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Article: Get Melted Clothing Off Of Motorcycle Exhaust: All You Need To Know

Get Melted Clothing Off Of Motorcycle Exhaust: All You Need To Know
biker jackets

Get Melted Clothing Off Of Motorcycle Exhaust: All You Need To Know

Burning your garments on top of your motorbike engine is one of those accidents that may occur to an even most-used rider. During its exhaust, the outside fabric the exhaust touches can easily melt because it was made of synthetic or blended funnel and it may fuse to the metal, whatever, It could be the pant leg, a rain cover or a bag strap. Its outcome is an ugly stain which appears difficult to eliminate.

However, it should also be pointed out that it is possible to ensure that you remove melted fabric on your exhaust as long as you have the correct method in mind and the materials needed to do it. This is a step by step guide to the process.

The reason why clothing melts on exhausts of motorcycle

Motorcycle exhaust pipes can reach extreme temperatures — sometimes over 600°F (315°C) — especially after long or fast rides. Materials such as polyester, nylon and spandex also melt fast once exposed to this kind of heat. Even cotton which can be mixed with a synthetic fiber can go up in flames and stick to the metal.

When it melts, it sticks to the exhaust surface becoming a hard and rubber-like substance that will be hard to remove unless studied within a short period.

Step 1: Allow the Exhaust to Cool Completely

It is always important to make sure that the exhaust pipe is cool before one tries cleaning. A hot pipe is of more harm because working on it can cause burns besides making the mess moist with which the melted material gets spread further into the surface. You should wait about several hours after riding before you start cleaning.

Step 2: Evaluation of the Damage

Have a close examination of the melted area. In case the residue is soft and thin, then it can be removed with the help of ease of cleaning agents. In case it has turned into a thick or burned spot it will require a more intense removal procedure. Your decision on the cleaning products will likewise be influenced by the kind of exhaust finish; chrome, pained or matte.

Step 3: Use Solvents to Loosen the Residue

In lighter cases you can be outstandingly effective with household solvents such as WD-40, acetone, or non-acetone nail polish remover.

Wet a piece of micro fiber cloth with your preferred solvent and place it on the affected area with enough force. Wait a few minutes in order to loosen the melted cloth. Then with the scraping end of a plastic scraper or the edge of a credit card peel or gently lift the residue off.

Do not polish the exhaust with metal or abrasive material such as steel wool which will ruin the finish and scratch it permanently.

Step 4- Heating as a Method of Loosening Hard Fabric

In case of thick and hard residue, you may use heat gun or a hair dryer to warm the material a bit. this makes the hardened plastic softer hence easy to remove.

Get the heat on slowly and steadily it is not necessary to re-melt the fabric back onto the exhaust. After making it soft, remove it by scraping it off with a non metal object.

Step 5: test Chamber Cleaner on chrome surfaces

A non-caustic oven cleaner may do wonders in case of chrome finished exhausts. Apply the product at the surface of the residue and leave it stand approximately 10 minutes. After that clean it off using a soft cloth.

Ensure that they wash off with water and light soap in order to neutralise the left over chemicals. Oven cleaner should not be used on painted or on black coat exhausts because paint can be stripped off and exhausts can be discolored.

Step no. 6: Burnish your Exhaust to give it a neat finishing

The residue should be removed and when the affected area is devoid of any residue, the affected area may look dull like there are scratches. Small pieces of chrome or metal in order to bring the shine back need to be polished with a clean microfiber cloth with a chrome or metal polish. With circular, small circular motions buff until the surface will shine.

The last step is to eliminate remaining residual, revitalize, and provide a protection layer against possible damages in the future.

The Things to Avoid in Melted Fabric Cleaning

One should not engage in practices and instruments that can do more harms than benefits. Sharp metal items should never be used as the latter can gouge the exhaust. Equally, avoid steel wool and excessive abrasives that can scratch the chrome or the paint. Never put any cleaning agent on a large visible area before you do some test on a small, unnoticeable part to see whether it will discolor or dent the finish.

The best way to avoid melting of fabric again.

There is no cure as much as prevention. So that not to have to deal with this issue in future:

  • Put on body tight clothing that is fire-resistant when riding. Heat shields are inbuilt in many motor bike pants.

  • Do it carefully when dismounting or parking. Loose clothing or ties may get in contact with the exhaust easily.

  • You might want to put on heat shields or exhaust guards particularly where you have to travel under hot weather conditions or ride through traffic.

Conclusion

Whereas the melted clothes attached to the exhaust of your bike might not be something pleasant to look through your eye, it does not necessarily have to be that way. Patience, good materials and care of handling will get you the results that you will be able to get melted residue removed and your exhaust back to its original shiny condition. It could be use of household solvents, low heat, commercial quality metal polish but the main thing here is to care about your motorcycle and to prevent it in the future.


Spending some little time to prepare yourself adequately and be aware of the places your clothes should drop will save you the pain of an uncomfortable mess. It should be a burning hot tip to remember to watch your ride on both sides, so your gear does not become burnt up next to that scorching exhaust.

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