread method of processing the discussed products, ammonia is used. Its main advantage lies in maximum efficiency, availability and low cost, because such alcohol can be purchased at the lowest cost at any nearest pharmacy. First, rinse the rubber part with water and immerse it in a water-alcohol solution. It is prepared in 1/1 proportions. For such a bath, about 30-40 minutes will be enough. After the specified time, the rubber will need to be washed again clean water and dry thoroughly.
The second most popular rubber softening method among ordinary people involves the use of castor oil. It is important to note here that the result will be quick, but short-lived. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to this method in the event that it is required to soften the rubber for short term... To begin with, the rubber product is washed with water and dried, and then thoroughly lubricated with castor oil applied to a soft cloth or cotton wool. All that remains is to give the object time to soak and you can use it. The term depends on the size of the product and the thickness of the rubber. For miniature parts, just a couple of minutes of "rest" will be enough. By the way, if you have liquid silicone at hand, then it is quite possible to use it. This product gives exactly the same fast but short-term softening effect for rubber products.
The next way, suggesting how to soften rubber at home on your own, will be longer, but the effect of it will remain for a long time. This will require a large saucepan or other container available for heating, in which you can place the entire rubber product. If the material has become very hard, it is best to boil it in salted water. The rubber is immersed in a pot of liquid, and then sent to this container over medium heat. You can also use a boiler for such heating. Exact time it is difficult to specify procedures, it will also depend on the size of the product and the degree of its "stagnation". To determine the date of its completion, you just need to periodically check the rubber with a wooden stick for softness.
But not only boiling will be effective for softening the discussed products. There are other ways to influence objects with high temperature. If, for example, the hardened hose cannot be put on the desired pipe, then its end should simply be immersed in boiling water for a couple of minutes. The main thing is to have time to quickly install the part immediately after that, until it returns to its original state. The high temperature very quickly affects the rubber, effectively steaming and softening it. If it turns out to be difficult to remove the used part, then you can heat it in other ways, for example, by attaching a cloth soaked in boiling water or by acting with a stream of hot air from a hair dryer. After such procedures, the desired element will quickly pull together soft and pliable. The main thing is to protect your hands from exposure to high temperatures or boiling water. It is better to pre-protect them with thick gloves or in some other way.
But there are other known methods of quick and easy softening of rubber with the help of improvised means. For example, ordinary kerosene can help with this. It is known that it is able not only to soften rubber, but to completely change its structure, returning the material to its former elasticity and pliability. That's why this way Recommended by experts for those who would like to achieve a result that lasts for a long time. You will need to fill the container with kerosene the right size, and then immerse the rubber product in it. Do not immerse the object in cold kerosene; it is better to first leave it at room temperature for a while. Usually a couple of hours in the substance under discussion is enough to soften various rubber products. As soon as the required period expires, and the kerosene has the desired effect on the object, it will be possible to remove the structure from the liquid, rinse thoroughly under water and dry it.
In the section on the question Water flows from the cistern into the toilet. The rubber pad has become too stiff. How can you soften it? given by the author Suction cup the best answer is two weeks p .. I killed the cat for puddles in the toilet ...
it turned out the tank is leaking
Answer from 22 answers[guru]
Hello! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: Water flows from the cistern into the toilet. The rubber pad has become too stiff. How can you soften it?
Answer from Yoekhmet[guru]
Why soften it, buy a new one.
Answer from Prostitute[guru]
hold it in kerosene, but it's better to buy a new one
Answer from V ... Spb[guru]
softening will not work, and all gasoline-kerosene only dissolves the rubber.
You can wrap some solder (or lead) over the top for weight, this usually helps.
Answer from Neurologist[guru]
Try to put a couple of heavy bearings on the piece that blocks the drain hole ... They will rust of course but for a while the problem will be solved ... And so you have to remove the tank and change the entire system
Answer from Valery Myakishev[guru]
Replace the fittings completely, so the neighbors can be flooded.
Answer from a lion[guru]
buy a new one, it costs a penny and adjust the valve
Answer from Alex mishin[guru]
There is absolutely no need to replace all the fittings - it is enough to replace the trigger stop valve, commonly referred to as "pear" in common parlance.
Depending on the design of the tank, it is either screwed onto a wire hook-bow, or (in newer tanks) is pulled onto a plastic tube that serves as a trigger handle - for one case and for another, you need to buy a different one, which you need - see it is necessary.
The pear not only becomes tough, but also begins to crumble, and sometimes falls from one side - soaking it in gasoline-kerosene will not help. Although it would be soaked normally - the rubber is vulcanized and therefore will not completely dissolve, but only swell.
If you send a picture of your tank inside, I will try to tell you which release valve you need.
Valve price - from 5 rubles.
Answer from Truculentus[guru]
Do not soften anything to the required state. Replacement required. A penny nonsense, and five minutes of work.
Answer from Polina Roslikova[newbie]
It is necessary to rub the gum with sandpaper at the point of contact with the reinforcement of the barrel (to remove the upper hardened layer of the gum).
Answer from Nikolay Khilko[newbie]
Elementary in boiling water! But it's better to replace it with a new one!
Rubber is considered one of the most common materials today. Over time, the basic characteristics can be significantly reduced. A fairly common question is how to soften rubber. A similar procedure can be performed independently at home, it is important to follow all the recommendations.
Self-restoring rubber
All materials lose their value over time. performance properties... You can often find a situation where the rubber becomes too hard and loses its elasticity. If desired, you can restore the basic properties of the material, it does not have to be thrown away. You can soften the rubber with the most different methods... Among the features of this issue, we note the following points:
- Rubber cuffs and seals of some devices lose their basic properties over time. In this case, you can buy new expendable materials, since their cost is relatively low.
