If you’ve ever used graphite lubricant, you know that it can be a pain to get off of your hands and tools. Not only does it leave a greasy residue, but it’s also notoriously difficult to clean up.
Graphite lubricant is a great way to reduce friction and heat in machines, but it can be difficult to remove when you’re finished using it. Therefore it is so imperative to have a piece of knowledge on How to remove graphite lubricant easily.
For your convenience, we have put a simple guide on how you can easily remove graphite lubricant from hands, tools, and surfaces.
What is Graphite Lubricant and What are its Uses?
Graphite lubricant is a thick mineral-based substance that is used to reduce friction and heat in machines. It is often used in mechanisms such as gears, bearings, and locks.
It has been in use for over 100 years and is still widely used today as it offers many advantages over other types of lubricants.
However, there are times when you may want to remove graphite lubricant or graphite stains from an object, such as your hands or clothing, or even a machine so that you don’t have any long-term exposure to this material.
Removing Graphite Lubricant from Hands?
Removing graphite lubricant or graphite grease from your hands can be a bit tricky, but it can be done with some simple steps. Here is a simple guide on how you can easily remove graphite lubricant from your hands:
- Soak your hands in warm, soapy water for at least 10 minutes.
- Rub a generous amount of dish soap into your hands and fingers.
- Scrub your hands and fingers vigorously for at least 2 minutes.
- Rinse your hands and fingers thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry your hands and fingers with a clean towel.
Removing Graphite Lubricant from Tools?
Graphite lubricant is a great way to reduce friction and wear on metal tools, but it can be difficult to remove. However, if you are trying to remove graphite from a metal surface, there are a few steps you can follow.
Here is a simple guide on how you can easily remove graphite lubricant from your tools:
- Let your tools soak in warm, soapy water for at least 10 minutes.
- Brush generously with dish soap on your tools and surfaces.
- Ensure that your tools and surfaces are scrubbed vigorously for at least two minutes.
- Ensure that your tools and surfaces are thoroughly rinsed with warm water.
- With a clean towel, dry all tools and surfaces.
Removing Graphite Lubricant from Surfaces?
The best way to remove graphite lubricant from a surface such as a carpet is by using a solvent. A good solvent to use is acetone. You can either pour the acetone onto the surface or dip a cloth into the acetone and then wipe the surface. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using acetone, as it is a dangerous chemical.
Another way to remove graphite stain is by using a metal brush. Metal brushes are available at most hardware stores. You can either brush the solvent onto the surface or brush the lubricant off of the surface.
Other steps you can follow to remove graphite lubricant from any surface:
- Use a vacuum-purpose cleaner’s crevice tool to remove the graphite lubricant. The graphite lubricant should be removed by a professional cleaner if all or almost all of it has not been removed.
- If foreign material is present, remove it as much as possible with a white paper towel or by scraping it with a dull knife.
- Rub alcohol onto a white cloth, a white paper towel, or a cotton ball. When removing graphite lubricant from deep within the pile, use a blotting motion until the spot is completely removed or no color is transferred.
As the alcohol will destroy the latex bond, don’t allow it to penetrate into the backing.
- Spray a small amount of detergent solution on the lubricant. Apply the detergent to the affected area with a blotting motion. Continue to apply detergent solution and blot with a white paper towel until the spot has disappeared.
- Remove excess moisture with a blotting paper after rinsing with tap water.
Removing Graphite Lubricant from Machines
Removing graphite dust from machines can be a bit more difficult than removing it from hands or tools.
However, if you know what to do, it can be a fairly easy process. Here is a simple guide on how you can easily remove graphite lubricant from your machines:
- Shut down the machine and disconnect it from the power source.
- Disconnect any hoses or pipes that are attached to the machine.
- Remove the cover of the machine.
- Clean any built-up dry lubricant from the machine with a solvent. A good solvent to use is acetone. You can either pour the acetone onto the machine or dip a cloth into the acetone and then wipe the machine.
- Reattach any hoses or pipes that were disconnected from the machine.
- Reconnect the machine to the power source and turn it on.
- Check the machine for any leaks.
- Test the machine to make sure it is working properly.
If there is still some graphite lubricant on the machine, you can use a metal brush to remove it. Metal brushes are available at most hardware stores. You can either brush the solvent onto the machine or brush the lubricant off of the machine.
By following these steps, you should be able to easily remove graphite lubricant from your tools, hands, surfaces, and machines.
Frequently asked Questions
Let’s talk about some frequently asked questions for further information:
01. How Do You Remove Graphite Powder From Skin?
Graphite powder can be removed from the skin by using sterilized tweezers with isopropyl alcohol or a flame. Then, using a soft cloth, gently wipe the area around the pencil lead. If the area is surrounded by hard skin, such as the underside of your foot, soak first. This will facilitate the removal of the lead.
02. What Happens When Graphite Gets in Your Body?
A: If graphite gets on your skin, it will cause no harm. However, if you ingest graphite, it will travel to your lungs and could cause long-term damage. Ingesting graphite can also cause a blockage in your intestine and vomiting.
03. What Should You Do If You Get Graphite in Your Eye?
If you get graphite in your eye, flush it out with water for at least 15 minutes. If you experience any pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light, seek medical attention.
04. Does Graphite Hurt Aluminum?
Although graphite is not inherently corrosive to aluminum, in the company of chloride ions (such as in seawater or the marine environment) it may cause galvanic (bimetallic) corrosion.
Conclusion
Graphite powder & lubricant is a substance that is used to help reduce friction between two surfaces. It is often used in machines, tools, and other objects that need to move smoothly. However, if too much graphite lube is applied or it gets on your hands or clothes, it can be difficult to remove.
It can be a messy and dangerous substance to work with. However, by following the simple steps in this guide, you should be able to easily remove it from your tools, hands, surfaces, and machines.