What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

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Albert Tiedemann
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#16 Post by Albert Tiedemann »

Mine needs a little more than cleaning. Is there a source for the leather belt tie on an A tool kit?
Albert Tiedemann, C356C
"The Hermit"

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Robert Harrington
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#17 Post by Robert Harrington »

On the vinyl part would try Simple Green. I had exhaust stains on the outside of the fiberglass on my boat and I couldn't get them off with any of the usual solvents. I tried the Simple Green and the stains came off amazingly easy.
Robert Harrington

Benjamin Abraham
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#18 Post by Benjamin Abraham »

I found this tool bag because another member was looking for one.
before inside flap closed
before inside flap closed
IMG_8066.jpg (3.08 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
before inside flap open
before inside flap open
IMG_8067.jpg (3.25 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
before inside flap open close up
before inside flap open close up
IMG_8068 2.jpg (3.7 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
before outside flap open
before outside flap open
IMG_8069.jpg (2.62 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
He passed on it, so I decided to buy it. I can’t remember the last time in 5 years that one has come up for sale. Being that I already had a complete kit, I thought it would be interesting to breathe some life into this tool bag.

Are there any updated methods for cleaning tool bags?
I have Eric Cherneff’s (EC) write up link here (vol. 30, issue #6, page 54 Mar/Apr 2007 Registry):
https://porsche356registry-production-p ... 1396814932

and several posts on the subject:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=31275&start=15
viewtopic.php?t=2444

My steps based on the above:
(1) remove all tools and vacuum tool bag of any debris.
before inside flap open
before inside flap open
IMG_8067.jpg (3.25 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
(2) protect leather strap: put leather treatment on the strap, roll it up and place in a plastic bag before proceeding to next step –EC. Mine was not present, so, nothing is done here (more on this later)
NOTE: I did not find a safe way to protect the leather straps. The older original straps are very brittle, and manipulating them by rolling them up and putting them into a bag can cause them to crack further. I tried many methods and nothing seems to work. The only method that another member suggested would be to remove the strap completely and clean the bag as described below. I would have to agree, I do not have another solution for protecting the leather strap. I have tried everything i could think of...water still seeps in.

(3) place tool bag in a plastic bin and soak tool bag in laundry detergent (Tide in my case) and warm water for 20-30 min –EC. remove water and add laundry detergent (I used 2 tablespoons) and made sure there was enough water to cover the entire bag. Remove after 30 minutes or when water gets dirty. Agitate bag several times –EC. I ended up doing this for 2 hours, 30-minute intervals each time before I would change the water and then add more laundry detergent. I would also massage the soapy water into the cloth with my hand...gently to free up any dirt that needed coaxing out.
the set up
the set up
IMG_8070.jpg (2.21 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
going for a swim
going for a swim
IMG_8073.jpg (2.65 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
after 1st round with detergent
after 1st round with detergent
IMG_8084.jpg (2.93 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
after 2nd round
after 2nd round
IMG_8091.jpg (2.64 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
after 3rd round
after 3rd round
IMG_8103.jpg (2.97 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
after last round (2 hours)
after last round (2 hours)
IMG_8121.jpg (3.06 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
---continued....
Last edited by Benjamin Abraham on Sat Oct 19, 2019 8:28 am, edited 2 times in total.

Benjamin Abraham
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#19 Post by Benjamin Abraham »

(4) CAUTION for step 4:
whink
whink
IMG_8125.jpg (2.47 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
whink: CAUTION: seriously dangerous stuff!
whink: CAUTION: seriously dangerous stuff!
IMG_8128.jpg (1.67 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
I decided to keep going forward with cleaning the inside material/cloth, so my next step was to remove the rust stains. I used Whink, and I have to repeat the warning that EC and several others have stated, this is an extremely toxic solution, the packaging mine came in (From amazon) was broken and the solution got on my thumb… now, I do not know if it is from this solution, but a deep cut appeared on my thumb and I do not remember cutting it… I am assuming it is from this solution. Afterward, I was OCD with safety while using this solution, changing gloves each and every time, wearing eye protection, and warning my household NOT to go into the bathroom where I set up in the bathtub. So PLEASE take all precautions necessary.
the set up - Extra precautions necessary!!
the set up - Extra precautions necessary!!
IMG_8130.jpg (1.41 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
Now, to the steps. I laid the tool bag in the plastic bin (in the bathtub) with the cloth side facing up.
Important note:
Whink can damage vinyl color, so care must be taken when applying. Whink is made of hydrofluoric acid
please make sure that container is at an angle, so no solution pools up underneath the bag.

