drdangermd
Sitting Out
great info, thanks
-
This site contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link, Poker Chip Forum may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Chip cleaning first time (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Junior24xx
- Start date
atomiktoaster
Full House
Sounds more expensive than mineral oil...
I'm sure you're right, but I have a jar of it lying around since I don't have much leather to oil and I don't cook with it
Ironrey
Waiting List
So in my professional opinion...
Magic Eraser works by bonding with the surface and then tearing the surface particles off. It's like a wet sanding... So it is at a very fine level, sanding your chips... Side note, it works well on sticky gunk like tape residue, but since it is an abrasive, it does cause small scratches and may reduce the shine of anything you use it on.
OxyClean is like hydrogen peroxide. It will react with enzymes on the chips and also create micro scrubbing bubbles that scrub the surface as the pop. This is probably good at removing oils, but may leave pitting and the haze may be from loose plastic/clay composite. Hence, the magic eraser may remove this and polish the chips back down to the shinier finish.
Dawn is a soap and reduces the surface tension of the water, thereby allowing you to scrub with less effort, amongst other things like resolving oils.
The sonic bath works like the OxyClean in that it micro bubbles scrub the surface as they pop. However there is no chemical reaction and may haze from the minerals in the water and the popping action, but probably not as much as the Oxy's chemical reaction. The Oxy is removing the oils and stuff trapped in the pores of the chip... Once the pores get oils back in, the shine will be back.
The color loss is interesting cause that must mean that the color isn't dyed clay/plastic, but rather dye trapped in the pores of the chip. I understand it coming off on the eraser cause as I mentioned, you're sanding the chips. However, if the color is baked deep into the surface of the chip... Then the sanding should reveal new material with bright pigment showing and therefore look like new.
Take my knowledge for what it's worth... I just bought a set of ceramics so most of my knowledge comes from working as an engineer in automotive re manufacturing for OEMs which is why looks mattered in the processes we used.
Thanks, I'll be here all summer
Magic Eraser works by bonding with the surface and then tearing the surface particles off. It's like a wet sanding... So it is at a very fine level, sanding your chips... Side note, it works well on sticky gunk like tape residue, but since it is an abrasive, it does cause small scratches and may reduce the shine of anything you use it on.
OxyClean is like hydrogen peroxide. It will react with enzymes on the chips and also create micro scrubbing bubbles that scrub the surface as the pop. This is probably good at removing oils, but may leave pitting and the haze may be from loose plastic/clay composite. Hence, the magic eraser may remove this and polish the chips back down to the shinier finish.
Dawn is a soap and reduces the surface tension of the water, thereby allowing you to scrub with less effort, amongst other things like resolving oils.
The sonic bath works like the OxyClean in that it micro bubbles scrub the surface as they pop. However there is no chemical reaction and may haze from the minerals in the water and the popping action, but probably not as much as the Oxy's chemical reaction. The Oxy is removing the oils and stuff trapped in the pores of the chip... Once the pores get oils back in, the shine will be back.
The color loss is interesting cause that must mean that the color isn't dyed clay/plastic, but rather dye trapped in the pores of the chip. I understand it coming off on the eraser cause as I mentioned, you're sanding the chips. However, if the color is baked deep into the surface of the chip... Then the sanding should reveal new material with bright pigment showing and therefore look like new.
Take my knowledge for what it's worth... I just bought a set of ceramics so most of my knowledge comes from working as an engineer in automotive re manufacturing for OEMs which is why looks mattered in the processes we used.
Thanks, I'll be here all summer
justsomedude
Straight Flush
Can you guys who use ultrasonic cleaners recommend a brand/model?
courage
Full House
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2014
- Messages
- 4,267
- Reaction score
- 6,774
Most are Hornaday fanbois, and it's a solid cleaner, but in reviews I've read I think there are a few models out there and rebranded based on controls layouts etc. I have this generic model and it can be found on eBay from differing vendors at similar price but hard to beat $125. High capacity, drain, and the high power heat and sonic. The only issue I've occasionally had with mine is if I splash down the side where handles are a bit of water will cause the unit to stop until circuit board dries. There are a couple tiny drain holes in the bottom of the handle slots I'm going to silicon shut and that should do it. Otherwise, great performance and I've cleaned a ton of chips with this unit.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ultrasonic-...623779?hash=item5d4f505723:g:BEMAAOSw0e9U2BRF
I am a reloader so it was great to see another use for my ultrasonic cleaner. I use it for shells, jewelry and now CHIPS!!! Bonus! Anyway, I like mine and love the drain feature. I use the RCBS ultrasonic cleaner. Great model at a great price!
