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How to Clean a Track With Denatured Isopropyl Alcohol

Model trains require a lot of maintenance to ensure that they are working properly and will last a long time. Model train tracks collect oil, grease and dirt easily over time. This can build up to a point where the train can no longer run properly. Use a commercial model track cleaner to clean very dirty tracks. If your tracks are just slightly dirty, simply use denatured isopropyl alcohol.

Things You'll Need

Cloth
Toothbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Apply a small amount of denatured alcohol or isopropyl to a clean cloth. Denatured alcohol is a stronger alcohol and will remove tougher buildup, but it will remove paint or varnish. Isopropyl alcohol is gentler and will not damage painted surfaces.
- 2
  Rub the cloth over the tracks to remove most of the dirt and debris.
- 3
  Dip an old toothbrush into the alcohol. Scrub the tracks with the toothbrush to get all of the dirt in the track's crevices.
- 4
  Run the train over the tracks when they are still wet with alcohol. This will help spread the alcohol to clean the tracks as well as the model train wheels.Let the alcohol try completely on the tracks.

Model Railroads