Been doing that for a while, and it does work as good as you say. Forgot where I first heard of it though.

Man, it does work, doesn't it? I think that WAS one of my biggest gripes about high power, those blasted crudded up casings. Glad you got your VA back. That's one sweet bird. I'm going to go glass with it next year. While nothing is indestructible, I'm tired of having my rockets come back un-spiral wrapped. Ha!

Do you have a problem where the vinegar eats into the anodizing after such a long bath?

Do you have a problem where the vinegar eats into the anodizing after such a long bath?

Not yet... and, honestly, that's my only concern. Acid and metals, even anodized ones, aren't a good combination. Don't want microscopic pits that will lead to casing failure at some time in the future. I think the next time I'll just use the Dawn dishwashing liquid; it's also good for getting oil stains out of driveways, pretty strong stuff.

I haven't seen any evidence of this bath causing any change beyond the cleaning. From the Wikipedia:

Aluminium, when exposed to oxygen, forms a thin layer of aluminium oxide on its surface which is relatively resistant, so that aluminium tanks can be used to transport acetic acid.

The aluminum oxide layer formed by anodization is much thicker , so I would expect that it would take a very long time to see any effect from exposure to even pure vinegar, which is typically only 5% acetic acid. IMHO the vinegar/water/detergent solution is an effective and harmless wash.

Hmmm... good evidence, Ken. Thanks!

Actually personally I have had a case eaten by Vinegar. I also know James has had one eaten by Simple green. Both cases were longer term exposure for a day or 2. So it can happen. Unfortunately Wikapedia is not a complete factual based report on all stuff.

Okay, depending on what type of anodizing is done on the motor casings, one type--can't remember which--is second only to diamonds in hardness and strength. Anodizing hardens the aluminum oxide. However, it is still porous. Thus, acetic acid can still do damage over time by eating away the oxide, though the oxide is replaced once exposed to air. However, there will always be a pit there. Motor casings must take a great amount of pressure; holes or pits are bad. Ken, even though acetic acid can be transported and stored in aluminum containers, there's no mention of how long those containers last or if they must withstand great amounts of pressure. So, as it stands now, I'll just try the Dawn dishwashing liquid and only use vinegar for a quick soak at home, if needed. I appreciate everyone's opinion on this. I just realized that I threw my foreward seal disk for the 38/720 casing in the trash, which went out yesterday. Oh, man... 🙄

I use a bottle brush sprayed with simple green. Takes about 2 minutes to clean the entire tube. I then rinse really well with water. Bruce, I have a seal disk if you need one...

kp.

Bruce, I have a seal disk if you need one...

Thanks, Ken. I have an extra one from another casing. I'll get another one from Tim. Don't you hate it when that happens? 😉

If I don't clean them onsite during a launch, I throw them into a tupperware with a mix of white vinegar, Zep de-greaser, Simple Green and water overnight. Next day I use a kind of bottle brush (I have sizes for 29mm through 98mm I got at McGuckin's housewares department). Never had a problem. I do like the idea of the soak on the way home, but it really doesn't matter much. With that mix, I've never had a problem cleaning cases that have even waited a few weeks before I got around to 'em. Never seen a trace of pitting either.

Warren

Funny, I've always used elbow grease and sweat to clean up the propellant residue. And maybe a few wet wipes and WD40, or carb cleaner or CLP, whatevers on hand and then whatever liquid dishwashing soap is on the counter at home. The kitchen sink is where the action is.

The kitchen sink is where the action is.

My ideal is cleaning them in the kitchen sink BEFORE my wife gets home after launches. Ha, ha... Otherwise, well, I'm trying to come up with something else. The vinegar, dishwashing liquid and water worked great. It didn't sit too long, and if it did, I really do believe the vinegar (acetic acid) would do some damage over time and many washings. Since I tend to be over-cautious in all respects in rocketry, I'm gonna mark the time I use vinegar (<4-5 hrs.), or just use the dishwashing liquid if it's going to sit for a long time.

The kitchen sink is a dangerous place for a married man with hobbies...

W