See post #46 for an update.
Thought I'd report on my good experience with OxiClean. I have acquired 12 racks of PCA secondary $1 chips, half never used, 200 slightly used, and 400 that needed a bath. I tackled a rack of the dirtier chips first with my usual method of Dawn, warm water, and a toothbrush, but although the chips were clean, they weren't nearly as white as the brand new chips. (My expectations are high.) Progressively longer soaks in warm water and Palmolive Ultra with Oxi had positive results but the chips still weren't as white as the new chips. Then I tried a Magic Eraser, and the chips showed additional improvement but still weren't snow white; I didn't really like using an abrasive on the chips. I contacted DCC but they seemed as if they didn't want to sell me a gallon ($78 plus shipping). Finally I picked up some OxiClean Versatile and tried a 5-minute soak with 1/4 scoop of Oxi and 2 cups of water, followed by testing with longer soaks and a stronger solution. Fast forward to the end --> I soaked one rack of chips in 1 scoop of Oxi and 4 cups of warm-hot water (could hold my hand in the water) for an hour, and the improvement was amazing. I soaked each of the 4 dirtier racks again, same mixture and time, and finally ended up with beautifully white chips. I think that two one-hour soaks is better than one two-hour soak. The edge spots did not fade at all. They're not perfect, but they're damn close.
To be sure that in my zest for white chips I wouldn't damage them or the inlays, or cause the spots to fade, I started with conservative methods and checked them frequently. White Paulsons are the only chips I would get this aggressive with. YMMV.
Before:
After (cleaned chips on the right and in the center, minty fresh chips on the left). The variation in spot colors is due to the lighting.
Thought I'd report on my good experience with OxiClean. I have acquired 12 racks of PCA secondary $1 chips, half never used, 200 slightly used, and 400 that needed a bath. I tackled a rack of the dirtier chips first with my usual method of Dawn, warm water, and a toothbrush, but although the chips were clean, they weren't nearly as white as the brand new chips. (My expectations are high.) Progressively longer soaks in warm water and Palmolive Ultra with Oxi had positive results but the chips still weren't as white as the new chips. Then I tried a Magic Eraser, and the chips showed additional improvement but still weren't snow white; I didn't really like using an abrasive on the chips. I contacted DCC but they seemed as if they didn't want to sell me a gallon ($78 plus shipping). Finally I picked up some OxiClean Versatile and tried a 5-minute soak with 1/4 scoop of Oxi and 2 cups of water, followed by testing with longer soaks and a stronger solution. Fast forward to the end --> I soaked one rack of chips in 1 scoop of Oxi and 4 cups of warm-hot water (could hold my hand in the water) for an hour, and the improvement was amazing. I soaked each of the 4 dirtier racks again, same mixture and time, and finally ended up with beautifully white chips. I think that two one-hour soaks is better than one two-hour soak. The edge spots did not fade at all. They're not perfect, but they're damn close.
To be sure that in my zest for white chips I wouldn't damage them or the inlays, or cause the spots to fade, I started with conservative methods and checked them frequently. White Paulsons are the only chips I would get this aggressive with. YMMV.
Before:
After (cleaned chips on the right and in the center, minty fresh chips on the left). The variation in spot colors is due to the lighting.
Last edited:
MaxB
Full House
3 min bath in warm water and Dawn, then a light scrub with a toothbrush. Gets that hooker juice off in no time
Did you use a full scoop? The large scoop that comes with oxi?
Shaggy
Full House
200 filthy Cali Bells. Cleaned in the ultrasonic in 40 minutes. Then oiled 300 (including 100 Binions) in two hours. Binions were cleaned with dawn and electric toothbrush.
I used the scoop that came with the small container of Oxi. I assume they're the same regardless of the size of the container, but I'd be happy to upload a photo tomorrow.
Of all the chips I've cleaned in the past 9 years, I've had good results with Palmolve with Oxi or Dawn, depending on how dirty the chips were. The used PCAs were clean after a bath with Palmolive, but they weren't white. I think it was the stain removal properties of Oxi that did the trick.
@abby99 I have some whites chips, with what appears to be gold spots, and I used less than 1/2 of the scoop to 4 cups of water. I soaked them for 30 minutes in 104 degree water and it changed the spot color slightly. That is why I was wondering if there was too much oxiclean versatile in the soaking solution. Maybe the water was too hot. not sure but I am glad I only did a few.
