Best Cleaner for RC Cars [In 2024]

Last Updated on September 2, 2024 by Jaxon Mike

RC cars and trucks provide hours of high-speed fun for hobbyists of all ages. From bashing through mud puddles to drifting around a track, RC vehicles can take quite a beating. All of that outdoor action means your car or truck will get covered in dirt, dust, grass, sand, and more. Keeping your RC clean is not just for looks – it’s important for maintaining top performance and preventing damage. A good cleaning also allows you to inspect components and spot potential problems early.

Choosing the right cleaner for your RC depends on several factors. The type of vehicle, where and how you drive it, and the types of debris it encounters all play a role. You also need to consider safety issues and opt for cleaners designed specifically for RC use. Some options can be found in your home, while specially formulated cleaners are best for tackling tough grime.

Reviews of the Best RC Car Cleaners

Water and Mild Soap

The humble combination of water and mild soap can cover light cleaning for both on- and off-road RCs. For dust and surface debris, dampen a soft cloth with water and wipe down the chassis. Use a soft detailing brush for the tires and wheel wells. For deeper cleaning, make warm soapy water. Remove wheels and scrub with a soft brush. Rinse, dry, and re-oil metal parts.

• Pros
  • Safe for all RC components
  • Inexpensive and convenient
  • Environmentally friendly
• Cons
  • Less effective on caked grime and mud
  • Takes longer than specialized cleaners

Rubbing Alcohol

Many RC hobbyists keep a bottle of rubbing alcohol on hand in their toolbox. It evaporates quickly, dissolving grease and oil. Dampen a cloth with some rubbing alcohol to wipe away grime on hard plastic parts. You can also clean motor components and metal parts with it.

• Pros
  • Fast-drying
  • Cuts through oil and grease
  • Commonly available
• Cons
  • Can damage rubber tires, lexan bodies, and some plastics
  • Doesn’t remove grime as effectively as cleaners formulated for RCs

Specialty RC Car Cleaners

Cleaners specifically designed for remote control vehicles make cleaning much easier. Brands like Traxxas and RPM offer RC car cleaners that quickly break down mud, dirt, and grime without harming plastic or rubber components. Spray onto the chassis or tires and wipe clean. Use a detailing brush for tires and suspension parts.

• Pros
  • Made specifically for RC use
  • Safe on plastic, rubber, electronics
  • Powerful on mud, dust, dirt, and grease
• Cons
  • More expensive than household options
  • Must be purchased at hobby shops or online

Compressed Air

Keep a can of compressed air on hand to blast away loose dirt between runs. Turn the RC upside down and spray compressed air across the chassis and components. This dislodges surface-level dust and debris.

• Pros
  • Very quick and convenient
  • Great for a fast clean before a run
• Cons
  • Doesn’t fully clean or dissolve grime
  • Can blow dirt deeper into components

Types of RC Vehicles to Clean

RC vehicles come in several forms, from miniature replicas of real-life cars and trucks to off-road bashers designed to handle rougher terrain.

On-road RC cars include touring cars, Formula 1 racers, and more. They have realistic-looking bodies made from lightweight lexan polycarbonate. Underneath, they also feature realistic suspension systems, low ride heights, and rubber tires optimized for pavement and hard surfaces.

Off-road RC vehicles handle dirt, rocks, and trails. Stadium trucks have large bumpers and wide tires with deep treads for mud and grass. Short course trucks mimic full-size racers with their realistically modeled off-road tires and bodies. Monster trucks and rock crawlers take it further with huge, knobby tires and high clearance. Buggies offer a mix of realism and optimized off-road performance.

Electric and nitro/gas RCs also require different cleaning approaches. Electric cars and trucks are cleaner and easier to maintain day-to-day. Gasoline-powered RCs produce more exhaust grime, while nitromethane-fueled engines need lubricants that can leave oily residues.

No matter what RC you own, from a simple on-road electric to a high-performance nitro truck, they all get dirty. Using the right cleaning and maintenance practices will keep yours running great.

