Are the rusty and lackluster exhaust tips diminishing the splendor of your beloved ride? Well, hold on tight because we’re going to turn your not-so-pristine vehicle into someone’s dream car.
But what’s the fun without a twist? Guess what? We’re about to do it using nothing but ordinary household items! I know there are conventional exhaust cleaner sprays and solutions out there, but nothing can beat the thrill of a little DIY session.
And let’s not even get started about the relief to your wallet and the bucks you’ll be saving in the process. Cha-ching! Double win!
So, let’s waste no time and dive headfirst into exploring how to clean exhaust tips with household items you probably never thought you’d be using on your car.
Things You’ll Need
Before we get into the steps and learn how to clean your exhaust pipe inside out with household items, you need a few supplies to get your hands on. Reach out to your kitchen cabinets to gather the items you won’t usually expect to bring back that lustrous shine to your exhaust tips.
But trust me, although it may not seem like that at first, they can actually prove to be the best exhaust tip cleaners.
Here’s what you’ll need to bring back that liveliness to your exhaust tips:
- WD-40: This versatile degreaser helps dissolve grime, grease, carbon, diesel deposits, and even rust, making it an indispensable tool in your quest for spotless diesel exhaust tips.
- Vinegar: It will play a vital role in dissolving unsightly mud and stains and adding extra shine to your exhaust tips.
- Baking Soda: This gentle abrasive will join forces with the vinegar to create a dynamic duo that tackles even the toughest grease and dirt. Prepare for a bubbling sensation!
- Coca-Cola: The acidic properties of this beloved fizzy beverage work wonders in removing caked-on grime and rust and adding a touch of sparkle to your tips. You can even take a sip mid-session for that added boost of adrenaline.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: This multipurpose liquid can help remove rust and corrosion from your exhaust tips.
- Dish Soap: The suds will work into action to cut through grease and oxidation.
- Potato: I know it sounds absurd, but combined with dish soap, the enzymes present in potatoes can break down and remove rust.
- Aluminum Foil: To scrub away the rust, grime, and carbon deposits from your exhaust tips.
- Microfiber Cloth: Its soft and gentle touch will ensure a streak-free finish.
- Wheel Barrel Brush: To reach tight spaces and contours of your muffler tips inside and out. If you don’t have one, you can replace it with a toothbrush, which would require more elbow grease.
- Non-Abrasive Scrubber Pad: To agitate the cleaning solutions without the risk of scratches.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Exhaust Tips with Various Household Items
With your garage transformed into a pantry, you’re just a step away from learning how to clean exhaust tips with household items. It’s time to wear an apron…..just kidding; put your gloves on, and let’s get started.
Method 1: How to Clean Exhaust Tips with WD-40
Step 1: Grab a bucket of some warm water and give your exhaust tips a quick rinse to remove loose dirt and grime.
Step 2: On the clean exhaust tips, spray WD-40 generously. Let it sit for a minute to penetrate and break down harsh residue and rust.
Step 3: Take a non-abrasive sponge or scouring pad and scrub the exhaust tips vigorously. Watch the magic happen as WD-40 lifts away the crud, revealing a brilliant shine.
Step 4: Rinse the muffler tips with water again to remove any remaining WD-40 and debris residues. Repeat the process if necessary for a flawless finish.
Step 5: Gently dry the exhaust tips using a clean microfiber cloth. Ensure every nook and cranny is free of moisture for a streak-free look.
Method 2: How to Clean Exhaust Tips with Coca-Cola and Aluminum Foil
Step 1: Clean the exhaust tip with a wet microfiber cloth to remove any loose dust or carbon deposits.
Step 2: Apply a generous amount of Coca-Cola directly onto the exhaust tips using a spray bottle. Don’t forget the inside of the muffler tip.
Step 3: Allow the Coke to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the carbonated drink time to work its magic and break down the soot buildup and rust.
Step 4: Take a small piece of crumpled aluminum foil and dip it into a bowl of Coca-Cola to gently scrub the exhaust tips. Keep dipping and scrubbing until the metal restores its shine.
Step 5: Rinse off the Coke and any residues from the exhaust tips using water. Finish off by wiping thoroughly with a dry cloth.
Method 3: How to Clean Exhaust Tips with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Mix baking soda and enough water in a bowl to create a thick paste. The mixture should be smooth.
Step 2: Apply the baking soda paste to the exhaust tips using your fingers or a cloth. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 3: Now spray a substantial amount of vinegar on top of the baking soda paste to make a fizzy reaction on the metal. Make sure the spray nozzle is set to the mist so the paste does not wash away with a hard stream.
Step 4: Let the concoction do its job and leave it to rest for at least 15 minutes.
Step 5: Crumple a small piece of aluminum foil into a ball and gently scrub the surface of the exhaust tips, including the inside.
Step 6: Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a clean microfiber towel.
Method 4: How to Clean Exhaust Tips with Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1: Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and mix them well to form a thick and foamy paste.
Step 2: Using your fingers or a soft cloth, generously apply the mixture to the surface of your exhaust tips. Make sure to cover all the nooks and crannies.
Step 3: Let it sit for a few minutes.
Step 4: Take the barrel brush or a toothbrush to scrub the metal vigorously. Apply a bit of pressure to tackle the built-up deposits.
Step 5: Once you’ve scrubbed the exhaust tips thoroughly, remove all traces of the cleaning paste by rinsing it with water. If necessary, repeat the steps for any remaining stubborn rust or stains.
Method 5: How to Clean Exhaust Tips with Dish Soap and Potato
Step 1: Start by rinse your exhaust tips with water. This will help remove loose debris and make the dish soap glide and foam easier.
Step 2: Take a potato and slice it in half. Ensure the cut side is large enough to hold while scrubbing comfortably.
Step 3: Squirt the dish soap onto the potato. Make sure it’s well coated, and sprinkle a tad of baking soda on the top.
Step 4: Gently scrub the exhaust tips with the sudsy potato, using circular motions. Spray a bit of water if the surface feels too dry.
Step 5: Now let the exhaust tip rest for at least an hour and let the potato’s natural enzymes work their magic.
Step 6: Scrub the muffler tip again with a dish soap and water solution, then rinse it with clean water. Dry it out with a microfiber towel, and you’re done!
Conclusion
That’s all from our guide on how to clean exhaust tips with household items. On a final note, cleaning muffler tips doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple household items and some elbow grease, you can restore the luster of your tailpipes, making them look brand new again.
Just gather the necessary materials and follow this easy guide on how to clean exhaust tips with household items. The result? A mirror-like shine on your once-hazy muffler tips.
But don’t stop there! Maintaining clean exhaust tips is an ongoing process. Make it part of your car-care routine to ensure they remain free from carbon deposits and dirt.
By doing so, you not only enhance the aesthetics of your vehicle but also ensure that your engine functions optimally. A clean and maintained exhaust improves fuel efficiency and reduces harmful emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