- Some elements are difficult to find commercially due to their unusual shape and properties. In this case, softening can be carried out using various common technologies.
There is quite a large number of different ways softening rubber, the most common is the use of kerosene.
What is needed to restore the elasticity of rubber?
Rubber is considered one of the most resilient materials. It is for this reason that it is used in the manufacture of various seals. After the load stops acting on the seal, it is able to return to its size. This moment determines the spread of the question of how to restore the elasticity of rubber. Over time, this property is also lost. With too much surface wear, cracks appear, due to which the insulating properties are significantly reduced
You can soften rubber at home using common substances. The following substances are most commonly used:
- Kerosene can easily restore elasticity. This substance is ideal for processing small products, you can soften them by soaking them.
- Ammonia can be used to soften the texture. To do this, it is enough to create a small bath in which the product is lowered for several hours.
When soaking rubber in a recovery fluid, it should be borne in mind that the material can increase significantly in size. To remove the substance from the surface, the product is thoroughly washed with soap and water.
In some cases, you can use hot water for softening rubber. This method is used to restore the insulation of the refrigerator doorway. The achieved effect can be enhanced by wetting the surface with silicone.
Seals from the material in question are also used in the production of windows. To improve the insulating qualities of the rubber bands, they are wiped from time to time with silicone and glycerin. Such substances can be obtained without any problems.
How to give elasticity to rubber?
- Hardness increases if the rubber is dry for a long time. Elasticity is restored by wetting the surface with oil. Softening is recommended periodically to achieve the desired result.
- Car wipers can be lubricated silicone grease, due to which the surface is softened. Of course restore old structure possible only if there are no mechanical defects.
In addition, on the market you can find special compositions that can soften the structure after application.
How to soften rubber at home?
At home, rubber can be softened when applied various materials... The most widespread are:
- Kerosene.
- Castor oil and silicone.
The high temperature also causes the rubber to become softer, but the wear resistance is reduced.
Kerosene
When considering how to soften rubber, many pay attention to the possibility of using kerosene. Such a substance is able to restore the elasticity index.
Features of the application are that the product is soaked in a special bath, after which the surface is thoroughly washed and dried. If the length of the product is long, then it can be collapsed. Aged in kerosene for softening for several hours, since kerosene does not act immediately.
This substance has become widespread, it can also make the product softer. The procedure looks like this:
- A container of a suitable volume is selected.
- Ammonia is diluted in water to obtain the required solution.
- The product is placed in the solution for an hour to soften.
- After that, the softened element is taken out and washed with clean water.
Drying is carried out at room temperature. It should be borne in mind that high and low temperature always negatively affect the condition of the rubber.
Silicone and castor oil
A short-term effect can be achieved using silicone and castor oil. Among the features of the application, we note the following points:
- Silicone only has a temporary effect. It can be purchased from specialized stores.
- After lubrication, you need to wait a while. The silicone can be absorbed into the structure making it more elastic.
After half an hour, the rubber will be ready for use. It should be borne in mind that the achieved effect will be temporary. When considering how you can soften such material, you can pay attention to castor oil.
Heating
In some cases, only temporary softening is required, for example, when putting a hose on a nipple. In this case, you can solve the problem by temporarily lowering the product into a hot bath. After some time exposure to high temperatures, the elasticity increases.
With prolonged use, the rubber can become hardened. Problems can be solved only if the product is boiled. You can significantly increase the effectiveness of the procedure by adding salt to the composition. Boiling is carried out until the surface becomes elastic.
If difficulties arise when removing pipes and hoses, then heating is carried out by exposure to warm air flow. For this, a construction or ordinary hair dryer can be used. When the air flow of high temperature is concentrated in one place, the plasticity increases significantly.
In conclusion, we note that only in the absence of defects can the material be restored. Some recommended methods can worsen some performance characteristics... That is why you need to follow all the recommendations.
14.03.2013
As sad as it may be, each item has its own lifespan. And rubber is no exception. After a certain time, it begins to lose its shape, becomes dry and tough, cracked and crumbled. And quite often in such a situation, when, as soon as possible, it is necessary to replace the damaged part, there is absolutely no time to go to the store for it, or there is simply no possibility.But, fortunately, it is still possible to urgently solve this problem. Consider in this article several ways to give rubber elements a second wind.
So, the materials you will need are glycerin, ammonia, kerosene, and napkins.
Do not be surprised! It turns out that kerosene and ammonia can really help out when trying to resuscitate rubber parts. First you need to prepare a low-concentration solution of ammonia. Then roll up long and narrow rubber seals in the form of a spiral. And keep them in the solution for about half an hour. If kerosene is at hand, we carry out the same procedure, only the rubber should be in this solution for at least 2 hours. Result - the parts will become noticeably softer and, perhaps, even a little more than before. After the solutions, rubber products must be washed in non-hot water, using a soap composition, then rinse them in clean water and drain.
The masters also found a solution for a short-term renewal of seals on refrigerator doors. In this case, it is recommended to pour over the rubber with boiling water. It is said that for some time the sealant regains its lost elasticity and sealing ability. And in order to consolidate the effect obtained, you can treat the rubber surface with a napkin impregnated with a silicone composition. However, we remind you once again that the effect will not be long lasting, therefore, it is necessary to replace the obsolete part as soon as possible.
Many of us have already established plastic windows... But not everyone knows that if the seals on the double-glazed windows are properly looked after, they will last much longer. So, you just need to lubricate the rubber elements with a layer of ordinary glycerin or silicone every time you wash the windows. And for the best result, it is better to use specially designed chemical compositions from window manufacturers. As a rule, they should be offered by the employees of the company in which you order, immediately. Although, however, today it is not at all difficult to find such a solution on the Internet.