Every 30 minutes I doused the bag with Whink. Every 30 minutes for 7 hours, I would tilt the bag up from one end so all the previous solution would “run-off” the bag and then I applied more Whink solution.

IMPORTANT EDIT, I PREVIOUSLY WROTE:
After 7 hours, I put copious amounts of the solution on the bag and let it sit overnight for 8 hours. In total, this step took 15 hours. <- DO NOT LET SOAK IN THE BAG, THIS WILL REMOVE THE DYE FROM THE BAG, ESPECIALLY BLUE BAGS
Note: after each application, I changed gloves and washed my hands.
rust stains take time to disappear
rust stains take time to disappear
IMG_8131 copy.0.jpg (3.48 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
after the first 30 minutes
after the first 30 minutes
IMG_8131 copy.1.jpg (3.88 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
after 1 1/2 hours (from start)
after 1 1/2 hours (from start)
IMG_8131 copy.2.jpg (3.49 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
after 15 hrs (from start)
after 15 hrs (from start)
IMG_8131 copy.3.jpg (3.61 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
(5) I rinsed off the bag with tap water (in the bathtub). Then, I did another 30-minute rinse in laundry detergent.
another 30 minute rinse with detergent
another 30 minute rinse with detergent
IMG_8165 2.jpg (2.51 MiB) Viewed 3657 times
(6) I drip dried the bag and then placed it in the sun for 15 min on each side, flipping over the bag 3 times. (total 1 hour). Then let the bag to bake (in the sun) on each side for 30 minutes.
baking in the sun....
baking in the sun....
IMG_8170.jpg (3.74 MiB) Viewed 3656 times
(7) I will be continuing to the next step this Tuesday/Wednesday (July 9/10), namely, cleaning of the vinyl. I will be using the following different chemicals (recommended by different members):
De-Solv-It – Eric Cherneff
Simple Green - Robert Harrington
409 - Pat Daily
Goof OFF, followed up by 409 - Adam Wright
Paint Thinner – Gerald Manna
some of the chemicals to be used
some of the chemicals to be used
Untitled 2.png (367.22 KiB) Viewed 3654 times
....to be continued
Last edited by Benjamin Abraham on Wed Sep 18, 2019 10:37 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Benjamin Abraham
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#20 Post by Benjamin Abraham »

in the meantime...here are some side-by-sides:
after detergent
after detergent
IMG_8067 copy.WASH.jpg (796.19 KiB) Viewed 3649 times
after whink
after whink
IMG_8067 copy.WHINK.jpg (741.84 KiB) Viewed 3649 times
after drying
after drying
IMG_8067 copy.DRY.jpg (811.27 KiB) Viewed 3649 times
please note: I had to change the perspective of the images (on the right) to get a more accurate side-by-side comparison.

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Mike Wilson
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#21 Post by Mike Wilson »

A definite improvement. Congrats!

Mike
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Lomita, CA
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Alex Mestas
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#22 Post by Alex Mestas »

Great research and conclusions. Thanks for the info.
1963 356 T-6 Coupe Signal Red.
1973.5 911 T Coupe Ivory.
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JohnPierce
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#23 Post by JohnPierce »

Great outcome. Thanks for posting.
1963 B T6 Project

Edwin Ek
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#24 Post by Edwin Ek »

There is a rust remover called Iron Out. It used to be called Rust Out. It is made for, among other things, removing rust stains from clothing in the laundry. I have used it many times on cotton fabric, and it works unbelievably well. I bet it would do a great job on the fabric interior of these tool and travel kit bags.

Edit: I see there now also is Super Iron Out. I haven't used it.
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Spencer Harris
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#25 Post by Spencer Harris »

Nice summary & beautiful results Benjamin. Thanks for sharing!
Spencer Harris
San Joaquin Valley, CA.