Choosing the Best Cleaner

Certain factors determine the best cleaner for your situation. Assess the vehicle, how you drive, and the debris it collects before getting started.

On-Road vs Off-Road

Where and how you drive makes a big impact on cleaning needs. On-road RCs collect dust, dirt, and gravel from roads and parking lots. Cleaners that dissolve debris and refresh shine work well. Off-road bashers get caked with mud, grass, sand, and all manner of muck. You need cleaners that can power through those messes.

Materials Used

The materials used in your RC’s construction also influence cleaner choice. Most parts consist of plastic, metal, rubber tires, and electronics. Strong chemical cleaners can damage plastics and rubbers. Avoid cleaners like brake cleaner or chlorinated solvents. Water and gentle soap work well for light cleaning. For deeper cleaning, use an RC-specific cleaner formulated to be plastic and rubber safe.

Debris Type

The type and amount of grime also determines which cleaner to use. Dust and dirt coat on- and off-road RCs after driving in dry conditions. Wiping down with a soft brush or cloth moistened with water, mild soap, or an RC cleaner can lift away dust. Mud and sand from off-roading require more cleaning power. Rinsing won’t be enough – you need soap and water or cleaners designed for heavy debris. Oil and grease build up from gears, motors, and nitro engines. RC cleaners dissolve grease well. Rubbing alcohol also works but can damage some RC parts.

Safety First

Some cleaning products available in your home, like rubbing alcohol, brake cleaner, and chlorinated solvents, can damage RCs. Only use cleaners designed for RCs, like Traxxas TRX Cleaner. Check cleaner instructions – some shouldn’t be used on clear lexan bodies and painted/finished parts. Proper handling and ventilation is also key when using chemical cleaners.

Convenience

Ease of use and time required factors into your best choice. Bottled spray cleaners are super convenient – just spray, wipe and you’re done. They’re best for light cleaning and maintenance sessions between runs. For heavy post-run cleaning, soap and water with brushes allow morescrubbing power but take more time.

Now that we’ve covered the factors that determine the ideal cleaner, let’s review some top options. From common household cleaners to specially formulated RC products, there are a few great choices.

Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Keeping your RC car or truck clean takes more than just choosing the right cleaner. Proper procedures and techniques make cleaning more effective. Here are some useful tips and tricks to efficiently get your vehicle spic and span.

Develop a Maintenance Regimen

Establishing a detailed cleaning regimen is key. Cleaning your RC after every run prevents grime and moisture from damaging components. Make quick cleaning with compressed air part of your post-run routine. For deeper cleaning, break it down into steps:

1. Remove body and wheels
2. Rinse or wipe away loose debris
3. Scrub with soapy water and brushes
4. Rinse and dry
5. Clean electronics and sensitive parts
6. Reapply lubricants and protectants

Schedule deeper cleaning sessions periodically even if your RC isn’t dirty. This allows you to inspect components and ensure no damage or wear.

Cleaning Electronics and Motors

Water should never contact RC electronics like speed controls, servos, receivers, etc. Use rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs to gently clean away grime. Compressed air also helps dislodge debris. After cleaning, let parts fully dry before reinstalling.

Brushless motors require specialized cleaning. Use aerosol motor cleaner sprayed onto the end of a cotton swab. Gently wipe to remove dirt from between the motor windings. Let dry fully before powering up.

Cleaning Bodies and Lexan

Lexan polycarbonate bodies easily scratch so treat them gently. Use a microfiber cloth with warm water and mild soap. For scratches, use polishing compounds made specifically for lexan RC bodies. Avoid household cleaners like Windex that can cause stress cracking.

For painted RC bodies, also stick to mild soap and water. Waxing helps preserve the paint. Touch up chips and scratches with RC body paint pens.

Cleaning Wheels and Tires

Give those high-traction tires some attention too. Stiff nylon tires brushes scrub away caked mud and dirt from the treads. Avoid abrasive brushes on rubber tires. Mild soap and water work well with soft wheel brushes.

