How to Clean Slot Car Rails
Maintaining a clean slot car track is an important part of keeping your cars racing at peak performance. As the tracks are used, dirt and grime builds up on the rails, interfering with the electrical connections used by your cars. This can lead to your slot cars slowing and even stopping as they round the track, and it can eventually cause permanent damage to your rails. To prevent this damage, clean your track regularly, taking a few minutes once a month to make certain your track will last for years of racing enjoyment.
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Things You'll Need
- General household cleanser
- Non-abrasive rubber block
- Clean, lint-free rag
- Track-and rail cleaner car
Instructions
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1
Lay the track flat onto the cleaning surface. You'll want to place some newsprint or other material on your cleaning surface to protect it from buildup from the solution as well as for easy cleanup after you finish with the tracks.
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2
Spray a small amount of the cleaning solution onto the slot car track rails. Cover the rail grooves as well so that the liquid is applied to rail sides. Use a cleanser that contains a degreaser.
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3
Apply gentle pressure to the rubber block, running the block back and forth along the rails to remove the accumulated grime from the rails. The cleanser will begin to turn dark from the collected residue. Scrub the rails for the entire length of the track.
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4
Use a clean rag to wipe along the length of the track until the tracks are completely dry. The rails should shine brightly and show no sign of dirt or grime, but if they're still dull then spray them with the cleanser and repeat the cleaning process.
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5
Connect the track to a power source and place a track-and-rail cleaner car onto the track. Run the track-and rail cleaner around the track on the cleaned rails for two to five laps to clean the groove between the rails.
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Tips & Warnings
To cut down on cleaning requirements of a permanently laid-out track, cover the track with a plastic sheet when it is not in use.
