Cleaning yellowed white plastic

[Captain Starlet]

Just wondering if anyone has any tried and tested methods of restoring plastic from a yellow tinge back to white. From what I have read its Bromine within the plastic reacting to UV radiation.

Thanks

 

[Paul RS]

It can't be saved unfortunately. Well none of the tanks I've ever tried cleaning have become any less yellow.

 

[Captain Starlet]

Not really what im wanting to hear @Paul RS, what all did you try. Did you ever sand them? I have seen a few videos on youtube using peroxide and uv light which seems to get average results, but I don't want to risk it as I cant replace the tank

 

[Paul RS]

I've never tried sanding them, the tanks I tried to clean were opaque so I couldn't get away with it. Tried bleach, but it didn't do much either

What about painting yours? Would that look really out of place?

 

[Richy]

Stick it in the dishwasher

Worth a go surely?

 

[Captain Starlet]

Yea paint is a last resort I suppose, I just wanted to try and keep it original as possible. I might try this method if I can get hold of the product.

 

[Captain Starlet]

Stick it in the dishwasher

Worth a go surely?

That would go down well lol

 

[Apis]

CAn't really tell what kind of tank it is from the pic....what's it off?
If its like a translucent washer fluid tank then I've had success with leaving them to bleach for a few hours, then put them in the dishwasher. As long as they are well cleaned and the wife is away, the dishwasher is great.

If it's more like an opaque white plastic then Mer polish can do a good job. (If it's even available any more?)
Or might be worth a wee blast with a heatgun. All depends on the type of plastic.

 

[christyb]

Salon Services Creme Peroxide 12% 40 Vol. 1 Litre

 

[Odhran]

Bit of metal polish ie. Autosol maybe?

 

[Captain Starlet]

Its the petrol tank from a Honda QR 50 motorbike. I would assume its UV damage and ground in dirt that has caused the discolouration, as you can see its white were the stickers were. I'm going to give that a go @christyb, the product in the link is around £30 a bottle.

I tried 1500 grit sandpaper last night @Odhran with poor results, so not sure how well Autosol would work. I will maybe try it on a small section later.

 

[marcusplowman]

Id say paint is the only option...Ive tried a few techniques over the years to no avail

 

[jimcupra]

In your link they are using peroxide, surely bleach would have the same effect. I have used brake fluid to clean cast metal parts before, maybe try that it won't damage the plastic but should remove the stains.

 

[Apis]

Acetone is another one worth a try. You'll find it in the same kind of shop where you get the peroxide.

 

[steenson]

theres a shop in castle street in belfast that will sell peroxide a lot cheaper than that.

 

[Sailorbaz]

Post this only the other day to another lad regarding the same issue. Never tried it, but surely worth a pop.

Cara Clean Caravan Cleaner Plastic Restorer, Whitens yellowed plastics caraclean | eBay

 

[NotKG]

pool cleaner, quite effective, might be worth a try

 

[Captain Starlet]

Thanks very much, some really good ideas to try here. I will be doing this over the christmas break, report back soon.

 

[gizmo98]

you could try Cosmofen great cleaner but need to be careful with it