Foam tires require a delicate touch. Use mild soap and water with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly so no soap remains inside. You can also use rubber tire conditioners and cleaners to refresh grip. Pencil erasers can clean small spots off foam tires.

Cleaning the Chassis

Pay special attention to cleaning mud and grit from the chassis, suspension links, drive shafts, and moving parts. Soapy water and soft brushes remove debris. Rinse and dry fully. Reapply lubricant to metal parts like axles to prevent rusting. Wipe down shocks and Vera clean dirt from threads.

Storing Your Clean RC

After a thorough cleaning session, take steps to keep your prized RC in top shape between runs:

• Let parts fully dry before storage
• Place absorptive sheets in lexan bodies
• Store in a clean, dry space away from dust
• Wrap in a microfiber cloth or bag
• Keep covered if storing for long periods

Following these cleaning tips will keep your car or truck running great and looking fantastic. Next we’ll cover some specialized techniques for areas that need extra attention.

Special Cleaning Challenges

Certain RC components present unique cleaning challenges. Here are tips to tackle tricky areas:

Cleaning Nitro and Gas RCs

Nitro engines produce exhaust soot that quickly builds up. Use aerosol engine cleaner on the piston, connecting rod, pull starter, and rear. Clean the exterior with soap and water.

For gas RCs, carbon buildup afflicts the muffler and engine. Use a metal bristle brush to scrub away carbon. Maintain the air filter by tapping dirt free and applying filter oil.

Cleaning Greasy Gears and Differentials

Gears, differentials and other greased parts accumulate grime. Use an aerosol pressure washer like Traxxas Revox to blow away debris. Then apply fresh grease before reassembly.

Cleaning Muddy Suspension and Bearings

Bottled spray cleaners excel at blasting mud from shocks and small spaces in suspension parts. Use detailing brushes and toothpicks to clear packed dirt from nooks and crannies.

Rinse bearings in solvent to dissolve oil and grease. Allow to dry fully, then apply light oil before reinstalling.

With the right techniques, you can keep every component of your RC spotless. Consistent cleaning and maintenance will help it run great for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my RC car or truck?

• You should clean your RC after every drive to remove dust, dirt, and debris that can cause damage over time. Quick cleanings with compressed air or a wet cloth keep it fresh between runs. Deeper cleaning sessions removing wheels, spraying cleaners, and scrubbing should be done periodically as needed.

What household cleaners are safe for RCs?

• Water, mild soap, rubbing alcohol (used carefully), and compressed air can be safely used for light cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals like brake cleaner, chlorinated solvents, and Windex which can damage plastic and rubber.

How do I clean mud from my RC?

• Rinsing alone often won’t remove packed in mud. Use warm soapy water with a soft detailing brush to scrub away dried clumps. Specialty RC cleaners dissolve mud easily when sprayed generously onto parts.

What is the best way to clean RC bearings?

• Remove bearings and soak them in a degreasing solvent like acetone. Allow to dry fully before re-lubricating with light oil and reinstalling. Running through puddles can force water into bearings, requiring this cleaning method.

How can I restore faded foam RC tires?

• Clean foam tires with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly. Tire cleaners and conditioners designed for RCs can restore grip and color. For spot cleaning, rub gently with a pencil eraser. Avoid harsh abrasives that can tear foam.

Conclusion

Keeping your RC vehicle clean is crucial for performance and longevity. The right maintenance practices and cleaning methods can help tackle any mess. Evaluate your specific RC’s needs and driving conditions to choose the best cleaner. Water, soap, rubbing alcohol and compressed air provide everyday options, while specialty formulas like Traxxas TRX handle heavy debris. Follow detailed cleaning steps and storage tips to maintain a pristine machine. With a quality cleaner and proper techniques, you’ll keep your car or truck looking factory fresh and running like new. Now go tear up the track or trail then treat your RC to some TLC.