Over time, the rubber, even if the operating rules are observed, can become dull. But fortunately, it can be restored to its former elasticity properties at home (at the same time, the level of wear resistance can be reduced). It does not require any special substances. All the materials you need can already be at home.
How to soften hard rubber with kerosene?
This substance can easily restore the elasticity of hardened material, but you need to be aware of the dangers of kerosene, for example, it is flammable.
The essence of the method is to soak the rubber product in a special bath. After the time has elapsed, the surface of the product must be thoroughly washed and dried, while this can be done in a twisted form (for example, if a long rug is being processed).
The duration of soaking depends on several parameters, in particular on the size of the rubber product and the degree of hardening of the material (this must be determined before softening the rubber). But howpractice shows that you need to soak in the bath for at least 2-3 hours, since kerosene does not work immediately.
Ammonia
The scope of ammonia is extensive. Softening rubber is one way to use this drug. Many experts explain in detail how to soften rubber in this way. You can make the product softer by following this plan:
- Choose a container of the right size.
- Before you soften the rubber, you need to dilute ammonia in the right amount of water (proportion 1: 7).
- Soak the product in this solution for a maximum of an hour (in no case should you keep the rubber in ammonia for longer than the specified time, if after 30 minutes it was noticed that the material does not become more elastic, then you should try another method).
- After the desired level of softness is restored, remove the rubber from the bath and rinse with clean running water.
Dry refurbished items only at room temperature. Direct sunlight and high temperatures may adversely affect the condition of the material.
Medical alcohol has similar properties, but glycerin is additionally required. If the rubber is hardened, logic will tell you how to soften it. The damaged product must be soaked in medical alcohol for several hours, then it must be removed, washed with warm running water along with soap. After the surface has dried, you need to rub the glycerin using a cloth or sponge. Glycerinthere should be a little, the excess must be removed. Instead, you can take car oil (in this case, you can use the product only after 30 minutes).
Silicone and castor oil
These home remedies for restoring elasticity have some drawbacks. One of them is a short-term effect, which is not always convenient. But there are still some benefits:
- availability (silicone can be purchased at any specialized store, and its cost is low);
- does not require prolonged exposure (the product is ready for use within 30 minutes after the start of the procedure);
- no need to look for large containers for soaking products (before softening the rubber with silicone, this is not necessary).
These features also apply to castor oil. The substance is able to penetrate into the structure of rubber, which changes its properties. But it also rinses out easily.
How to soften rubber at home with heat?
This method is used in cases where you need a quick, albeit short-term effect. For example, when a hose needs to be put on a nozzle. Such problems are solved by lowering the product in hot water for a short time. That is why the method is not suitable for products of significant size.
If the rubber is too hard, then the product can be boiled. You can speed up the process and increase the effectiveness of the procedure if you add table s alt to the water. It is necessary to boil the material until the product iselastic enough.
You can heat rubber not only with water. You can exert a point effect of high temperature using a building or ordinary hair dryer. This is especially true when it is not possible to soak the product in hot water, for example, when you need to remove the hose from the nozzle.
Restoration of rubber elasticity can be performed only in the absence of any mechanical damage and other deformations. You also need to be prepared for the fact that some performance will be reduced or lost altogether.