Benjamin Abraham
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#26 Post by Benjamin Abraham »

Thank you, everyone, for the comments and compliments. I also received PM's about some tips...and I will be applying them to the restoration/cleaning of the tool bag next week. I also wanted to remind everyone that Whink and like products are dangerous to work with. Although I thought I was being careful, I did receive a small burn to my skin, that I can feel below my skin. It feels like someone cut my skin off...seriously!

PLEASE BE CAREFUL:
small burn
small burn
IMG_8225.jpg (1.67 MiB) Viewed 3569 times


Another important note:
Whink can damage vinyl color, so care must be taken when applying. Whink is made of hydrofluoric acid
Last edited by Benjamin Abraham on Thu Aug 22, 2019 8:23 am, edited 2 times in total.

Benjamin Abraham
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#27 Post by Benjamin Abraham »

The before photo:
the &quot;before&quot; photo
the "before" photo
IMG_8069.jpg (2.62 MiB) Viewed 3527 times

so... I have a few options:
the cleaners
the cleaners
IMG_3739.JPG (2.38 MiB) Viewed 3527 times
Initially, I thought to use
de-solv-it,
goof-off,
simple green,
and
paint thinner

I decided to add:
Lexol Vinylex
Dawn Dishwasher soap
Goo gone
acetone


Here are some pH values of the various items under consideration. From everything I read, I should be looking at pH-neutral solutions.

2 lemon juice 2-3 (usually pH 2)
2-4 distilled white vinegar
4.5 hydrogen peroxide (not pictured)
5.9 goo gone
6.6 de-solv-it
7 acetone
7.4 Dawn dishwasher soap
7-8 goof-off
7.7 rubbing alcohol
8.5-9.5 simple green
9.3-11 Lexol vinylex


If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know. I plan to tape up the vinyl bag into different sections to test the different products.

Benjamin Abraham
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#28 Post by Benjamin Abraham »

so... here is an update on cleaning the outside vinyl:
the tools
the tools
IMG_5338.JPG (2.91 MiB) Viewed 3509 times
original idea to do multiple test spots
original idea to do multiple test spots
IMG_4882.JPG (3.02 MiB) Viewed 3509 times
I decided on ONE test area
I decided on ONE test area
IMG_4777.JPG (2.99 MiB) Viewed 3509 times
multiple cleaners
brand new terry cloths (i used kirklands)
soft bristle brush
medium brush
gloves

these steps were used over the entire bag:
trial 1 - clean with tide in warm water bath for 2 hours switching water and new detergent when dirty or every 30 minutes (whatever comes first)
(see photos above)


trial 2 - Goo gone kitchen degreaser w/toothbrush
goo gone kitchen degreaser
goo gone kitchen degreaser
IMG_8113 2.jpg (2.49 MiB) Viewed 3509 times
goo gone kitchen degreaser - yet another reason for my wife to kill me... tooth brush was used on the fabric
goo gone kitchen degreaser - yet another reason for my wife to kill me... tooth brush was used on the fabric
IMG_8115 2.jpg (2.93 MiB) Viewed 3509 times
goo gone kitchen degreaser - outside
goo gone kitchen degreaser - outside
IMG_8118 2.jpg (2.91 MiB) Viewed 3509 times
goo gone kitchen degreaser - dirt run-off even after cleaning for 2 hours with tide
goo gone kitchen degreaser - dirt run-off even after cleaning for 2 hours with tide
IMG_8120 2.jpg (2.76 MiB) Viewed 3509 times
results: a lot of dirt was removed


these steps were used on the vinyl only:
note: after each step I cleaned with dishwasher soap and dried with paper towels

trial 3 - lexol vinylx:
lexol - soft bristle brush
lexol - soft bristle brush
IMG_8385.jpg (2.99 MiB) Viewed 3507 times
lexol - no noticeable dirt removed
lexol - no noticeable dirt removed
IMG_8387.jpg (2.43 MiB) Viewed 3509 times
results: some dirt removed

......continued....
Last edited by Benjamin Abraham on Thu Jul 11, 2019 11:26 am, edited 5 times in total.

