How to Clean Rubber Handles

When using things like bicycle handles, cameras, gpf sticks, kitchen items, or game controllers, you’ve probably also noticed that rubber grips are often dusty and prone to grime. As rubber ages and ages, it can begin to break down and cause a sticky feeling. ^{[1] X Research Resources} In this article, we’ll show you the best tips for cleaning rubber handles. Continue reading!

Table of Contents

Soap and water

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Soap water will help remove most dirt and grime. Mix a bowl of warm water with a few drops of soap and wet a sponge to wash the handle. Dampen all surfaces of the handle with soapy water, then rinse with clean water to remove soap. ^{[2] X Research Source}

The milder the cleaning product, the less likely the rubber will be damaged. A mild soap like dishwashing liquid or castile soap is a good place to start. ^{[3] X Research Sources}
For a deeper clean, you can use a toothbrush instead of a sponge. Put a few drops of dishwashing liquid or castile soap on the handle, then scrub with a toothbrush and rinse with water after the soap bubbles up. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Multipurpose cleaning solution

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Household cleaning spray can clean dirt on rubber. Spray the all-purpose cleaner on the rubber handle to get it wet, then dry it with a paper towel to clean and the dirt on it. ^{[5] X Research Source} Wipe again and again until the handle is clean.

Baking soda and water

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Baking soda mixed with water is an abrasive cleaner suitable for cleaning dirty handles. Mix baking soda with a little water to make a cleanser. Spread the mixture on the rubber handle and let it sit for about 2 hours, then wipe the mixture off with a wet rag. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Try a different method if your rubber is black or dark to avoid discolouration. Baking soda can discolor rubber if left in for too long. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Commercial degreasing solution

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Conventional degreasing products are safe for rubber and can clean up oil stains. Spray a generous amount of degreasing solution on the handle and wait a few minutes, then use a toothbrush or nail brush to gently scrub away the grime. Rinse with water to remove the degreasing solution and dirt before air-drying. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

You can find degreasing solutions at auto repair shops.

Cleaning solution containing ammonia

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Ammonia cleaning solutions such as glass cleaner are also very effective on rubber. You can spray the rubber handle with an ammonia-based cleaner until it becomes wet, then scrub it with a clean rag for about 1 minute. Be sure to scrub a little vigorously in particularly dirty areas. Let air dry after scrubbing. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Ammonia-based cleaners in spray bottles like Windex pose less of a health risk if accidentally inhaled. You should choose this instead of the concentrated one if possible. ^{[10] X Trusted Source Nature Go to Source}
Ammonia can remove damaged rubber surfaces, so it’s especially useful if you’re cleaning rubber handles that are starting to get sticky. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Cleaning alcohol

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The cleaning port is an antiseptic and cleaning agent that is quite easy to find. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a clean rag and wipe the entire rubber handle. Wait a few minutes for it to dry. Cleaning alcohol can dissolve sticky substances and kill germs on rubber. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Denatured alcohol

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Also known as methylated alcohol, denatured alcohol is a strong cleaning agent. Wear gloves and dip a rag in denatured alcohol to wipe all surfaces of the rubber handle. Denatured alcohol evaporates quickly, dissolving sticky substances and disinfecting handles. ^{[13] X Research Source}

If you don’t have denatured alcohol in your home, you can buy it at a hardware store.
Denatured alcohol is a strong cleaner, so you should be careful about how much alcohol you use. If you find that the alcohol has not evaporated in about 1 minute, wipe it off with a paper towel to prevent damage to the rubber.
Use denatured alcohol as carefully as you would with other cleaning chemicals, such as bleach. Wear gloves and open windows if you plan to work indoors. ^{[14] X Source of Study} If denatured alcohol gets into your skin, you should immediately flush it with water for about 15 minutes. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Acetone

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Acetone is a strong cleaning chemical for very dirty rubber items. Acetone is also available as a nail polish remover. Dip a corner of a soft cloth in acetone and gently wipe the rubber surface. Carefully press the towel against the rubber surface to let the acetone soak in, then use the rest of the towel to wipe it off. Acetone will dry very quickly. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Be careful when using acetone as it is highly flammable and can cause eye irritation. Wear gloves when working with this chemical. ^{[17] X Research Source}
Don’t let the acetone stay on the rubber for too long. Acetone can age rubber over time, so you need to clean it up quickly.

Gasoline lighter

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Many cyclists report that lighter fuel can remove the sticky residue on rubber grips. Pour a small amount of gasoline on the rag to wipe all over the surface of the rubber handle. Wait a few minutes for the handle to dry, then use a wet tissue or wet rag to remove the gasoline smell. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

Gasoline lighters are a great degreaser for rubber, but use caution! Always be careful while using and remember to wash your hands thoroughly after use. Make sure items that are still contaminated with gasoline are not near the flame. ^{[19] X Research Source}
Remember to wipe off the lighter gasoline on the rubber; otherwise the rubber may be aging. Don’t forget to wipe the handle again with a wet tissue.

Specialized wet wipes

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If you don’t want to use household solutions, you can buy wet wipes. Gpf players often use a specialized wet cloth to wipe the gpf handle to protect the quality of the rubber. You can buy this product online or at sporting goods stores. Take a wet cloth from the box and wipe the entire surface of the handle, thoroughly wiping the dirtiest spots. Allow to dry before handling. ^{[20] X Research Source}

Steps