Washing neoprene solid sheets and closed cell neoprene foam is made simple thanks to its excellent moisture and chemical-resistance properties. Neoprene rubber sheets should be cleaned regularly to extend its life and to ensure its reliability in an application. In outdoor environments, changing weather patterns can cause neoprene rubber sheets to become dirty with dust, dirt, or mud that can hinder its performance in an application. Even in industrial settings, chemicals and oils can be spilled onto neoprene materials and cause damage if left unattended for too long. Although neoprene is highly resistant to chemicals and staining, some harsh cleaning solvents can damage the structure of neoprene; therefore, it is important to know how to clean neoprene properly to avoid damage and discoloration of black colored neoprene.
Closed Cell Rubber – Blend
- Temperature Range: -40 F to +200 F
- Durometer rating of 20-25 Shore C
- Sheets available in size of 39in by 78in
- Ideal for use in shock absorption and gasket related applications
- A versatile blend of closed cell sponge available at affordable rates
Moderate Weather Resistance: This closed cell sponge rubber benefits from the presence of Neoprene material since each sponge sheet is composed of Neoprene and SBR. A characteristic of Neoprene rubber is its good resistance to outdoor weathering effects such as UV rays and ozone. As a result, it is often employed wherever a rubber part is needed for the outdoors. This blended cellular rubber possesses a moderate degree of outdoor weather resistance.
A Durable Sponge Rubber: As a direct benefit from the SBR rubber used to make it, this closed cell sponge rubber possesses a good degree of physical durability. SBR is known for its superior physical strength and resistance to physical abrasions. It is the reason why SBR is so popular for use in vehicle tires, which are expected to endure harsh physical conditions on a daily basis. Although cellular rubber tends to be a softer material overall, especially when compared to its regular solid rubber counterparts, it is still durable enough to handle some moderate level physical abrasions.
Is Neoprene Easy to Clean?
Due to its moisture and chemical-resistance, neoprene rubber sheets are easy to clean. Washing neoprene is important for keeping them up to par and functional in their application. Neoprene rubber sheets can be used outdoors where they are prone to dust, dirt, and mud getting on them. For instance, neoprene rubber sheets are commonly used as skirting for gates and doors where there are constantly being dragged on the ground as they open and close. Washing neoprene that is used outdoors is important because black colored neoprene, the color in which they are available in, will contrast the color of dust and dirt making them more visible on its surface. Solid debris can be brushed away with your hand or with a dry cloth, but other messes, such as mud, will have to be wiped away using a damp rag or sprayed off with a hose. Even harsh and hard to remove materials and solvents, such as oil, can easily be removed from neoprene due to its resistance to oil and chemicals. Washing neoprene should always be done by hand and never in a washing machine. The most popular way of washing neoprene is done with a little water and a rag; however, due to the chemical resistance of neoprene, the use of common household chemical cleaners on tougher messes will not damage the material.
How Do You Clean Closed Cell Neoprene Foam?
Closed cell neoprene foam is also highly water-resistant compared to its open cell counterpart and can also be cleaned using water or a damp rag. Washing neoprene foam is slightly more difficult due to its porous structure compared to the density of solid neoprene which makes it slightly less water-resistant. Closed cell neoprene seals, gaskets, and pads that are used outdoors are easily dirtied by outdoor factors. Other times, closed cell neoprene is often used to create cushions for sofas or car seats which are both areas spillage can occur. Although closed cell neoprene resists moisture-absorption, if a staining solvent is left on the material for too long, it will eventually permeate through the foam. When a staining material comes into contact with closed cell neoprene foam, it is important to immediately clean the mess; however, washing neoprene foam cannot be done by submerging it in water. It is still a porous material and it will absorb moisture when submerged. Instead, it is best to use a damp, not soaking wet, rag to wipe away any unwanted dirt of debris from the material. Additionally, since closed cell neoprene foam is still moderately resistant to chemicals, you may use some mild detergents to gently clean the material.
Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 80A
General Purpose Rubber – Black – 60A
- Smooth black finish
- Stocked width of 36”
- A rubber sheet for a variety of applications
- Working temperature range of -10° F to 190° F
- Black rubber roll available in lengths of 25ft or 50ft depending on the thickness of the rubber
SBR Rubber: Our General Purpose Rubber sheets are made using styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). This synthetic elastomer is known for its durability. SBR’s physical qualities are present in this solid rubber sheet. With a durometer rating of 60, it can handle physical abrasions pretty well. This rubber sacrifices some elasticity and pliability, but it is meant more for physical applications that require a moderate degree of strength. In addition, its durability is enhanced by the fact that it is a vulcanized rubber sheets.
Meant for Not So Sensitive Applications: General Purpose Rubber is very adaptable. A sheet of this elastomer can be made into various seals and gaskets that can then be used for a large variety of different applications. This solid rubber material is well suited for use in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The material of this black rubber roll functions very well as bumper and pad material too thanks to their good durability.
Does Neoprene Stain Easily?
Neoprene rubber sheets are not easily stained due to its excellent moisture-resistance properties; however, the level of moisture-resistance varies between solid and cellular neoprene. The method of washing neoprene foam and solid neoprene varies due to the difference in moisture-resistance and same concept applies to how easily each material stains. Solid neoprene is a highly moisture-resistant material that is difficult to permeate and stain. Closed cell neoprene is also highly resistant to staining with an absorption rate of less than 5%, but it has a higher chance of staining if marking solvents are left on the material for too long. Open cell neoprene, in contrast, is extremely easy to stain. Open cell neoprene foam features large pockets of air in its matrix which creates an extremely porous structure that will absorb moisture and stain on contact. Closed cell neoprene foam is often used for making athletic braces, seat cushions, and pads which are all susceptible to stains. These applications generally involve regular usage which can lead to accidental spills of staining materials, such as sodas, wine, and dyed foods and drinks. Regularly washing neoprene, both solid and foam, can be beneficial in preventing stains from permanently setting in the material.
Does Bleach Affect Neoprene?
Bleach can affect neoprene rubber sheets negatively by degrading its physical structure and causing discoloration. Bleach, or sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), “is the generic name for any chemical product which is used industrially and domestically to remove color from a fabric or fiber or to clean or to remove stains in a process called bleaching” (Wikipedia.org). This chemical cleaner “interacts with the organic molecules by adding chlorine or oxygen to the compound which removes the bonds or even breaks up the molecule” (scienceline.ucsb.edu). Bleach disrupts the bonds holding the polymer together, causing its color to fade or lighten. In addition, bleach can also break the bonds within the chemical composition of neoprene rubber. For example, bleach “works by changing the double bonds of a chromophore [the part of a molecule that has color] into single bonds. This alters the optical properties of the molecules, making it colorless” (thoughtco.com). This can be extremely damaging to neoprene which is produced by the “linking together of single molecules into giant, multiple-unit molecules” (Britannica.com). Washing neoprene with bleach can pull apart the bonds within the chemical structure of even dark black colored neoprene and cause the material to deteriorate and fade in color.
Washing neoprene with a damp rag is the most ideal and simple way of cleaning your neoprene products; however, thanks to the chemical resistance of neoprene, the use of some common household chemicals can be used without damaging the material. Closed cell neoprene foam may also be cleaned using water, but it should not be submerged completely due to its porous nature. In addition, solid colored neoprene does not easily stain due to its moisture-resistance, but closed cell neoprene foam can be slightly more susceptible to staining if not cleaned quickly. Due to the nature of the environments neoprene rubber sheets are generally used in, washing neoprene products will increase their lifespan and ensure a long-lasting application
Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 50A
