Silicone hose is used in a wide range of applications, and is a favourite for use in installations as diverse as car customisation and home brewing. However it’s used, it makes sense to keep silicone hose clean and well maintained to prolong its lifespan and keep it looking great and performing its job at optimum efficiency.
Simplest and best: hot soapy water
Perhaps surprisingly with such a high tech product, the best way to keep it clean is with hot soapy water and a clean rag. Use good quality washing up liquid for best results and wipe with a rag – a microfibre cloth works really well. Once the suds start to lose their effectiveness, replace with clean water.
If you’ve installed silicone hose because of its finish and shine, this is the best way bar none to keep it looking its best, with no residue or discoloration, and the hose won’t get damaged in the process.
Surprisingly convenient: baby wipes
If you want a quick and convenient way to shine up your silicone hose, then raid the baby’s changing bag for some baby wet wipes. These are surprisingly effective at removing grease from your silicone hoses without damaging them – after all, you use them on your baby’s delicate skin.
What not to use: WD-40
Any good silicone hose manufacturer, like goodflexrubber.com, will tell you to avoid oil, gasoline and petroleum based products, as they interfere with the chemical structure of the silicone, causing it to break down and rupture. So although WD-40 might be superb at getting rid of gunk and dirt, it’ll discolour and damage your silicone hoses. Check the label of any cleaner you’re tempted to use, to make sure it’s not petroleum or oil based.
For a deep down interior clean: household bleach
If you use your silicone hose for home brewing, then you may need to clean the interior of the hose as well as the exterior, in order to prolong its usable life. The best way to keep your home brew hoses in tip top condition is to clean them after every use in a solution of 1 part boiling water to 1 part unscented bleach. Submerge your hoses in this mixture immediately after use and you won’t even need to scrub them clean, simply rinse and leave to dry thoroughly.
