How do I clean plastic pallets?

Cindy Rubin
by Cindy Rubin

I have 2 large (43x43) plastic pallets I'd like to use for some diy garage organization. They are covered with black grease, rubber ( they were used previously to carry old tires and rubber goods) , oil, dirt etc.. They Do not look like a regular wood pallet ; they have the top and bottom openings but the rest of the pallet is hard plastic honeycomb shapes... geometry nightmare. Some openings are so small they won't even let me clean with a tooth brush. ( In a just world...lol... I'd be able to pick them up and dunk them in a huge vat of magic cleanser) I have tried dawn& vinegar (i think I actually heard laughing in my head), then I tried Krud Kutter which didn't seem to do any better. I was surprised because the black stuff surely comes off on hands, clothes etc. (sorry about the photo... sun hasn't come up yet)

Any ideas?

  6 answers
  • I'm thinking of a cleaner called 'Lestoil' It's a heavy-duty cleaner that should cut through the grease. I believe it's available at Walmart.

  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Aug 16, 2019

    Do you have access to a power washer?? Maybe a car wash? I'm thinking that you're right, they really need to soak. Maybe wrap them in some old towels and soak them for half an hour or so and then hit them with a good pro-grade degreaser in the power wash. You may need to use a widget to scrape off the rubber. I'd also give them a wipe down with something like ArmorAll before setting them up in the garage. That might help - for the next time you need to clean them. Best of luck!

  • Seth Seth on Aug 16, 2019

    You may need to use a harsh solvent if none of the other suggestions work. Try Goo Gone or Goof Off. Put it out in the sun and let the material soften or try a hair dryer or heat gun and a putty knife to scrape it off. Here is some info on different types of solvents:

    https://www.gvsu.edu/arttech/solvents-choosing-and-using-19.htm


  • Emily Emily on Aug 16, 2019

    Maybe this is a job to give up on? It's kind of hard to see what use they would be and the cost of materials that is ineffectively cleaning them might better be spent in an easier way to replace them.

  • Glenda Cobb Glenda Cobb on Aug 17, 2019

    Try house and deck wash concrobium, I think that will clean the plastic pallets. I used this on my house. Good luck!

  • William William on Aug 18, 2019

    Try using Simple Green. There are different formulations available.