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After trying plant-based degreasers, I'm rethinking my whole cleaning process | Gunsmiths - Hub Chatter

After trying plant-based degreasers, I'm rethinking my whole cleaning process

I always depend on strong chemical solvents to clean guns because they get the job done quick. My friend at the range keeps pushing me to try biodegradable options. He says the old stuff can pollute groundwater if we're not careful. I gave a citrus-based cleaner a shot, and it smelled nice and felt safer on my skin. But it took more elbow grease to remove tough carbon, and the bottle cost more. Now I'm stuck between sticking with what works and doing better for the environment. What's your take on this? Have any of you made the switch?

3 comments

3 Comments

harper4086mo ago

My buddy Dave had a real wake up call with his usual gun cleaner last year. He always used the heavy duty chemical stuff because it worked fast on his hunting rifles. Then his daughter learned about pollution in school and started questioning him, which really got to him. He tried a plant based option and it was a struggle at first, needing way more scrubbing for carbon buildup. But he found that if he let it sit for a while before wiping, it worked much better without the harsh smell. Now he says the extra minute of patience feels better than worrying about what's going down the drain.

jackson.quinn6mo ago

Wait what? Dave actually listened to his kid about gun cleaner? That's the shocking part! Most guys I know would just tell their daughter it's grown-up stuff and keep using the harsh chemicals. It takes a lot to change a routine, especially for something like hunting gear where people get set in their ways. Good for him for actually paying attention and trying something new. That's way more mature than most people would be!

miapatel6mo ago

That part about his daughter getting to him is so real! Kids have a way of making you feel guilty about the weirdest stuff. I tried a natural oven cleaner once and had the same patience problem. Letting it sit is key, but I'm so bad at waiting. I ended up just using the old chemical spray because I needed to bake cookies, like, right then. Still feel a little bad about it, not gonna lie.