Some of these chips that I want to clean are clean but some of the chips look have a slight tan color on the edges but others are bright white from the initial cleaning. I hope to get them all sparkling white.
Thank for the help
Some of these chips that I want to clean are clean but some of the chips look have a slight tan color on the edges but others are bright white from the initial cleaning. I hope to get them all sparkling white.
Thank for the help
Update 11/30/15:
Because all scoops may not be equal, here is a photo of the scoop that I used, along with a chip for size comparison. I filled the scoop to the top. I used 1 full scoop to 4 cups of almost-hot water. I started with one chip, a weak solution, and a 5-minute soak, then rinsed the chip thoroughly and let it dry completely before comparing it with a brand new, never played chip to check the spot colors. I proceeded with a great deal of caution over several days, testing a stronger solution and increasing the soak time gradually, until the chips were almost as white as brand new chips with no fading of the inserts and no visible damage to the inlays.
CAUTION: Colored chips are known to fade when cleaned with Oxi. I suspect that some colors are more vulnerable to fading than others. I wouldn't recommend using Oxi for colored chips and don't think it's necessary. I used it on the white PCA chips because I wanted to remove the staining -- the chips had already been cleaned in Palmolive and almost-hot water. Also, I soaked the chips in a pan and did not use an ultrasonic machine.
Because all scoops may not be equal, here is a photo of the scoop that I used, along with a chip for size comparison. I filled the scoop to the top. I used 1 full scoop to 4 cups of almost-hot water. I started with one chip, a weak solution, and a 5-minute soak, then rinsed the chip thoroughly and let it dry completely before comparing it with a brand new, never played chip to check the spot colors. I proceeded with a great deal of caution over several days, testing a stronger solution and increasing the soak time gradually, until the chips were almost as white as brand new chips with no fading of the inserts and no visible damage to the inlays.
CAUTION: Colored chips are known to fade when cleaned with Oxi. I suspect that some colors are more vulnerable to fading than others. I wouldn't recommend using Oxi for colored chips and don't think it's necessary. I used it on the white PCA chips because I wanted to remove the staining -- the chips had already been cleaned in Palmolive and almost-hot water. Also, I soaked the chips in a pan and did not use an ultrasonic machine.
Last edited:
RainmanTrail
Straight Flush
Another option is to get a damp cloth with some baking powder, then just scrub it. Works great to get the gunk off. Might scratch hot stamps though? Not sure. I'll be buying or making an ultrasonic cleaner though for sure when I buy a used casino lot.
Mockk
Pair
I am glad I only have about 30 chips to clean...for now.
I am going to try the magic eraser method, as I don't have an ultrasonic cleaner and I think I can manage cleaning about 30 chips. Although if I purchase a casino used set, I may need to invest in an ultrasonic cleaner!
I am going to try the magic eraser method, as I don't have an ultrasonic cleaner and I think I can manage cleaning about 30 chips. Although if I purchase a casino used set, I may need to invest in an ultrasonic cleaner!
Just curious if anyone has used PBW (powered brewery wash) to clean their chips. I had some already and have been reading about oxyclean being used to hand clean chips with and decided to give it a try. Seems to work fine, mixed some with warm water and let soak for about 5 minutes and was able to get all of the gunk off with some light scrubing from a used toothbrush (toughest part was getting the cane indentations in the Paulson chips free of dirt).
Thank you for this tip @ski_ex5Agreed. I really don't like the fading. I hate the effort of scrubbing, too, so I use the ultrasonic unit with sodium metasilicate. Maybe Shaggy or I or someone else will figure out how to keep Dawn from foaming, yet without affecting its cleaning power, such that we could use Dawn in the ultrasonic for even less fading, not to mention a safe way to clean ASM chips.
You will have <sarcasm>fun</sarcasm> with red, purple, and dark green, too!Agreed on the original Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, which is also great for removing light chalk marks on the chips (heavy marks like most rack checks still need an X-Acto knife), and ground-in clay dust of the wrong color. You can't remove the chalk marks or ground-in wrong color dust in the ultrasonic unit, at least, I haven't found a way.
Best post I've read in a long time!