Benjamin Abraham
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#29 Post by Benjamin Abraham »

trial 4 - goo gone:
goo gone - spayed directly, soft bristle brush
goo gone - spayed directly, soft bristle brush
IMG_8389.jpg (3.35 MiB) Viewed 3507 times
goo gone - medium brush to help penetrate
goo gone - medium brush to help penetrate
IMG_8390.jpg (3.1 MiB) Viewed 3507 times
goo gone - dirt came off on towel
goo gone - dirt came off on towel
IMG_8394.jpg (3.33 MiB) Viewed 3507 times
results: some dirt removed


trial 5 - de-solv-it:
de-solv-it - minor dirt removal
de-solv-it - minor dirt removal
IMG_8393.jpg (3.64 MiB) Viewed 3499 times
results: some dirt removed


trial 6 - simple green 1:10
simple green - 1:10 dilution per instructions
simple green - 1:10 dilution per instructions
IMG_8396.jpg (1.86 MiB) Viewed 3500 times
simple green - 1:10 dilution - brushing in
simple green - 1:10 dilution - brushing in
IMG_8398.jpg (2.39 MiB) Viewed 3500 times
simple green - 1:10 dilution - nothing on towel
simple green - 1:10 dilution - nothing on towel
IMG_8401.jpg (2.78 MiB) Viewed 3500 times
results: nothing


because I did not achieve any results with the 1:10 dilution, I decided to up the strength to 1:1
trial 7 - simple green 1:1
simple green - 1:1 dilution - only thing on towel is the solution (you can see the green solution)
simple green - 1:1 dilution - only thing on towel is the solution (you can see the green solution)
IMG_8400.jpg (2.91 MiB) Viewed 3500 times
results: nothing


trial 8 - goof off
goof off - application
goof off - application
IMG_8404.jpg (2.5 MiB) Viewed 3498 times
goof off - nothing on towel
goof off - nothing on towel
IMG_8405.jpg (2.85 MiB) Viewed 3498 times
results: nothing


..... continued......
Last edited by Benjamin Abraham on Thu Jul 11, 2019 11:25 am, edited 1 time in total.

Benjamin Abraham
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Re: What's the best cleaner for tool kit bags?

#30 Post by Benjamin Abraham »

trial 9 - paint thinner (i used a "green" paint thinner)
paint thinner - &quot;green&quot; env-friendly
paint thinner - "green" env-friendly
IMG_8408.jpg (2.57 MiB) Viewed 3496 times
results: nothing


trial 10 - rubbing alcohol
rubbing alcohol
rubbing alcohol
IMG_8409.jpg (2.37 MiB) Viewed 3496 times
results: nothing


HELP: I am having some technical difficulties uploading photos to this forum....many photos are appearing upside down...anyone know why this is happening? my solution, is to delete it from the post, re-save the file, and then re-upload it.


Results of all 10 trials:
end result
end result
IMG_8410.jpg (3.57 MiB) Viewed 3492 times

due to the positive results of both "goo gone" and "de-solv-it" i decided to use the other test area to test both of these side-by-side:
&quot;de-solv-it&quot; and &quot;goo gone&quot; side-by-side
"de-solv-it" and "goo gone" side-by-side
IMG_8411.jpg (2.9 MiB) Viewed 3492 times
&quot;de-solv-it&quot;
"de-solv-it"
IMG_8412.jpg (3.29 MiB) Viewed 3492 times
&quot;goo gone&quot;
"goo gone"
IMG_8413.jpg (3.06 MiB) Viewed 3492 times
&quot;de-solv-it&quot; and &quot;goo gone&quot; side-by-side - with towel to show dirt removed
"de-solv-it" and "goo gone" side-by-side - with towel to show dirt removed
IMG_8414.jpg (3.52 MiB) Viewed 3492 times
My pick (for now): Goo Gone
&quot;goo gone&quot; won in my book...so i continued with the cleaning of the inside and the medium brush
"goo gone" won in my book...so i continued with the cleaning of the inside and the medium brush
IMG_8416.jpg (3.31 MiB) Viewed 3490 times
a quick bath in tide, then a quick tan in the sun and this is where we are now:
bath, tan, and current result
bath, tan, and current result
IMG_8438.jpg (4.12 MiB) Viewed 3490 times

I did not use the lemon juice, distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or acetone. I will think about using Acetone and/or regular paint thinner when the tool bag gets back from the next step....
the &quot;next&quot; step
the "next" step
IMG_8439.jpg (2.49 MiB) Viewed 3490 times
TBC

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