Alright. I am going to say a few things. Perhaps this is a different version of comedy than my earlier posts. But take it for what it is.
Back when I started playing I remember reading from DTop that a sponge and water is all you need. And he had a link to a super cool sponge that he was clear you did not need. But that it worked well and lasted for a long time. It is called the Absorb 'N Dry Vacuum Sponge. It is a PVC sponge. I love it. But I absolutely do not need it. The one I am using currently has lasted for 4-5 years so far. I carry it in an airtight container. Will post a photo when I get a chance.
Now, I have heard that the chemicals in TT rubber cleaners cause your rubber to break down and wear out quicker. I have also heard that soap or detergent would do this. I have also heard sweat would do this. And I have heard that water would do this.
My experience is that, before that is actually a factor, my rubber usual has already worn out.
As far as using some form of detergent to get oils off your rubbers: when my topsheet is almost dead, I put some WD40 on the topsheet and it makes it grip better for another 3-4 weeks. When you boost, you are using oils to expand the sponge. Certain oils help cause the topsheet to be more grippy for a while.
Yes those same oils do break down the rubber molecules and cause the sponge and rubber to lose elasticity over time. But, by the time that has happened, you probably should have changed to a new rubber anyway. Even air causes the rubber molecules to oxidize, break down and lose elasticity. So however you look at it, over time, rubber breaks down.
This is kind why I am always sort of scratching my head and wondering when you have one of those guys who wants to sell a used rubber for almost what it was bought for. Especially a rubber like MX-P:
1) It was cut to the size of a blade that simply wasn't yours.
2) After it is unwrapped and sitting out in the open air for weeks and months, it is not the same rubber you glued on to your racket.
3) Most of those rubbers that I see being sold that way are pre-boosted at the factory. That boost effect wears off in a matter of weeks when the rubber is on your blade. If the sponge is not glued to the blade it would take a matter of days for the pre-tuned effect to evaporate and leave the sponge shrunken and performing at a much lower level than when glued onto a racket and left there.
But, I guess if there is a market, and someone buys these rubbers, that is their choice.
So, anyway, you could simply say time is not on your side. And any method of cleaning you like should be okay.
In addition to his regular cleaning method, I was actually hoping Der_Echte was going to give us the salad dressing recipe he likes for reviving certain rubbers.
What were the ingredients Der? Olive Oil and Lemmon Juice? Precisely what Suga D was scared of, and yet, I'm going to say, in the long run, not ideal, but it will revive your rubber if it is almost dead and you just want another month or so of juice out of your rubber.
Can I make a short version of what I have said and sum things up?
Everything including the air will cause your rubber to degrade more quickly over time. Rubbers have a certain shelf life to them. Some people, like me, push that limit a little more than would be advisable if I played more competitively. Some change their rubbers more often. Clean your rubbers with whatever you want! And if you want extra life from your rubbers, find Der, and get him to give your racket a few goes with his secret formula topsheet boosting, sweat with bear oils, cleaning solution. Soon Haifu will be selling it as Haifu Grizzly Oil National Version for $200.00 an ounce.
Hope this information helps.
Sent from the Subterranean Workshop by Telepathy