Kidding aside, what Shaggy said about cleaning casino grime is what we're talking about mostly. Home games eventually dirty up the chips, too, though. I've found that oiling them well with Johnson's Baby Oil GEL actually helps this, I guess because it helps keep finger/hand dirt and grime from adhering to the chip, but I'm not positive. I've found this especially noticeable with WHITE Paulson chips.
Bucking the conventional wisdom (sorry Dave!), for clay chips, I apply the Johnson's Baby Oil GEL quite generously to the chips with a Kiwi shoe polish applicator (thanks to Pug, Dave, and others who suggested this applicator). I want to ensure every ring, H&C, crack, and crevice in the mold is contacted with the GEL. I then leave the chips pretty wet with the GEL for DAYS, and often over a week. Unlike non-gelled mineral oil, the Johnson's Baby Oil GEL will not get under the inlays of the chips to darken them (and I've probably done over 10k chips without a problem). The downside of all this is that removing the excess GEL is a pain, but using bar mop towels for the job makes it a little easier. Along with helping to keep the chips cleaner longer, I also find that this method keeps them looking nice much longer than regular mineral oil. Note that you can get an unscented version of the Johnson's Baby Oil GEL, too; it comes in a pink capped clear bottle.
I even use a very light coat of the Johnson's Baby Oil GEL on Chipco ceramics to help keep them cleaner longer.
LOL! Amen!!!
I used it on my Paulson classic and they look great!
Unfortunately, it seems the unscented version is sold out (perhaps due to the virus) hence I used the aloe vera version and FYI the clay smell seem to overpowered the aloe vera smell
What is the ratio of dawn to water? And what is an appropriate amount of soaking time?3 min bath in warm water and Dawn, then a light scrub with a toothbrush. Gets that hooker juice off in no time
View attachment 22948
MaxB
Full House
I had a small salad bowl and put a small squirt of Dawn in it before filling to make the suds. Placed 4 chips in a time (North, south, east and west). Took one out, replaced with a new one, turned the bowl 90 degrees. This keeps the chips rotating to ensure equal time in the bath
Well, I did it a little different. I filled up a salad bowl with warm water and a big squirt of dawn and dumped about 30 chips in, waited 5 mins and then started scrubbing them 1 by 1. I put the finished chip in a bowl of clean water until all 30 were in the clean water. Then I rinsed them off and put them on a towel. While rinsing and drying I put the next 30 in the soapy water. Repeat. Seemed to work okay.
One batch did stay in the soapy water for an extended period as I got yelled at for doing all this on Mother’s Day. Oops.
One batch did stay in the soapy water for an extended period as I got yelled at for doing all this on Mother’s Day. Oops.
Final thoughts. Dawn/warm water/brush gets all the big gunk off and makes the chips very clean. Good enough to use without feeling dirty. However, if u really want mint condition (and to get off the more ground in dirt) u need to use magic eraser. It works the best. See the difference in the pic.
Attachments
Jeevansluck
Royal Flush
All I know is I recently received a set of 800 chips as a set, and an additional rack of Jack $5s that were dirty AF.
They are all in great shape, but needing a lot of love.
900 chips
I'm clear through 4 racks and I am kicking myself for not owning an Ultrasonic cleaning unit. My goodness!
I've always appreciated the Dawn and toothbrush routine along with Magic Eraser, but the shear volume of chips has left my hands and wrists reeling from wear and fatigue. I've got 400 chips done and I don't know how I'm going to get through 500 more.
I'm finally not finding any enjoyment in cleaning chips. When it was a few singles here and there, I had fun with it. Taking on nearly 1000 chips by hand is too tremendous for me.
With no budget left for an Ultrasonic, I'm SOL. Slave to my chips. Sucks!
They are all in great shape, but needing a lot of love.900 chips
I'm clear through 4 racks and I am kicking myself for not owning an Ultrasonic cleaning unit. My goodness!
I've always appreciated the Dawn and toothbrush routine along with Magic Eraser, but the shear volume of chips has left my hands and wrists reeling from wear and fatigue. I've got 400 chips done and I don't know how I'm going to get through 500 more.
I'm finally not finding any enjoyment in cleaning chips. When it was a few singles here and there, I had fun with it. Taking on nearly 1000 chips by hand is too tremendous for me.
With no budget left for an Ultrasonic, I'm SOL. Slave to my chips. Sucks!
Whose HS Cincy secondaries were that dirty? Did they play their home game in a garbage dump?
Create an account or login to comment
You must be a member in order to leave a comment
Create account
Create an account and join our community. It's easy!
Log in
Already have an account? Log in here.
