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Argus25 · 2nd Nov 2019, 6:15 am

It all comes down to what surface the nicotine/Tar is on and what other substances, inks paints etc are nearby.

Practically any hydrocarbon based solvent will clean off the nicotine. However it can seriously damage some plastics and dissolve inks and paints depending on the solvent.

A fairly safe option is WD-40, it won't dissolve plastics and most inks and paints. It will dissolve some tape glues though. Also, if used as a solvent to remove nicotine you need to wash it off afterwards with kithchen dishwash (detergent) to remove the residual oils which are hygroscopic and promote corrosion on copper and brass parts especially. It is a "safe" option doing it this way.

Highly ionic compounds and oxidizing agents are not suited to dissolving non-polar hydrocarbon based compounds. It pays to remember from your chemistry lessons "like dissolves like". One other interesting thing, is that more compounds, in total number, dissolve in water than any other solvent (though having said that if you are dealing with a non-polar compound/molecule water is not ideal) So never underestimate the value of a lightly damped cloth.

2nd Nov 2019, 6:15 am	#33
Argus25 No Longer a Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia. Posts: 2,679	Re: Degreaser for cigarette tar removal It all comes down to what surface the nicotine/Tar is on and what other substances, inks paints etc are nearby. Practically any hydrocarbon based solvent will clean off the nicotine. However it can seriously damage some plastics and dissolve inks and paints depending on the solvent. A fairly safe option is WD-40, it won't dissolve plastics and most inks and paints. It will dissolve some tape glues though. Also, if used as a solvent to remove nicotine you need to wash it off afterwards with kithchen dishwash (detergent) to remove the residual oils which are hygroscopic and promote corrosion on copper and brass parts especially. It is a "safe" option doing it this way. Highly ionic compounds and oxidizing agents are not suited to dissolving non-polar hydrocarbon based compounds. It pays to remember from your chemistry lessons "like dissolves like". One other interesting thing, is that more compounds, in total number, dissolve in water than any other solvent (though having said that if you are dealing with a non-polar compound/molecule water is not ideal) So never underestimate the value of a lightly damped cloth. Last edited by Argus25; 2nd Nov 2019 at 6:20 am.