Probably an old topic, but how does one remove the white powder type residue on older Lionel products? I remember reading the fix here, but can’t seem to find it anymore. It seems like it was pretty simple, but nothing I’ve tried seems to work. Thanks for any help you can give.
Spray some WD-40 on a rag/cloth and then wipe the plastic down. This is intended to be used on unpainted plastic.
If you are referring to the older scout trucks…
It softens with a hairdryer or warm soapy water. The white residue can be scraped off with a toothpick.
Kurt
I understand the white stuff is the mold release agent. I have heard you can just just heat it up with a hair dryer and it comes right off.
I tried it and it worked fair. Hope someone has addtional solutions.
George
The white stuff is the result of a release agent in the molds remaining on the plastic. A lot of the American Flyer items have it. I’ve used a toothbrush, and nylon brush in a dremel, toothpicks, warm soapy water, to effectively remove the stuff. Whatever chemical or soap you use make sure it is plastic compatible.
Jim
A soft bristle brush in a Dremel tool does a great job removing that white residue without harming the plastic. I have cleaned many Flyer plastic wheels with excellent results.
I’ve removed the white stuff using a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in Crisco Vegetable Oil. Brush the vegetable oil on and then wipe it off after a minute or two. The white stuff disappears.
Robert
I’ve used 2 cleaning agents with equal success and no ill effects on the plastic and both are successful on the white residue. One is Ivory/Dawn dishwashing liquid, just a little on a soft toothbrush with warm water works well. I find that the dishwashing liquid work best for cutting the grease and grime usually found on these old cars. The other is good old Ivory bar soap, rub that soft toothbrush on the bar and use warm water. A word of caution regardless what method you use, DO NOT scrub, use very little pressure and be EXTRA careful around and on any lettering or decals (I try to stay away from decals at all costs anyway).
After it is clean and dry I use another old time method to give just a little shine to it, spray Pledge or Favor (sometimes hard to find) on a soft cloth and go over the car. If you want to get into the nooks and cranies use another clean soft toothbrush, spray some on it and gently apply. WD-40 works well on the metal steamers. Apply and wipe off to avoid the oily look and feel.
Of course none of this applies to those out there who want the weathered look.
Good luck
Mike