Best way to clean (dinfect kind of clean) Leatherman

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austin37

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Wondering would soaking a Leatherman tool in Isopropyl alcohol 70% or greater be the best way to disinfect kind of clean.. not clean as in ultra sonic cleaner clean. A used new to me leatherman without affecting the steep negatively?
 
When I pick up a second hand Leatherman or any other Multitool, I typically use isopropyl alcohol for the initial clean. I also use an old discarded toothbrush to scrub on any caked on gunk. To get into harder to get to areas I use a cheap old 1” paint brush. When cleaned, I use my air compressor to dry out the tool. Then I apply oil to the pivots.

JonesE
 
Last edited:
austin37 said:
Wondering would soaking a Leatherman tool in Isopropyl alcohol 70% or greater be the best way to disinfect kind of clean.. not clean as in ultra sonic cleaner clean. A used new to me leatherman without affecting the steep negatively?
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IDK about best , but that should work .

Remove gross dirt with brush ,or something, first .

Regular wash with soap and water shouldn't hurt either . Dry and lube .
 
That would work. Scrubbing will help too.

Alcohol should dry really fast, I wouldn't bother spraying out myself so the contact time is increased a little.

Not sure what the best is, but that would work.

If you want to get really crazy, you could flame sterilize it with said alcohol too. The heat should be low enough that it wouldn't affect the heat treat at all.
 
That will work, alcohol will disinfect and help remove oil, tree sap and other plant sap, tar and some glues. You may have to scrub to get the stubborn sticky stuff off. But being flammable you need to be careful.

My cleaning and disinfecting method is to use warm soapy water, scrubbing and working the action of all the tools opening and closing. Then rinse with clear water and blow dry. I use alcohol wipes for the blades and then finish with a drop of mineral oil on the pivots.
 
Denatured alcohol, available in paint department of home improvement or hardware stores, is a strong cleaning/disinfecting agent, but do *not* use to disinfect skin or wounds. Much cheaper per volume than in pharmacy. Alcohol is a lightweight degreaser as well.

If you want more extreme degreasing/disinfecting Goof-Off or other products with Xylene, Tuolene, Acetone, and other such very lightweight volatile compounds would work. Relubrication would be mandatory after using such aggressive compounds. These are so strong that avoiding contact with skin is advised.

Warning note: Alcohol and, especially, Goof-Off type products are quite volatile!! Use in very well ventilated areas and keep away from sparks. Wear impermeable gloves and goggles.

My cleaning regimen is to start mild (like just water & an old toothbrush) and use progressively harsher methods/materials until the desired result is achieved.
 
Another disinfectant you can use where appropriate is Clorox or similar disinfectant wipes. Works like putting alcohol on a patch or cotton ball.
 
Call Leatherman and ask if their tools are autoclave safe. Autoclaving is how to disinfect.
 
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